Franklin County's diversion rate stands at 51% - higher than the national average! Residents are recycling more than ever and America Recycles Day (Nov. 15) is a perfect time to renew that commitment to waste diversion. This nationally recognized holiday, established by Keep America Beautiful, serves as an annual reminder to commit to and improve recycling around the country.  At SWACO, our goal is to ensure that people not only recycle but that they recycle right. By taking a few minutes to recycle the right way, you help reduce pollution, contribute to cleaner water, conserve limited natural resources, support our economy and reduce central Ohio’s reliance on landfills. 

Knowing what is and isn’t recyclable isn’t always obvious, so we’re sharing some of our favorite recycling tips as you enter the busy holiday season where entertaining is the name of the game: 

‘Tis the Season for Oils: 

• Are you planning to deep fry your Thanksgiving turkey? If you do, bring the leftover fryer oil in a sealed container to our Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW), located at 645 E. 8th Avenue in Columbus, and we will help you dispose of it safely. Hours and location details are available at www.swaco.org/hhw.  

Know Where to Throw: 

• If you’ve ever thrown a party, you’ve likely been overwhelmed with questions like, “Do you recycle?” or “Where should I recycle this?” when guests need to dispose of their trash. Make it easy on them by keeping your recycling container in a highly visible location. Consider also attaching a sign that shows guests what should be recycled, and what should be put in the trash.

Download and print this sign from SWACO before your next party! 

Cups are a go! 

• Earlier this year, Franklin County’s recycling program was expanded to accept disposable paper, plastic and aluminum cups for recycling. Be sure to remove any straws and ensure they're free of any liquids before recycling. (Unfortunately, Red Solo cups – a staple at many holiday parties – are still off-limits for recycling!) 

Bag the bags: 

• One in four homes in Franklin County still bag recyclables. When materials are bagged, they don't always get recycled. Don't let your efforts go to waste. Keep recyclables loose in your cart; don't bag them. 

Want more support? Register for our monthly Recycle Right webinar on November 16 here. SWACO recycling experts will go over the basics of how to recycle correctly, dispel notions and myths and answer your recycling questions. Webinars are free and open to the public.  

Want to learn even more about the benefits of recycling? Check out RecycleRight.org, and get America Recycles Day off on a great start.