Tour our Plano Recycling Facility & Learning Center
The Plano, TX interactive learning center was designed to educate consumers about recycling. Visitors of all ages can get a first-hand view of the recycling process from the observation deck, watch educational videos, and interact with colorful displays, and games throughout the 5,000-square-foot learning space.
Our Plano Recycling Facility & Learning Center provides free tours, appropriate for your group.
The 77,000-square-foot facility serves more than 510,000 residents and 2,500 commercial customers throughout the Metroplex – including Plano, Richardson, and other neighboring cities.
Groups may include:
- Adults
- Clubs
- HOA groups
- Schools
- Scouting troops
- Senior center residents
- And many more!
Facility tours & events:
- Tours are based on availability (Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. or by special appointment)
- Tours last 60 - 90 minutes, depending on Q & A
- Onsite conference room with A/V is available for use by the public (max capacity is 50 people)
- Plant tours may be available by approval
- Plano Recycling Center is located at 4200 14th St. Plano, TX 75074
Why is recycling important?
Recycling is an important part of preserving precious natural resources in an environmentally responsible manner. We believe in preserving a world where people thrive today and for generations to come through cleaner, healthier, safer, and more sustainable recycling practices.
Say no to recycling contamination
On average, recycling contamination levels are at 30% which means the separation of clean recyclables from contaminated material is more important than ever.
Technology at the new facility is state of the art, but even the most advanced scanning and sorting equipment can’t weed out all contamination.
The Plano recycling facility uses highly advanced sorting technologies to process 350 tons of recyclable material per day, separating material in milliseconds.
Did you know - contamination fact
Once cardboard or paper comes into contact with food or liquid, it can no longer be recycled.
Did you know - contamination fact
What you may not know is that putting your old battery-powered electronics and toys in your waste or recycling bin is not only an environmental no-no, it can be downright dangerous.
Did you know - contamination fact
Just one bottle of ketchup with residue could contaminate an entire truckload! Keep recyclables free of liquid or food waste by ensuring that they’re empty, clean, and dry.
Virtual tours start now
If you're unable to visit us in person, we invite you to take a virtual field trip that fits your schedule and age group. Welcome!
Take a virtual field trip
Take your students on a virtual field trip of how a recycling center and a modern landfill works. These videos are designed to inform specific lessons in 3rd-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, and 9th-12th grade, but can also be used outside of those lessons to take your students on a journey through the process!
Recycling center video tour
3rd - 5th grade video is featured below
Modern landfill video tour
3rd - 5th grade video is featured below
Additional resources for educators and at-home learning
Lessons & activities for educators, by educators
- Carefully aligned to grade-level curriculum standards
- Provided to you 100% free of charge
- Written and vetted by real teachers
- Lessons designed to fit within a typical class period
- Lessons can be used individually or as a unit
- Easy for teachers to implement, engaging for students
Engaging at-home activities about recycling
- Engaging activities for learning at home
- Developed by teachers, vetted by parents
- Empowers entire family to make a difference by recycling
- Flexible and easy – complete any time, in any order
- Easily access on any device
- Printer optional
Recycling tips
We make it easy to recycle a wide variety of materials common in every home. Click on the recyclable for more information.
What to do before you put your recyclables in the bin
Watch this short video to learn how to prepare your recyclable items to go into the recycling container. It’s as simple as 1-2-3!
Don't be a "Wish-cycler"
You can make a difference! Learn recycling basics and expert tips on your tour.
Empty. Clean. Dry.™
Clean recyclables don’t contaminate other types of materials, so the recycle stream stays out of the landfill.
When in doubt, throw it out.
If it has food waste, it belongs in the trash. Just one dirty bottle can contaminate the contents of a whole recycling truck.
Know what to throw.
Paper & cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles, and jugs (with lids).
Don't bag it.
Don’t bag your recyclables – place them in your recycling container loosely. Grocery bags and other flexible plastics will get caught in the machinery.
Never place these items in your recycling container. They cannot be recycled with your household waste.
Look over this list to make sure you’re putting only reusable materials in your container. These items cannot go into recycling.
- Appliances
- Batteries
- Bubble wrap
- Christmas lights
- Clothes
- Coat hangers
- Diapers
- Electrical cords
- Food waste
- Food wrap
- Garden hoses
- Household cleaners
- Paint
- Pizza boxes
- Plastic bags
- Polystyrene
- Rubber balls
- Sports equipment
- Syringes/razor blades
- Tires
- Toys/stuffed animals
- Waxed cartons
- Wood/yard waste
Certain items can’t be recycled through our regular curbside service. But we have simple solutions for recycling these specialty items.
Book your tour today!
Plano Recycling Facility & Learning Center
Our knowledgeable staff will prove a one-of-a-kind tour of our next-generation recycling facility and learning center in Plano, TX.
- Tours are available Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm.
- Tours typically run 60-90 minutes in duration.
- Tours can be tailored for your group.
