Recycling
The Recycling Division is responsible for bi-weekly collection and transportation of residential household recyclable materials to a regional intermediate processing center. The residential recycling collection schedule is on the same day as household trash but every other week. Please report a missed recycling pickup within 24 hours by calling 203-576-7753.
Blue toters are for recyclable items only.
What You Can Put in the Blue Recycling Toter:
• Paper (newspaper, mail, office paper)
• Aluminum (cans, foil, pans)
• Cardboard (flattened)
• Cereal and beverage boxes (smooth cardboard)
• Plastic bottles, jars, tubs, and jugs
• Glass bottles and jars
• Paper bags
Rinse food containers before placing in the recycling toter.
Do Not Place in the Blue Recycling Toters:
• Plastic bags
• Plastic utensils, cups, and plates
• Pane glass
• Lightbulbs
• Aerosol cans
• Pump spray nozzles
• Bottle caps or lids
• Batteries
• Wax-coated paper
• Chemical containers
• Styrofoam
• Helium or propane tanks
• Food-soiled cardboard
• Motor oil or hazardous chemicals
• Household garbage
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my (Blue) trash toter is broken or damaged? (Cracked toters, broken lids or a missing wheel)
Answer: Submit a repair request on SeeClickFix or by emailing the Recycling Foreman:
Domingos.Valdegas@bridgeportct.gov
On your next scheduled pickup day, place your damaged toter curbside as usual. After it is emptied, leave it at the curb. A supervisor will stop by later to repair or replace as needed.
What should I do if my (Green) trash toter is lost or stolen?
Answer: Follow these steps to report your lost or stolen trash toters.
- Call 203-576-7671, the Bridgeport Police Department's non-emergency line, to file a lost or stolen property report.
- Pick up a hard copy of the lost or stolen toter report at the Bridgeport Police Headquarters at 300 Congress Street.
- Submit a copy of the lost or stolen toter by emailing the Recycling Foreman:
Domingos.Valdegas@bridgeportct.gov
Once the report has been received, a new toter will be delivered to your home within 1 to 2 weeks.
What should I do? Missed recycling pickups must be reported within 24 hours of your scheduled collection day.
Answer: Report a missed recycling pickup by calling the Recycling Department 203 576-7753 or by emailing the Recycling Foreman:
Domingos.Valdegas@bridgeportct.gov
Common Reasons for Missed Recycling Pickup:
• Recycling was not placed out on the correct day
• Toter was not curbside the night before pickup
• Collection canceled due to weather or emergency
• Toter was blocked or not visible
• Non-conforming containers used
• Toter was contaminated with unaccepted items
• Toter was too heavy or overfilled
• Recycling items in a plastic bag
• Items placed outside the toter
What should I do during snowstorms or inclement weather?
Toters must be:
- Free of snow and ice – top of the toter must be completely cleaned
- Ensure the lid is not frozen shut
- Clear the area around the toter
If your toter is not accessible due to snow, it will not be collected. You must clear a path and wait for the next scheduled pickup.
free of snow and ice
- Bridgeport Citizens Guide to Trash and Recycling (English) - a guide for Bridgeport residents on how to recycle and prepare trash for collection
- Bridgeport Citizens Guide to Trash and Recycling (Spanish) - a guide for Bridgeport residents on how to recycle and prepare trash for collection
- Recycling in Connecticut a State of Connecticut website with general information about recycling.
- Recycling & Disposal of Scrap Tires - a State of Connecticut website with advice and links to recycling tires.
- Recycling batteries - a State of Connecticut website with advice and links to recycling different types of batteries.
- Mattresses Disposal Guide - a website with advice and links about recycling a mattress.
- RecycleCT - a CT based nonprofit website with recycle information.