Recycling 101 - Sorting your Household Waste
We’ve all heard the statistics - the average person in America produces about 4.9 pounds of waste each day, and only 32% of waste is recycled or composted. That leaves a lot of waste headed to the landfill!
We know the rules can be confusing - every time we go to dispose of an item, we have to ask, can this be composted? Donated or reused? Recycled curb-side (with Rumpke), or taken to the Hub? Follow along with the infographic below - which shows all the major waste streams the average person contributes to - and learn exactly how to dispose of all the items that end up in your personal waste stream (if on mobile, the graphic will display after the text). Plus, learn some tips for reducing that waste stream along the way!
Newspapers, Magazines, Office Papers, Mail - CURBSIDE
Paper products are the most recycled material by weight, and for good reason! Place paper products in curbside recycling.
TIP: Reduce your paper waste by converting bills and paper subscriptions to digital versions.
Books - REUSE
Donate books in usable condition to one of the organizations on our resource page.
TIP: Instead of buying new books, buy used, start a book swap with friends, or visit the local library for a sustainable alternative.
Tissue, Paper Towels, and Paper Plates: COMPOST
While soiled paper products cannot be recycled, they can be composted by many large-scale composters, or at home in small quantities. Find a local compost service on our resource page.
TIP: Use cloth towels and other durable alternatives to these paper products to cut down on waste.
Paper Cups: CURBSIDE
Paper cups are now accepted in curbside recycling! Remove plastic lids, straws, or other plastic pieces and recycle them at the Hub. Paper/cardboard sleeves can also be recycled curbside.
TIP: Switch out your disposable cups for a reusable mug or thermos. Many coffee shops such as Starbucks allow you to use your own cup, and may even offer a small discount!
Corrugated Boxes: CURBSIDE (OR REUSE)
Boxes can be recycled curbside after being broken down. If they are in good condition and you have a lot, consider posting on a community page that you have free boxes - someone’s always moving!
Cartons and Paperboard Packaging: CURBSIDE
Food and beverage cartons, such as milk, juice, soup, wine, and broth are recyclable through curbside, as is paperboard (such as cereal boxes). Remove plastic lids and bring them to the Hub!
Paper Bags and Packaging: CURBSIDE OR COMPOST
Clean paper bags can be recycled along with other paper in your curbside bin. If the bag has been soiled, add it to your compost!
TIP: Instead of packing lunch in a paper bag each day, invest in a reusable cloth bag. Even better if you use one you already have or purchase second-hand!
Glass Bottles and Jars: CURBSIDE
Glass bottles and jars of any color can be recycled curbside. Just empty out - you don’t even have to remove labels!
Windows and Other Construction Glass: REUSE
Windows and other reusable glass items can be sent to various locations - check out our resource page for options.
Durable Goods - Glass: REUSE
Durable glass goods such as dishware and decor can be donated for reuse. Broken glass should be placed in a bag or box and should be thrown away (landfilled) for safety.
Durable Goods - Metal: REUSE or METAL RECYCLING
Many metal goods can be reused or donated, but metal that can’t be reused should be recycled through one of the many recyclers in the area. Check our resources page for scrap metal recyclers as well as organizations that accept appliances and other metal goods that are still in working order.
Electronics: REUSE OR CRRH
While not included on the infographic as a category, many of the durable metal goods that make up these next few categories are electronics, or “e-waste”. Electronics often contain plastic, metal, and other elements that make them difficult to recycle, but the Hub is here for you! Take a look here for additional details on how to recycle electronics at the Hub, including the small fees for different items.
Metal Cans: CURBSIDE
Metal cans can be recycled curbside, including aluminum cans, steel cans and lids, and aerosol containers with the tips and lids removed. Steel cans that contain paint or other chemicals/hazardous materials can be disposed of through Hamilton County R3Source or other organizations on our resource page.
Aluminum Foil: CRRH
Aluminum foil and other small aluminum goods (such as disposable pans) cannot be sent to curbside. Instead, add it to your scrap metal or bring small, clean pieces to the Hub for recycling.
TIP: Instead of cooking or storing food with disposable foil, invest in reusable baking sheets, reusable glass storage containers, or cloth/beeswax wraps that can be washed and reused.
Durable Plastics: CRRH or REUSE
Durable plastics is a large category that is hard to define, but generally speaking, any plastic that is meant for more than single-use or short-term packaging is considered a durable good. This could include toys, buckets, storage containers, dishware, or any other number of items. Reuse or donate these items if in good condition, and check unusable items for a number inside chasing arrows - the Hub can accept numbered plastics 2-7, and unnumbered plastics.
