Recycling News

Recycling Right

What is the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District (CCSWD)?

The Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District is the public agency helping the people of Cuyahoga County reduce, reuse and recycle at home, at work and in their communities. They serve as the leading resource in the County for information, expertise and programs that support sustainable materials management and reduce the environmental impact of waste. Visit www.CuyahogaRecycles.org or call (216) 443-3749 to learn how to recycle in your community and discover other recycling and disposal options.

5 Ways to Recycle Right
Done correctly, recycling is an easy way to make a difference in preserving the planet.

1. Leave recyclables loose – not bagged. Plastic bags do not belong in your recycling bin or cart. Plastic bags get tangled in the sorting machines at the recycling facilities and cause major problems for the recycling process. Plastic shopping bags can be recycled at many retail locations, including Giant Eagle, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Marc’s, Target and Walmart stores.
2. Make sure it’s clean and empty. Rinse residue from cartons, containers, bottles and jars or any other recyclable that may contain food particles. For example, greasy pizza boxes are not accepted.
3. Keep it dry. When it comes to paper and cardboard, keeping it dry is imperative for the recycling process. Please flatten all cardboard boxes as well.
4. Don’t wishcycle. Think you can throw everything into your recycling bin and it will get sorted out at the recycling plant? Think again. Recycling only these five core items is paramount: cans, cartons, glass, paper and plastic along with plastic bottles and jugs.
5. Join a social media community. Share a post. Do a story. Get engaged with the social media accounts in your community. You’ll find Cuyahoga County’s accounts located on Facebook, on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Once you’ve got the hang of recycling, you can also learn about various other eco-friendly topics from composting to zero-waste lifestyles. There’s seemingly no end to the ways we can reduce, reuse and recycle for a cleaner and greener today and tomorrow.

Holiday Waste Reduction HQ

Welcome to the waste reduction headquarters of Cuyahoga County!

Solid Waste District staff has been busy gathering all the best tips and tricks to solve your holiday waste problems. The holiday season and end-of-the-year celebrations are in full swing and, no matter the size of your gathering, we’ve got ideas and suggestions that will reduce your waste footprint.

Reduce food waste. With a little bit of planning and creative reuse, you can reduce or eliminate wasted food at seasonal gatherings, merrymaking events and large meals. Read the blog post.

Manage holiday packaging. Empty and flatten cardboard boxes before recycling and drop off plastic wrap and shipping envelopes at a recycling location near you. Check out our blog post about holiday packaging. Got holiday cards and gift wrap? See details about paper recycling.

Recycle broken, burned out holiday lights. The Solid Waste District, city service departments, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo accept broken, burned out or tangled strings of holiday lights for recycling. See details.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Bags). During the nation’s busiest shopping season, bring your own shopping bags to reduce waste. Folded, reusable shopping bags also make great stocking stuffers and gift bags too.

Recycle old cell phones and other electronics. If you’re getting or gifting a new phone or tablet this year, drop off its predecessor at any retailer that offers in-store recycling services. Learn how.

Compost your Christmas tree. Your tree doesn’t belong in the recycling bin with your newspapers and bottles, plus it won’t fit! You can still recycle it. Many cities in Cuyahoga County offer programs to turn your tree to mulch or wood chips. See details.

Get out the glasses and dishware. Avoid using paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups, plastic wrap and foil pans – none are recyclable. Provide guests with personalized, reusable cups. If you are packaging leftovers, reuse plastic containers or glass jars instead of throw-away alternatives and choose reusable silicone stretch lids for bowls. Learn more about reducing plastic.

Recycle right at holiday gatherings. Place well-marked recycling bins next to trash cans so it’s an easy choice to recycle at your next gathering. Serve beverages in aluminum cans and bottles that can be recycled. No matter how large your holiday gathering is, encourage guests to recycle right.

See our full list of holiday green tips here.

What Do I Do With?…Usable Goods

Donate unwanted clothes, toys, furniture, household goods, holiday decorations and other unwanted items to local nonprofit organizations that reuse or resell the items to support their work in the community. Learn more about donating usable goods.

Be a Recycling Ambassador

Apply now for our adult training program that will help you be the recycling and waste reduction “subject matter expert” in your neighborhood. We’re accepting applications now for the next learning session in February. See details.