Recycling helps us all, and there are ways to improve on it
Recycling effectively requires more than tossing items into the bin — it demands knowledge and attention to detail.
In 2023 Wayne County residents recycled nearly 150 tons of materials through public drop-offs and 2,473.91 tons through curbside recycling. The numbers reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and an understanding of the importance of proper recycling practices.
Curbside recycling in Wayne County is a familiar sight, with green bins standing 3 feet from trash bins on collection days. Alongside curbside services, several public drop-off locations serve as additional resources for residents. However, recycling effectively requires more than tossing items into the bin — it demands knowledge and attention to detail.
Steven Tharp Jr., assistant executive director of the Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District, emphasized the value of proper recycling.
“Recycling is a great way to conserve the resources you have already invested in to make new products and support jobs,” he said.
Combating misinformation
Skepticism about recycling’s effectiveness can undermine efforts, but Tharp reassures residents.
“There is so much misinformation out there,” he said. “I am happy to say that all of our recyclable materials from our public drop-offs make their way to either Slesnick or Kimble’s Twinsburg facility for processing and sale on the market. Residents in our district should be proud that our materials make it exactly where we say it goes.”
Key practices
Contamination is a persistent challenge.
“The recyclable materials should be as clean and dry as possible. A little water is OK, but we can’t have food, pop, juices or other residue,” Tharp said.
Such contamination can render entire bales of recyclables unusable, forcing them into landfills.
Diligence matters, even with tricky-to-clean items like peanut butter jars or oil containers.
“There cannot be any food or food-grade material left inside,” Tharp said. “When in doubt, throw it out.”
What can be recycled
—Glass: All colors of jars and bottles are recyclable. Labels can stay on, and lids should be replaced after washing and drying the container.
—Paper: Junk mail, sticky notes and small pieces of paper are acceptable, but shredded paper is not.
—Cardboard: Boxes must be flattened and emptied of contents such as Styrofoam or packing peanuts. “Breaking down boxes is the single biggest issue we have,” Tharp said.
—Plastics: Only bottles and jugs are recyclable locally. Caps, made of different plastic, should be thrown away. “We lack the infrastructure and market to process other plastics,” Tharp said.
—Metal: Cans, along with scrap metal items like screws, nails and old tools, also can be recycled.
Sorting and processing
Curbside recyclables are transported mixed to sorting facilities, where advanced technology including optical scanners, magnets and air systems separates items by type. Drop-off locations require materials to be presorted, simplifying the process downstream.
Avoiding common mistakes
The most frequent errors include failing to break down boxes and placing nonrecyclable plastics in the bin. Tharp urged residents to read the labels on bins carefully. “Anything beyond what we say is acceptable becomes a contaminant,” he said.
Hazardous and specialty recycling
For items like hazardous waste, latex paint and prescription drugs, Wayne County offers specific recycling solutions. Periodic collection events, publicized through local media, and year-round appointments at the Canton Recycle Center provide avenues for responsible disposal. Details are available online or through the Wayne County Health Department Environmental Health Division.
Educational resources and programs
The Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Recycling District’s comprehensive website and mailed booklet offer guidelines on recycling and other services. The district also provides speakers on recycling topics for local organizations and promotes initiatives like the “caps to benches” program, where children collect plastic caps to be recycled into benches.
For dedicated recycling enthusiasts, the Master Recycler Program offers opportunities to volunteer at events such as Earth Day and hazardous waste collections.
“Master Recyclers are the ambassadors of the district,” Tharp said.
Details about the 2025 program will be announced in the spring.
Financial realities
Recycling is not a lucrative business for the district.
“The Joint Solid Waste District receives very little from recycling,” Tharp said. “We overspend on recycling to provide the service to our residents for free.”
Get a kit
The Stark-Tuscarawas-Wayne Joint Solid Waste Management District has recycling receptacles available for community organizations, nonprofits and government offices hosting/sponsoring an event in Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties.
Receptacles include the following:
—Frame.
—Plastic/aluminum designated lids.
—Clear recycling bags.
—Billboard sign.
If interested in borrowing the kit, visit www.timetorecycle.org/ and fill out the form and someone will reach out to you. The borrower is responsible for picking up and dropping off the receptacles at the STW district office in Bolivar.
Getting involved
Residents looking to improve their recycling habits can start small.
Tharp said, “Find one item to divert from the landfill. Read the labels on our bins and take them literally.”
For more information visit www.timetorecycle.org, follow the district on social media at STW Recycling District or call 330-874-2258 (option 1).
Wayne County’s commitment to recycling is clear, and with continued education and effort, residents can help ensure their contributions truly make a difference.