Make A Difference

Recycle Right: For the Environment, The Economy, & Our Community

In Franklin County, recycling isn’t just good for the planet—it’s vital for our economy, our environment, and future of our community. Recycling supports more than 370 local businesses, creates 5,000 jobs, and generates $1.3 billion in annual revenue for our economy. Unfortunately, 76% of material entering the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill could have been diverted through proper recycling or composting, so there’s more that we could be doing to divert waste and extend the life of the landfill.

When we recycle, we reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. Manufacturing products from recycled materials uses significantly less energy—creating an aluminum can from recycled content uses 95% less energy than making one from virgin materials. This means cleaner air, less habitat destruction, and reduced strain on our landfills.

But recycling the right way matters as much as recycling itself. Contamination from improper recycling can render entire batches of materials unusable, wasting the efforts of neighbors who sorted carefully. Following best practices like keeping materials clean and dry, and knowing what belongs in your bin ensures that recyclables actually get processed into new products.

With central Ohio’s population projected to grow by 1 million over the next three decades, our recycling habits today directly impact the community we leave for future generations. By taking a few extra moments to recycle right, each of us contributes to a stronger, cleaner, more prosperous Franklin County.