At Kimble Recycling and Disposal, we've been fielding these same questions for over 70 years. Our customers—who are also our neighbors here in Eastern Ohio—ask us about recycling daily. That's why we've put together this guide to answer the most common questions about recycling and help you make better decisions for your household and the environment.

What is Recycling?

Let's start with the basics. Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products, preventing the need for raw materials and reducing landfill waste. Sounds simple enough, right? But here's where it gets interesting—not everything that seems recyclable actually is.

The recycling process involves collecting materials, sorting them, cleaning them, and then reprocessing them into new products. At Kimble, we handle more than 145 million pounds of recyclable material each year at our state-of-the-art recycling plant. That's a lot of second chances for materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.

But recycling isn't just about the feel-good factor. It's about creating a sustainable system that benefits everyone. When you recycle properly, you're contributing to a circular economy where materials keep getting reused instead of constantly extracting new resources from the earth.

Why is Recycling Important?

Here's the thing about recycling—it's not just about being environmentally conscious (though that's important). It's about being realistic about our waste problem. Americans generate about 292.4 million tons of waste annually, and without recycling, we'd be doing a lot of damage to the planet.

Benefits of Recycling

The benefits of recycling extend far beyond just reducing landfill waste. When you recycle, you're helping conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. For every ton of recycled paper, we save about 17 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, and enough energy to power an average home for six months.

But let's be honest—recycling isn't a magic solution to all our environmental problems. It's one piece of a larger puzzle that includes reducing consumption and reusing materials whenever possible. That's why waste management professionals follow the waste hierarchy: reduce first, then reuse, then recycle, and finally dispose.

What Materials Can Be Recycled?

This is where things get tricky, and it's probably the source of most questions about recycling. The answer depends on your local recycling program, but here are the general categories that most programs accept:

• Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, and corrugated cardboard are typically recyclable. However, paper contaminated with food or grease (like that pizza box) usually isn't.
• Plastics: Look for the recycling number on the bottom. Most programs accept plastics #1 (water bottles) and #2 (milk jugs), but #3-#7 can be hit or miss depending on your local facility.
• Glass: Most glass containers are recyclable, regardless of color. Just make sure they're empty and reasonably clean.
• Metals: Aluminum cans and steel/tin cans are almost universally recyclable and highly valuable to recycling facilities.

At Kimble, our curbside recycling service accepts all these materials through our single-stream recycling program, making it easier for residents to participate without having to sort materials themselves.

What Materials Can Not Be Recycled?

Now for the stuff that trips people up. Just because something is made of recyclable material doesn't mean it can go in your recycling bin. Here are the common culprits:

• Plastic bags and film: These jam up sorting equipment at recycling facilities. Take them to special drop-off locations at grocery stores instead.
• Electronics: These need special handling due to hazardous materials. Many retailers offer take-back programs.
• Hazardous materials: Paint, batteries, chemicals, and motor oil require special disposal methods to protect public health and the environment.
• Food-contaminated items: That greasy pizza box or yogurt container with residue left inside can contaminate other recyclables.

The key is understanding that contamination is recycling's biggest enemy. When non-recyclable items get mixed in, they can ruin entire batches of otherwise good recyclable materials.

Getting Your Recycling Questions Answered

Still have questions about recycling? That's perfectly normal. Recycling rules can vary by location, and programs change as technology and markets evolve. The best resource is your local waste management provider—they know exactly what their facilities can handle.

At Kimble Companies, we believe in educating our community about proper recycling practices. Check out our recycling guide for specific information about what we accept in our programs. You can also contact us with any questions about recycling.

Remember, asking questions about recycling shows you care about doing it right. The more we all understand about proper recycling practices, the more effective our recycling programs become. And that benefits everyone—from the environment to the local communities we serve here in Eastern Ohio.

 

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