Did you know that any non-recyclable item placed in a recycling bin is considered contamination? A single piece of contamination in a recycling bin can have far-reaching, long-lasting impacts. Recyclables that have been contaminated can no longer be processed, and instead pose a further risk to other recyclables. This can mean that entire bins of valuable recycling can be diverted to the landfill. In Darke County, the solid waste district holds various recycling events for residents to dispose of their hard to recycle items. Even though the district recycles these items on an annual basis, Rumpke CAN NOT accept them in their recycling bins. Items such as televisions, stereos, air conditioners, household chemicals, paint, construction debris, wiring, batteries, plastic home goods and toys, and tires are prohibited in the bin.
At this time, Rumpke can only recycle #1 & # 2 plastics, glass jars and bottles (no Pyrex or windows, etc), juice cartons, office paper and cardboard, and aluminum and metal cans. For a complete list of items accepted by Rumpke in the recycling bins, visit the Rumpke website at: https://www.rumpke.com/for-your-home/recycling or call the solid waste district office at 937-547-0827 to have a copy mailed to you.
Unfortunately, it only takes one non-recyclable item to spoil a whole bin of recyclables. That one non-recyclable item could force the hauler to have to treat the entire load as trash. Getting rid of contaminated recycling bags and trash costs the Darke County Solid Waste District and jeopardizes the future of recycling programs. The district pays a monthly fee for these recycling bins to be emptied. When there is contamination, the district is then charged an extra fee to have the bins dumped as trash. We have to pay two times for one bin, when contaminated!!
Due to the continuous contamination in recycling bins, the bins in Arcanum in Sutton’s Parking Lot were removed on August 9th. Other area recycling bins in danger of being removed are Tri-Village Schools, Butler Twp. and Ansonia. Recently found in the recycling bin has been wiring, mattresses, a loveseat, and a dresser. Also found outside the bin were cardboard boxes. Cardboard boxes outside of the bin are considered littering and can be punished. HELP US KEEP YOUR COSTS AS LOW AS POSSIBLE!!! If you have a question about whether or not something can be recycled, call the Darke County Solid Waste District at 937-547-0827.
If you are caught placing trash or non-recyclable materials in one of the district’s recycling bins, you violate the following Ohio Revised Code Law and its penalties and could be prosecuted:
3767.32 Littering.
(A) No person, regardless of intent, shall deposit litter or cause litter to be deposited on any public property, on private property not owned by the person, or in or on waters of the state
3767.99 Penalty.
(C) Whoever violates section 3767.13 , 3767.19 , or 3767.32 or, being a natural person, violates section 3767.30 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the third degree. The sentencing court may, in addition to or in lieu of the penalty provided in this division, require a person who violates section 3767.32 of the Revised Code to remove litter from any public or private property, or in or on waters of the state. A third degree misdemeanor is punishable by a maximum $500 and/or 60 days.