Why it’s important to recycle plastic
Rumpke has made significant investments in recycling technology to improve accessibility, making it convenient for homeowners and businesses alike.
We offer curbside recycling and public recycling drop-offs for customers in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. We also offer single-stream recycling so that materials don’t need to be separated into different bins for pickup.
The average American generates nearly one ton of trash a year, making it more important than ever to recycle. Households that commit to a recycling program help reduce landfill waste.
Discarded plastic resists decomposition, and has a presumed life span of over 500 years. On the other hand, when plastic is recycled correctly, it can be repurposed beyond a single use.
Learn more about our recycling programs, and how you can make your recycling efforts count.
Types of plastic that can be recycled
Rumpke recycling centers can accommodate an array of plastic items including:
Our single-stream program also makes it easier to manage all acceptable items to recycle, such as recycling glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, and steel cans and lids.
Tips and best practices for recycling plastic at home
- Keep screw-on plastic lids attached to beverage bottles, or toss them in the trash. They’re too small to recycle on their own and can disrupt sorting machines.
- Rinse containers like sauce jars and milk jugs before recycling. Contamination decreases the likelihood that plastic will be recycled.
- Avoid trying to recycle plastic grocery bags, wrappers, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam egg cartons, polystyrene, or motor oil.
Residential and commercial options for recycling plastic
Homeowners in many areas are eligible for residential recycling pickup, but can also bring materials to a designated drop-off location in their community.
Businesses should contact us to start with a commercial recycling audit so our knowledgeable teams can help you determine which materials you can and should recycle. After that, Rumpke will send your business right-sized containers to meet your recycling needs.
FAQ—Plastic recycling
Where can I recycle plastic near me?
Rumpke is dedicated to keeping neighborhoods beautiful, which is why we offer hassle-free and reliable curbside pickup for homeowners. You can learn more about curbside guidelines on the website. Contact us today and we’ll be happy to help confirm the best recycling service for plastic materials.
Can plastic water bottles be recycled?
Yes, all bottled water containers are made to be recycled! Companies can reuse the plastic to make new ones.
Can I put plastic in my recycling bin?
Yes, Rumpke offers single-stream recycling so that materials don’t need to be separated into different bins for pickup. Just be sure to rinse out any plastic food and drink containers to eliminate food getting mixed into the stream.
What’s the best way to recycle plastic?
Families and business owners looking to maximize their recycling efforts should sign up for service with Rumpke. Our single-stream programs focus on all recyclable materials—glass recycling, plastic recycling, and more—not just individual pre-sorted materials. Many communities also have public recycling drop-off boxes to make recycling easier.
This comprehensive approach helps divert the greatest volume of recyclable materials from landfills.
Do I have to sort plastic by type?
Sorting plastic by type is no longer necessary! Recyclable plastics are bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups. Unlike dual-stream recycling programs, Rumpke’s single-stream program allows residential recyclables to be mixed together and sorted later at an advanced recycling facility.
What plastic cannot be recycled?
While many material manufacturers are working to produce only recyclable plastic, not all plastics are recyclable in our recycling program. Currrently, we are only able to accept plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and cups.
Contaminants on recyclables is another reason that items–and large batches of material from the same shipment–are often denied from the recycling process. Unwashed food containers, greasy pizza boxes, plastic grocery bags, toothpaste tubes, paper towels, styrofoam, and toilet paper are items that are often mistaken as being recyclable materials, but instead disrupt the entire recycling system.
Let Rumpke take care of your recycling needs
Rumpke brings responsible and innovative practices to its customers, whether you’re a homeowner, or a business seeking office recycling services. We have over 90 years of experience in the waste and recycling business, which means we know what it takes to create cleaner and greener, sustainable communities. We’re committed to keeping our environment healthy in everything we do.
In addition to recycling services, we’re also equipped to handle regular garbage pickup and much more including yard waste, bulk trash pick up, and dumpsters.
If you want to learn more about what we can do for you or if you’re ready to request service, please fill out our service request form so our team can contact you.
