Now that you have your new, larger recycling cart, you can put your best environmental foot forward by putting only accepted items in your recycling bin. When you recycle right, you protect the environment, preserve landfill space and help to create and support employment opportunities in Gahanna and across Franklin County.

The amount of waste being generated by Franklin County residents and businesses is staggering. In fact, last year, 2.1 million tons of waste were generated by residents and businesses – enough to fill Ohio Stadium four times. And even though nearly half of that material is being recycled or composted, over one million tons of waste still finds its way to Franklin County’s landfill every year. Recycling has never been more important.

When it comes to using your new blue bin – don’t just recycle. Recycle Right!

There are a number of items, like yogurt cups, plastic and foam food containers, plastic bags and wire hangers that many people think are recyclable in their curbside bin but really aren’t.  And improper items can cause serious delays and added expense to the recycling process.

In Franklin County, only five items are accepted for recycling:

• Paper and Cardboard
• Plastic Bottles and Jugs
• Glass Bottles and Jars
• Metal Cans
• Cartons

Everything else should be reused, donated, composted or disposed of safely.

It’s also important that recyclable items are prepared correctly.  Cardboard boxes should be broken down and recyclables should be kept loose in the bin – not bagged.

Why does all of this matter?

Proper recycling helps a lot more than the environment. Fewer resources earmarked for landfills means more resources available for well-paying community jobs.  Reusing and recycling materials also creates opportunities for new product innovations and technologies.

Make a Difference.

Gahanna and SWACO want to make recycling right as easy as possible for you so you’ll be receiving helpful recycling reminders and information in the mail.

If you want more details on our campaign to Recycle Right, you can also visit https://www.gahanna.gov/refuse-recycling-and-yard-waste/

Together, we can improve both the environment and the economy for Gahanna in ways that will pay off for years to come.