Blacksburg recycling manager outlines what the town accepts and why correct sorting matters

Morgan Schock, the town recycling manager for Blacksburg, said residents should follow the town's single-stream recycling rules and place only materials the recycler accepts into curbside bins. "Recycling is run as a business here in the U.S.," Schock said, adding that contractors sort and sell materials based on what buyers will purchase.

Schock said the town's single-stream system allows all recyclables to go into one container but cautioned that accepted materials differ by recycler. She said the town's current acceptance list includes Type 1 and Type 2 plastics, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass bottles and jars, and mixed paper, including corrugated cardboard.

The manager described ongoing outreach efforts to educate residents about proper sorting and the operational coordination needed to make collection and sorting work. She emphasized that rules vary by location and urged residents to contact local resources to confirm what is accepted in their area.

Schock framed the guidance as practical: placing nonaccepted items into recycling can contaminate loads and reduce the materials the contractor can sell. She encouraged residents to consult the town's resources for the most up-to-date list of acceptable materials.

The presentation concluded with Schock reiterating that correct sorting helps the recycler sell recovered materials and supports the program's sustainability; residents were directed to contact local town resources for specifics on acceptable items and any changes to the list.