RECYCLING DROP-OFF PROGRAM FAQ

The Aim to be Green Recycling Drop-off Program provides 190 eight-yard recycling containers located at 42 sites throughout Ottawa, Sandusky and Seneca Counties. The program allows recyclable materials to be mixed together without bags. It provides recycling services for free to all township residents seven days a week during daylight hours. Read questions below for more information.

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Where are the drop-off sites located?

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What materials are accepted in the recycle bins and do they need to be separated?

Materials are to be placed into the recycle bins all together (mixed or unsorted).
The following materials are accepted:

Click here to see the steps for preparing materials.

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How often are the recycling bins serviced?

The recycle bins are emptied 1-3 times per week depending upon how fast the bins fill and number of bins on the site.

Site Schedule
1. Monday, Thursday and Saturday
2. Tuesday and Friday
3. Friday only

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 How do I get my recyclable materials into the recycle bin properly?

1. Two small openings located on the lids can be used to place small amounts of mixed recycling.

2. For larger volumes of mixed recycling or flatted cardboard, physically lifting the lids and place mixed recycling loose in bin. Close the lids when finished to prevent loose material from blowing out of the bin.

3. Residents can open the sliding door on either side of the bin to place mixed recycling inside. Please remember to close the side door.

Some recycle bins require a lid lock to keep the lids from blowing open during windy conditions. In this case, it is best to use the small openings located on the lids or the sliding doors located on each side of the recycle bin.

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Very few plastics can be recycled. Which types and shapes should be recycled?

Emptied plastic food, beverage and detergent bottles are accepted for recycling. Examples of plastic bottles and tubs include detergent bottles, milk jugs, water/pop bottles, ice cream container, large vitamin bottles, personal care bottles and jars, spray bottles, squeeze bottles, etc.

DO NOT RECYCLE: plastic bags/films, ALL polystyrene foam (packaging peanuts, EPS block, or service ware), automotive or chemical containers, plastic and flexible packaging (clam shells, trays, wrap/film), laundry baskets, buckets, garden hoses, plant trays, PVC materials, toys, Tupperware and vinyl siding.

This listing is not all inclusive. If you ever question about recycling plastic remember, when in doubt, throw it out or call the District office at 419-334-7222 or call toll-free at 1-888-850-7224.

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Can I use a plastic bag to contain my recyclable materials?
(e.g. – office paper, newspaper, or magazines)

All recycling should be placed loose in the bin. No plastic bags. Paper can be kept in a paper grocery bag. Items contained inside a black plastic trash bag are immediately landfilled when they reach a Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Plastic bags are tanglers inside the MRF; binding up machinery and halting the recycling process.

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Can plastic bags go into the Aim to be Green recycle bins?

Plastic bags should not be placed into the recycle bin. Below is a listing of local businesses accepting plastic grocery bags for recycling.

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Can expanded polystyrene foam or polystyrene plastic be recycled in these bins?

No. Number 6 plastic products such as foam carry out boxes, meat trays, clear and foam egg cartons, plastic utensils, foam cups and plates, etc. should NOT be recycled.

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Should an emptied and cleaned food tub be recycled?

Rumpke does take plastic food grade tubs and containers for recycling.

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How are recyclables processed?

The mixed recycling is hauled to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and sorted by a series of machines, human hands or robots. The sorting methods can include mechanical sorting, disc screens, optical scanners, bursts of air, eddy currents, magnets, etc. Sorted materials are bailed and inspected.

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What does it mean to “contaminate” recycling?

Contamination in recycling are items soiled with debris or food residue, cannot be recovered at a Material Recovery Facility or items with no value in the recycling market.

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What company is responsible for emptying the recycle bins?

OSS has a contract with Rumpke Waste & Recycling to service all Aim to be Green bins. The material is collected and taken to their Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) located in Mansfield, Ohio.

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How are the recyclables weighed?

Recycling truck drives across a large scale before and after unloading material at the recycling facility. The difference is the weight of a truck load of recycling.

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Who is in charge of maintaining the recycling drop-off site?

District staff is responsible for the maintenance of the 8 yard recycling containers. However, Township Trustees and their maintenance staff assist the District by removing snow around the recycle bins and other issues regarding maintaining the recycling drop-off site. Users of the site are responsible for making sure all recycling is deposited in a bin, the bin lids and doors are closed after use and no materials are left on the ground.

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Does recycling pay for itself?

No. Recycling is considered a service. There is a cost to maintain the recycling containers and to transport and sort the recyclables. OSS Solid Waste District must budget more money each year to maintain the Aim to be Green program. This is one of many services that OSS funds with the disposal fee charged at landfills for municipal waste.

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More Questions? Contact Us.