|| Frequently Asked Recycling Questions

What can I do with my cereal boxes, 6 pack boxes and other such material?

What are plastic "films?" I've seen the term "films" on several of your new signs and handouts.

I understand you don't take plastic bags anymore but what about packaging material with a #4 on it?

Where do I recycle my plastic grocery bags?

Can you recycle plastic lids from #1 and #2 bottles?

Are biodegradable corn and potato cups recyclable because they have a #7 or "other" symbol?

I have to clear out my property for fire mitigation. What can I do with all of the wood slash?

Why won't you take my plastic oil bottles? Can I put used motor oil in my old plastic milk containers, recycle the oil, and then recycle the plastic milk jug?

Is it okay to mix my transmision fluid and oil together to recycle at the recycling facility at the landfill?

Q: What can I do with my cereal boxes, 6 pack boxes and other such material?

A:  This material (known as paperboard or chipboard) is actually recyclable in Summit County! Just break them down as you would cardboard and place them in with the cardboard at the recycling centers.

Q: What are plastic "films?" I've seen the term "films" on several of your new signs and handouts.

A:  Plastic "film" is a term that the plastic industry and recyclers give plastic bags, wrapping, and packaging. Most plastics can be divided into two types: containers and films. Containers include bottles, tubs, and trays (which we do acccept at the drop-off centers). Films include shopping bags, Ziploc bags, bubble wrap, packaging materials, Visqueen, tarps, Saran wrap... to name a few. We are no longer taking any "films" at the recycling centers, even if they are marked with the appropriate recycling symbol. Some films are being accepted by City Market, Wal-Mart, and Safeway. Please check with these stores to find out their guidelines for recycling plastic films.

Q: I understand you don't take plastic bags anymore but what about packaging material with a #4 on it?

A:  Unfortunately, we are no longer taking any kind of bag or "film" regardless of recycling symbol or number. Plastic "films" include Ziploc bags, bubble wrap, packaging, Visqueen and Saran wrap. Please do not put any kind of plastic bag, packaging, or wrap in any of the bins at any of the Summit County Recycling Drop-off centers. You can take your plastic bags and "films" to City Market or return bags to Wal-Mart and Safeway. Be sure to check with the recycling guidelines at these stores before dropping off your plastic bags and films.

Q:  Where do I recycle my plastic grocery bags?

A:  Summit County Recycling no longer accepts plastic bags, wrapping, or packaging (please see about "films" above) of any kind. You can take your plastic bags to City Market, Wal-Mart, or Safeway for proper recycling.

Please note: if you choose to throw your plastic bags and films into the bins at the Summit County drop-off centers, they will not only contaminate the recycling stream and inhibit the recycling process, they will be thrown into our landfill. If you throw your bags into the temporary toter at the recycling sites, the bags and films will also be thrown into our landfill. Please make sure you sort your bags and films according to our recycling guidelines.

We always encourage reducing and reusing before recycling anyway. Therefore we think the best option is to begin carrying your own canvas bags to the store- they save resources, money (you get a 5 cent rebate at most stores) and are stronger and bigger, making for less trips to and from the car. Call us to find out where you can purchase one of our bags (668-5703) or go to Reusable Bags www.reusablebags.com  to see a wide selection (and learn more). Remember to always BRING YOUR OWN BAG!

Q: Can you recycle plastic lids from #1 and #2 bottles?

A:  We get this question all the time. Because the plastic lids you find on plastic bottles are so small, they usually get lost when the recyclables are bailed at the recycling center (MRF - Materials Recycling Facility at the Keystone landfill). We ask that you remove lids before recycling plastic containers. Also, when you leave the lids on plastic bottles the bottles retain air and have a harder time compacting when bailed. We don't want random lids flying off bailed plastic bottles - it makes it dangerous for the recycling techs.

Q: Are biodegradable corn and potato cups recyclable because they have a #7 or "other" symbol?

A:  This question doesn't matter as much anymore since the recycling drop-off centers stopped taking #3 - 7 plastics (as of June 1, 2009). However, it is good information to know. Corn, potato, or any kind of biodegradable plastic is not recyclable. With corn-plastics quickly increasing in popularity, many recycling facilities are facing a sticky sorting situation. Corn-plastics and conventional plastics look a lot alike. Sometimes the only distinguishing feature of a corn-plastic is a stamp of “biodegradable” or “compostable” and the recycling number 7. In fact, it is very easy to confuse the two if you don’t know otherwise. The main problem is that #7 includes other plastics that are recyclable. If you have a large amount of corn-plastics mixed in with soda bottles and plastic bags, recyclers have to pay big bucks to sort the materials or face contamination. Number 7 PLA (or compostable) plastics are supposed to be composted instead of recycled!

Q:  I have to clear out my property for fire mitigation. What can I do with all of the wood slash?

A:  There are many options.  You can contact a local tree removal and chipping service, or you can contact a local hauler (Timberline, Snowbridge, Waste Management) and ask them to take the slash to the SCRAP's (970-468-9263 x 0) wood waste and compost area.  Clean wood waste (free from rocks, dirt, and other trash) is much cheaper to recycle than to throw away.  For detailed information on the Mountain Pine Beetle and considerations, please refer to the Mountain Pine Beetle Task Force at www.summitpinebeetle.org.

Q:  Why won't you take my plastic oil bottles? Can I put used motor oil in my old plastic milk containers, recycle the oil, and then recycle the plastic milk jug?

A:  Plastics are made from petroleum. Any plastic container that has once contained motor oil (even if it is a #1 or #2 bottle) can no longer be recycled. Motor oil reaches into the pores of the plastic and can not be cleaned in conventional pre-recycling methods. Please reuse your motor oil containers when possible or invest in a durable container to transfer your oil from your engine to the recycling center.

Q: Is it okay to mix my transmision fluid and oil together to recycle at the recycling facility at the landfill?

A: Yes. You can mix your transmission fluid and oil together to recycle. Remember you must bring your oil and oil filters to the recycling facility at the landfill now. They are no longer accepted at the drop-off centers. Thank you!