Green Your Life: Recycle Properly

Curbside recycling in the Cincinnati area uses a single-stream system. This means everything accepted at the curb gets thrown in the truck and is separated later at the recycling facility.

Cincinnatians can get a recycling bin by calling 513-591-6000. Residents of other local municipalities can contact their individual Solid Waste Management Districts.

Plastics with a number 1 or 2 are accepted in local bins along with metal cans, glass bottles and most paper products, including junk mail. Butter tubs, egg cartons, plastic bags, pizza boxes and Styrofoam can't be recycled locally and must be thrown out or creatively reused.

Household hazardous waste such as technology waste, oil and paint don't belong in the garbage. They pollute groundwater and the earth. Instead, call Cincinnati's Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 513-946-7700 or check out local recycling centers in our Recycling listings (page 07).

Yard waste can be composted on site, or you can place it out with your trash in paper yard waste bags obtained at area grocery and hardware stores.

Local Recycling

Hamilton County Recycles
The Hamilton County Department of Environmental Services offers news and information on local recycling programs. If you have waste materials and you’re not sure where to take it, this should be your first stop. 513-946-7734.

Hazardous Waste Collection
Hamilton County residents can dispose of hazardous waste including paint, pesticides, petroleum products, cleaners, batteries, drugs, fire extinguishers, mercury, fluorescent bulbs, antifreeze and more. Free. 2-6 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays. Environmental Enterprises, Inc. 4650 Spring Grove Ave., Winton Place.

Paper Recycling
Recycling Express takes large quantities of paper and cardboard. 1050 Laidlaw Ave., Bond Hill, 513-641-5050.

Technology Recycling
Hamilton County residents can drop off computers and electronics for free at Technology Recycling Group. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Weekdays, 5139 Kieley Pl., Saint Bernard, 513-946-7734.

- Stephen Carter-Novotni

This originally ran as part of the story Unplug, Rethink and Simplify Your Life in our Green Issue.