Some do’s and don’ts of recycling in Holmes County
Whether recycling at the larger collection points or curbside, the question is: What should and should not go into the bins? Many people are recycling the wrong things or preparing the right things in a way that limits their ability to be recycled.
All Holmes County residents enjoy the convenience of being able to collect recyclables together without sorting for drop-off at any of the numerous locations around the county. Some of the villages in the county also offer curbside recycling.
Whether at the larger collection points or curbside, the question is: What should and should not go into the bins? In a valiant effort to do good for Earth, many people are recycling the wrong things or preparing the right things in a way that limits their ability to be recycled. And sometimes one person’s well-meaning misstep can ruin an entire truck-full of items headed for the recycle center.
Much of the needed information regarding what items to recycle is available online at holmescountyrecycling.com/details/. Susan Schie, Holmes County commissioners clerk, explained some of the additional ins and outs of recycling in the county.
—Regarding paper products, newspapers may be bundled with string or twine or placed in a paper bag. Small pieces of paper such as Post-it notes are recyclable, as is most junk mail as long as it’s primarily made of paper.
—Food boxes and cartons should be broken down. Everything that is not paper or cardboard such as packing materials needs to come out of boxes. Frozen food boxes generally are not recyclable.
—Clean, dry glass is recyclable, without the lids. Plastic milk cartons that are clean and dry are recyclable. Plastics should not have the lid. It is preferred to have labels off if possible. If paper labels are removed from containers or cans, they may be recycled.
The website lists “to-go cartons” as being accepted in the bins. Schie said in general clean and dry cardboard, paper, aluminum and plastic to-go containers are recyclable. Styrofoam containers are not.
The most common recycling mistakes include putting trash, Styrofoam and plastic bags in with recyclables. “This will contaminate the whole recycling bin, and then the county has to pay extra costs to have that bin put in the landfill,” Schie said.
Hazardous waste items can be recycled once each year during the hazardous collection day special event. These include things such as oil-based paints and stains, aerosols, household plant and pest killers, household cleaners, automobile products, household appliances and more. The next collection day will be May 10. Details will be posted online. These items also can be taken to certain collection facilities at other times during the year.
Drop-off locations may be found online at holmescountyrecycling.com/find-a-location/. Additionally, there is a new site in Nashville.
“When you recycle, you can be proud that you are saving money and reducing waste,” Schie said. “Recycling helps to make our Earth a cleaner and healthier place to live. It is one of the easiest ways you can have a positive impact on the environment. Recycling helps you be more aware of how you use products and dispose of waste. Studies show that people who recycle save money because they cut down on buying unnecessary items.”
For recycling questions call 330-674-0286 and speak to Schie or email hcc@co.holmes.oh.us.