Does it Recycle?
Utilizing your recycling bin aids in the process of reusing recyclable items and keeping plastics out of landfills. The concept of Wishcycling, or placing non-recycling items in recycling collection totes hoping they will be recycled, contaminates loads of local recyclable items and can even damage recycling equipment. We put our staff to the test on the concept of Wishcycling and learned first hand about some items that are not recyclable in Howard County with the help of Tracy Williams from the Howard County Recycling District.
Williams joined us in the studio with a tote full of items that are commonly found in our Howard County drop-off sites. We then asked a few of our staff members to consider the question “Does it Recycle?” while shown each of these items. The answers weren’t always a simple yes or no. Watch the video to see how our TKP Staff handled this Wishcycling challenge.
Wishcycling normally occurs during the sorting of among your waste and recyclable items. Visit the Howard County Recycling District (HCRD) Website for detailed information and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about what is and isn’t recyclable in Howard County. The staff at the HCRD would even welcome a phone call to answer your recycling questions. Once you are confident you’ve sorted your items appropriately some recyclables require simple preparation for recycling. Be sure to rinse off any food residue from your recyclable item or container before placing it in your bin. Cardboard boxes, for example, should be flattened or broken down, especially to allow for more space in our drop off locations. Recyclable items do not need to be in bags like trash, loosely packed is the best option.
Recycle THIS
If you want to become a more knowledgeable recycler, first learn to look for labels. Many food items from stores label the recyclable items in their packaging with a recycling symbol or the opposite. The HCRD want to continue to see paper and paper containers, cans made of tin, aluminum, and steel, food grade glass, cardboard and paperboard, and plastics #1-6 (except NO plastic bags or Styrofoam) in our personal and community recycle bins.
Not THAT
The staff at the HCRD and recycling contractors have seen wishcycling first-hand in many ways. Even though food grade glass (bottles and jars) are recyclable that doesn’t include other types of glass like wine glasses or glass from a picture frame.
These small details can be the difference between a full recyclable load or a contaminated load that adds to our trash load. Clothing and yard/construction waste isn’t meant for your recycling bin either.
Even when items are labeled that they are recyclable, they may not be where your recyclables are processed. This is why (even though they are labeled #2 recyclables) plastic bags and Styrofoam items should not be recycled in your home bin or collection sites.
While we mentioned that cardboard is recyclable, it's important to point out that cardboard with food waste or grease (like from pizza) would contaminate the load as well. Essentially, if you have any hesitation it isn’t recyclable, use these alternative recycling methods or just put it in the trash.
Collect and drop off your plastic shopping bags at collection sites at local stores (Kroger, Meijer, and others)
Donate clothing you no longer use to local centers like the Kokomo Rescue Mission
Howard County residents can Collect and take limbs, sticks, logs (no more than 24” in diameter) to our local Green Cycle on Dixon Road. Other (compostable) yard waste is accepted at Green Cycle for $10 a load.
This article is meant to inform our audience of some specific dos and don'ts of recycling in Howard County. Did you learn anything new? If you have questions about these processes or what is/isn’t recyclable visit the Howard County Recycling District website or give them a call at (765) 456-2274.
