However, residents' enthusiasm for recycling has resulted in unaccepted materials being placed in recycling bins. When recycling trucks take unacceptable materials to Recycle America, which processes Fort Worth's recyclables, they are basically hauling garbage. Knowing what is and is not accepted in the curbside program is key to maintaining Fort Worth's strong recycling program. Here are a few guidelines from the Fort Worth Solid Waste Management Division to help in recycling efforts. Do not recycle paperboard products such as cereal boxes.
Paperboard is thicker than paper but thinner than corrugated cardboard.
It is not accepted curbside because there is no viable market for it in this area. In recycling, it is not feasible to collect material that cannot be sold. Soft drink cartons are coated with a special substance that keeps the box from collapsing when it gets wet. This substance clogs up the pulping process because it breaks down much slower than other paper materials. Soft drink cartons are not accepted curbside for recycling.