WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns is teaming up with Rhode Island Resource Recovery to address the growing financial burden improper recycling practices have placed on taxpayers. Resource Recovery announced Tuesday that it has enacted a new fee structure of $20 per rejected ton of recycling, with a maximum of $250 per load. (The prior rate for a contaminated or rejected load cost cities and towns a flat fee of $250.) The top five cities and towns with the most pounds of rejected recycling per household are Providence, Cranston, Pawtucket, West Warwick and East Providence, according to Resource Recovery. RELATED: How improper recycling is costing taxpayers East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, who also serves as the president of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, told 12 News that the taxpayers are the ones who are paying the price for improper recycling. "Rhode Island's cities and towns are grappling with significant financial burdens, potentially costing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars due to improper recycling practices," DaSilva said. DaSilva estimated that East Providence shelled out $91,000 in fees last year to Resource Recovery for rejected loads. The capital city took a much more significant hit, having paid more than $1 million for rejected loads last year. "They're throwing their dollars away and they're also affecting the life of the landfill," explained Randy Rossi, executive director of the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns. Resource Recovery has also altered its sorting system to accept partially rejected loads. Each load will now be sorted through by a waste inspector, whose job will be to identify potential contamination and remove it from what's salvageable. Rhode Islanders are still encouraged to recycle, which is why Resource Recovery has awarded a number of grants to cities and towns that plan on educating their residents on best practices. "It's all about knowing what goes in," Rossi said, referring to what should and shouldn't be placed in a recycling bin. The following items can be recycled, as long as they're empty, clean and dry: Plastic bottles, jugs, containers and tubs Glass bottles, jars and containers Tin, aluminum and steel cans Paper, newspapers and magazines Food and beverage containers Flattened cardboard and paperboard The following items cannot be recycled: Plastic shopping bags* Plastic wrap and cellophane film Flexible packaging, such as snack bags and pouches Cups with wax or plastic coatings Polystyrene foam and plastic containers Ropes, string, wires, hoses and chains Clothing and textiles Furniture Car parts, scrap metal and tires *Plastic shopping bags can be recycled at most grocery stores, but should never be placed into a recycling bin. SEE ALSO: What you should (and shouldn’t) toss into your recycling bin Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the new 12+ smart TV app. Follow us on social media:                     Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW ...read more read less