Recycling Requirements: Cleveland vs Lakewood
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Cleveland, OH and Lakewood, OH?
Cleveland and Lakewood have similar restriction levels.
Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga County
Cleveland provides curbside single-stream recycling collected every other week. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-5, #7), glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. Materials should be clean and dry. No plastic bags, Styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.
View full Cleveland rules →Lakewood, OH
Cuyahoga County
Lakewood provides curbside single-stream recycling weekly. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastics #1-7 (except film), and glass. No plastic bags or bagged recyclables.
View full Lakewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Cleveland | Lakewood |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Every other week, single-stream | - |
| Accepted | Paper, cardboard, plastics #1-5 & #7, glass, metal | Paper, cardboard, metal, glass, plastics 1-7 |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics | - |
| Preparation | Clean, dry, cardboard flattened | - |
| Contamination | Carts may be left uncollected | - |
| Type | - | Single-stream |
| Frequency | - | Weekly |
| Prohibited | - | Bags, film, Styrofoam |
| Rule | - | Loose, not bagged |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Cleveland FAQ
What can I recycle in Cleveland?
Cleveland accepts paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and containers (#1-5, #7), glass bottles and jars, and metal cans. All materials go in a single cart. No plastic bags, Styrofoam, or food-contaminated items.
How often is recycling collected in Cleveland?
Recycling is collected every other week in city-issued carts. Check your neighborhood's schedule through the city website or by calling 311.
Lakewood FAQ
Can I put recyclables in a plastic bag?
No. Lakewood recycling must be placed loose in the blue cart. Bagged recyclables contaminate the load and may be rejected.
Who enforces this in Lakewood?
Lakewood at (216) 529-4000 handles most complaints.
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