TIP: minimize the durable plastic waste you are producing by purchasing products made of glass, wood, ceramic, or other materials when possible. Shop second-hand to reduce your contribution to the production of new plastics.
Plastic Plates, Cups, and Cutlery: CRRH or CURBSIDE
Plastic plates and lidless cups (such as SOLO cups) can be cleaned and recycled at the Hub if they are #2-#7 or unnumbered plastics. Plastic cutlery can be cleaned and recycled at the Hub as well. Plastic takeaway cups - such as those used for soda, iced coffee, or other drinks - can be recycled curbside. Reattach plastic lids for curbside recycling, and remove straws (which can be recycled at the Hub!)
TIP: Avoid using disposable plates and cups by using washable dishes and keeping reusable cutlery at work. If you are hosting an event and don’t have enough dishes, encourage guests to BYOP - bring your own plate!
Plastic Trash Bags: LANDFILL or CRRH
Plastic trash bags can be recycled as flexible plastic at the Hub, as long as they are completely clean (for example, if they were used to store clothes or other dry goods). Dirty trash bags must be landfilled.
TIP: Don’t bag recyclables, as they should be unbagged for curbside pickup anyway. Leave items loose to reduce headaches for recycling workers!
Plastic Bottles, Jugs, and Containers: CURBSIDE
Any plastic bottle or jug with a smaller mouth than base can be recycled curbside. Empty, crush (if possible), and reattach lid. In addition to bottle shaped containers, #5 tubs are also recyclable curbside (such as yogurt tubs, butter tubs, or fruit cups).
Plastic PVC (#3): CRRH
Hard plastics labeled #3 that are not bottles or jugs (which can go curbside) can be cleaned and recycled at the Hub.
Plastic LDPE (#4): CRRH
Hard plastics labeled #4 that are not bottles or jugs (which can go curbside) can be cleaned and recycled at the Hub.
Plastic PP (#5): CURBSIDE or CRRH
Many “tub” containers are #5 - these tub shaped containers can be recycled curbside. Other #5 plastics, such as takeout containers, can be recycled at the Hub once cleaned and dried.
Plastic PS (#6), Styrofoam: CRRH
Polystyrene, or #6 plastic, is the plastic used to make styrofoam, SOLO cups, and many other plastic containers. Clean Styrofoam, including clean food Styrofoam, and other #6 plastics can be recycled at the Hub.
TIP: Reduce the amount of Styrofoam you use by taking reusable containers to restaurants for leftover storage.
Plastic Bags, Sacks, and Wraps: CRRH or STORE DROPOFF
Flexible plastic films, including plastic bags, bread bags, bubble mailers, and pet food bags can be recycled at the Hub. Plastic grocery bags can also be recycled at many local grocers and other stores.
TIP: Minimize the flexible plastic waste you use by opting for reusable totes when shopping for groceries or other goods and use washable containers over plastic film for storing leftovers.
Plastic Packaging: CRRH
Plastic packaging such as mailers, air pillows, or bubble wrap can be reused or recycled with the Hub. We store a significant amount for reuse pickup, and the rest is recycled as flexible plastics.
Rubber Tires: CRRH
Tires can be recycled at the Hub for a small fee. Check here for the latest information on fees.
Other Rubber: LANDFILL
At this time, there are few good recycling options for rubber items. If the item cannot be reused or repurposed, it will need to be landfilled.
Clothing/Textiles: REUSE or CRRH
If the clothing is still usable, please donate. If the clothing or textile is unusable, there are several outlets for recycling on our resource page. We can accept denim in any condition at the Hub for recycling. At this time, textile recycling is unfortunately limited.
Footwear: CRRH
The Hub can accept footwear in all conditions, which will be sorted for reuse or recycling.
Leather: COMPOST
True leather products are accepted by some composting services, as they are a natural product that will break down. Check our resource page for local composting services.
Food Waste: COMPOST
Food waste makes up a large volume of most people’s daily waste - if it can’t be used, look into compost options. Some composters are able to accept items that couldn’t go in backyard compost, such as meat and dairy products.
Yard Trimmings: COMPOST
Yard trimmings can similarly be composted - check with county/community resources for local policies surrounding pickup.
TIP: If possible, try mulching leaves into your yard rather than bagging them up!
Wood: REUSE
Treated (construction) wood that is in good condition can be reused by several organizations on our resource page. Unusable pieces will need to be landfilled, or could be burned if they are untreated.
Remembering all the rules around recycling and keeping track of the various outlets for disposing of unwanted items can be challenging. Despite the challenges, you’ll notice there are very few things on this list that must be landfilled. Use the resources available, be open to changes as recycling opportunities continue to improve and evolve, and remember every item you are able to recycle or reuse is one less piece in the landfill!
