Consumer recycling is typically broken down into two categories:  containers (cans, glass, plastic bottles) and fiber (paper products such as newspapers, magazines, corrugated cardboard, office paper and mixed paper).  Below is a description of the different container products.  The same information is also available as a brochure (PDF). 

To locate a community recycling program in your area, see the map of North Dakota.
Aluminum/Steel Cans Many communities have programs for recycling aluminum cans.  Sometimes these programs involve various Cub/Girl Scout groups or other organizations collecting aluminum cans for fundraising.  In most cases, labels do not need to be removed from steel/tin cans.  Find a company or organization that recycles cans.  Find out what happens to the cans once they are recycled!
Plastic Bottles Currently, plastic bottles #1 and #2 are the most common plastics accepted for recycling.  Some recycling programs that have "single stream" recycling (or mixed recycling) are able to recycle their plastic bottles along with their other recyclables (all in one container, such as in Grand Forks).  Still other programs accept #1-#7 plastic bottles for recycling, but this is less common in North Dakota.  #1 bottles typically include water, pop and other single serve items, including green/clear 2 liter bottles.  #2 bottles typically include milk or juice jugs, shampoo bottles and laundry detergent bottles.  Why can only #1 and #2 bottles be recycled?  The coding system for plastic containers was created by the Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. to identify the different resins used in plastics packaging.   Currently, the two plastics that are in demand by reclaimers or end-users are #1 plastic bottles - polyethylene terephthalate (PETE) and #2 plastic bottles - high density polyethylene (HDPE) - typically those with a "neck" (top is smaller than the bottom or base).  These are blow molded rather than injected molded (such as a cottage cheese or yogurt container) and have different properties/consistencies when melted or processed into new products.  Demand for other plastics is very low, and many times it is less expensive to make containers from virgin plastic than it is to use recycled plastic.  A further description can be found on Eureka Recycling's Web site (PDF file) or for all seven symbols, visit the American Plastics Council.  Find a company or organization that recycles plastic bottles. Find out what happens to the plastic bottles once they are recycled!	Examples of #1 bottles.  Examples of #2 bottles.
Glass Bottles/Jars A few communities accept clear, green and brown glass for recycling or reuse.  Due to the distance     Find a company or organization that recycles glass bottles and jars.  Find out what happens to the glass bottles once they are recycled!