No More Bin Guessing
Mar 23, 2026
Our lives are full. Between work, school, family, friends, errands and everything else on our plates, it can be hard to keep track of it all. Recycling is one of those habits most of us want to do well. But when days get busy, it is easy to default to the trash because it feels like the fastest option.
Often, materials that end up in the landfill could have been managed in a more sustainable way.
76% of the material collected at the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill from residents and businesses could have been reused, recycled or composted. That means most of what we throw away does not have to end up in the landfill. It just takes a little awareness and sometimes, a reminder.
Here are some items that may have ended up on the forgotten recycling list.
Junk Mail
It can pile up fast, coupon mailers, credit card offers and newsletters you did not request. Most people know paper is recyclable, but junk mail often ends up in the trash out of habit or confusion about what is accepted in curbside recycling.
All junk mail can be recycled, including:
- Catalogs and magazines
- Envelopes, even those with plastic windows (no need to remove the plastic)
- Glossy inserts and cardstock mailers
- Folded flyers and advertisements
Pro tip: Want to reduce junk mail? Visit DMAchoice.org to opt out of many national mailing lists.
Plastic Clamshell Containers
Clear plastic containers used for items like strawberries, salads, grapes and baked goods are accepted in curbside recycling in central Ohio. Many residents may not be aware of this update.
Before placing them in your recycling cart:
- Make sure the container is empty and remove any liners
Plastic Caps and Lids
There is a longstanding myth that caps must be removed before recycling. In central Ohio, you can leave caps on as long as they are made of the same material as the container.
What if your cap or lid is made from a different material than the container? Recycle metal lids separately. If it is a plastic lid on a paper cup, recycle the cup but throw away the lid.
Appliances
When a major appliance stops working, figuring out what to do with it can feel overwhelming. Repair and donation are good options to keep appliances out of the landfill. If an item is still in working condition, donation is the best first step. Visit the Choose to Reuse map to find organizations across central Ohio that accept appliances.
If an appliance has reached the end of its life, residents can bring items such as microwaves, refrigerators, stoves, washers and hair dryers to the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center for proper recycling. Appliances contain metals and other materials that can be recovered and reused.
Styrofoam
Large foam packaging often comes with new electronics and furniture. While Styrofoam is not accepted in curbside recycling, it should be kept out of the trash when possible. Bring it to the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center or find a Styrofoam drop-off location near you at RecycleRight.org.
Styrofoam is densified for more efficient transportation so it can be taken to an end user who gives it a new life.
Pro tip: Only expanded polystyrene, such as foam coolers, is accepted. Packing peanuts and food containers are not accepted.
Yard Signs
Yard signs often accumulate after events such as garage sales and graduation parties. These signs can be dropped off at the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center.
Empty Prescription Pill Bottles
Empty prescription pill bottles can be dropped off at the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center. Leave the lid on, but make sure the bottle is completely empty.
Pro tip: If you need to properly dispose of prescription pills, mark your calendar for the National Drug Take Back Day on April 25. The Drug Enforcement Administration coordinates take-back events at locations across the country twice a year, making it easy to safely dispose of medications.
Electronics
Laptops, power tools, tablets, cordless phones and other electronics should never go in curbside recycling or the trash. They can increase the risk of fires and contain materials that should not enter the landfill.
Consider whether the item still works. If it does, donation is a better option. Check the Choose to Reuse map to find local organizations that accept electronics.
When electronics reach the end of their useful life, residents can:
- Drop them off at the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center
- Participate in spring electronics recycling collection events. Find a collection event near you.
Recycling right is not about being perfect. It is about making better choices when you can. One of the simplest ways to do that is to pause before throwing something away and ask if there is another option.
More often than not, there is. Central Ohio residents have access to curbside recycling, drop-off locations and specialized facilities like the SWACO Recycling Convenience Center and Household Hazardous Waste Facility. These resources accept many materials people assume belong in the trash.
Taking advantage of these options is one meaningful way to reduce your household’s impact on the Franklin County landfill.
Recycling is just one part of a bigger picture. The four principles of waste reduction – reduce, reuse, recycle and compost can be added into your routine over time. You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one item, build the habit and grow from there. Over time, those small, consistent choices make a real difference.