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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Spring Has Sprung, It’s Time for Yard Clean-Ups

As you clean up from winter and ready your yard for the spring and summer growing seasons, consider these important yard waste tips:

Do not line paper yard waste bags with plastic bags.
Keep the debris out. Only include grass clippings, leaves and brush in yard waste bags or bins.
NO rocks, sod, soil, gravel, roots and logs in yard waste bags or bins.
NO plastic edging, fertilizer bags or product packaging, trash and other debris in yard waste bags or bins.
NO flower pots. Empty plastic flower pots, packs and flats should be reused or placed in the trash for disposal. See more about flower pots.
NO hoses, rakes and other yard tools in yard waste bags or bins.

See more about proper disposal of yard waste, including a list of local yard waste facilities. Due to COVID-19 and state guidance about business openings, some facilities may not be open to the public at this time or have very limited hours.

Free Webinars: Backyard Composting 101

Get the dirt on backyard composting at an upcoming free webinar. District education specialist Carin Miller will be hosting “Backyard Composting 101” webinars in May and June. Cuyahoga County residents are invited to join us and learn the science of composting and receive how-to-compost instruction. See our website or our Facebook page for a list of upcoming webinar dates.

Due to COVID-19 and reduced staffing at our office, sales of compost bins, pails and accessories are by pre-order only. Pick up dates will be held May 22, May 23 and June 5. See the order form.

Recycle Right in Cuyahoga County

Do you know what to throw in your curbside recycling? Only these five items belong:

cans
cartons
glass bottles and jars
paper and boxes
plastic bottles and jugs

Recycle right by including only these five in recycling, because everything else is considered contamination. Learn more about recycling right.

Cleveland residents can find a list of privately-operated drop-offs for aluminum cans, paper and cardboard here.

Would you like to learn more about recycling right? Join education specialist Carin Miller for a free webinar on May 13 and go in-depth on best recycling practices. Be informed on what you can do to make a meaningful difference in your community.

Use It Up, Wear It Out, Make It Do, or Do Without

Could we reduce our waste by turning back the clock on some of our habits? Our grandparents lived by the popular slogan of that time, “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” in the wake of the second world war. How can their actions inspire us today? Read the blog post from one of our Master Recyclers.

The Solid Waste District’s office is closed to the public until further notice due to COVID-19. Staff is still able to assist you with recycling information and disposal questions. Search our website or contact us by email.