Solid waste district urges proper recycling practices

April is Earth Month, and Carroll, Columbiana and Harrison Solid Waste District Executive Director Missy Burchfield is encouraging residents to take action to protect the planet through recycling, reducing waste, conserving energy and supporting sustainable practices.

The Carroll, Columbiana and Harrison Solid Waste District was established in 1988, when Ohio enacted House Bill 592, which created a comprehensive solid waste regulatory program requiring Ohio to minimize its reliance on landfills and increase efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Burchfield has been a part of the district since 2016.

Currently, Harrison County provides 18 different recycling drop-off sites for residents. These sites provide convenient options to dispose of recyclable materials responsibly. Initially, collections were conducted once a week at these locations, but increased participation at some sites led to a switch to twice-weekly service beginning in November to accommodate the higher volume of recyclables. Proper recycling practices are important at these sites. Following correct recycling guidelines helps ensure materials are processed efficiently and that the overall recycling program remains effective for the community.

According to Burchfield, plastics are the most confusing material for residents when it comes to recycling, and they are also the most commonly recycled incorrectly. Many people are unsure about which types of plastics are accepted at the recycling drop-off sites, leading to frequent mistakes.

“We get many calls from residents who are unsure about which types of plastics are accepted at the recycling drop-off sites, leading to frequent mistakes,” said Burchfield. “Our signs on the bins are very clear, and we want only accepted items in our bins.”

Some steps to identify if your plastic bottle or jug is recyclable include:

— Ask yourself, “Is it a plastic bottle or a plastic jug?” If the answer is no, then it cannot be recycled and should be placed in the trash. If the answer is yes, put it in the recycling bin.

— CCH SWD can recycle plastic bottles and jugs. Common recyclable plastic bottles and jugs include water bottles, laundry detergent jugs, milk jugs, soft drink bottles, mouthwash bottles, salad dressing bottles and vegetable oil bottles.

— What plastics are not recyclable in the bin? Plastic toys, plastic lawn chairs, plastic food containers like clamshells, 5-gallon buckets, plastic bags, carpet, plastic cutlery, plastic wrapping from water bottles and styrofoam.

— Ensure all recyclables are placed in the recycling bin clean, empty and loose.

“People keep tossing plastic toys, lawn chairs and other non-recyclables in the bins without reading the signs,” said Burchfield. “A lot of people just want to get rid of their stuff and throw it in there.”

Burchfield explained that taxpayers are not paying for recycling like most people think.

“We don’t receive money from the county’s general fund like some solid waste districts in other Ohio counties do,” said Burchfield. “Our operating fees come from gate fees from the landfills. We hope never to have to tax residents, but if garbage and bulky items keep ending up in our recycling bins, costs rise, and residents might eventually face taxes. We need good, clean recycling to avoid this outcome.”

Putting garbage in recycling bins is costly to the district, as the garbage company charges $110 a ton. Burchfield said, “Nine years ago we were paid for recycling. Now we have to pay.”

As a result, problem sites are being removed if people cannot follow the rules.

“We can’t afford to continue to pay for residents’ garbage service,” added Burchfield. “If you put a tire in our bin, that costs the district $50 per tire. We want our funds to support recycling programs, not dispose of someone’s trash.”

In the last three years, CCH SWD recycling processing alone has cost the district: 2023, $250,203.38; 2024, $264,868.65; and 2025, $273,830.03.

Drivers make 105 stops a week, and they must be at Kimble by 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturdays. With limited drivers, they serve the busiest sites four times a week and have no time to do extra pick-ups.

“It is very important to recycle, and we appreciate our true recyclers out there,” said Burchfield.

“It is the garbage and trash that weigh more than recycled products and cost more, which in return takes away from funding for other important programs.”

Best recycling practices include:

— No bags, with no exceptions.

— Flatten cardboard. This gives more space for others in the community to use the bins.

— Small items are big problems. Don’t recycle anything smaller than a credit card.

— Make sure items are clean, empty and dry.

— Separate materials properly to avoid contamination in the bins.

— Know your plastics (the bins only allow plastic bottles or jugs).

— Stop wishcycling. If in doubt, throw it in the garbage.

— Educate yourself on what goes into recycling.

Earth Day is April 22, and the five R’s of zero waste living are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot. These help make a difference by incorporating small changes into daily life at home and in the office.

Here are 10 simple things Burchfield said people can do to help protect the earth:

Reduce, reuse and recycle: Cut down what you throw away. Follow the three R’s to conserve natural resources and landfill space.

Volunteer: Participate in cleanups in your community and help protect your watershed.

Educate: Learn more and help others understand the importance of natural resources.

Conserve water: Using less water reduces runoff and wastewater entering waterways.

Choose sustainable options: Learn how to make smart seafood choices at www.fishwatch.gov.

Shop wisely: Buy less plastic and bring reusable shopping bags.

Use long-lasting light bulbs: Energy-efficient bulbs reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Turn off lights when leaving a room.

Plant a tree: Trees provide food and oxygen, help save energy, clean the air and combat climate change.

Avoid sending chemicals into waterways: Choose non-toxic products for home and office use.

Bike more, drive less.

“Overall, everything would go much more smoothly for the CCH SWD if people kept trash and garbage bags out of our bins,” said Burchfield. “I am truly thankful for those who recycle correctly.”