Paper, Plastic and Aluminum Cups Now Accepted

Feb 02, 2022

Rumpke Waste and Recycling announced that they have expanded the residential recycling program to include paper, plastic, and aluminum cups. The addition of these materials to the recycling program is a big accomplishment for area residents and businesses who have long advocated for this change. The continued growth of this program is a testament to the high importance our Region places on recycling and SWACO will continue to help Franklin County communities enhance and improve upon existing recycling programs.

While certainly good news for our Region, there are several important program Do’s and Don’ts to be aware of and which will help to ensure a successful transition.   

New Items Being Accepted – Paper, Plastic and Aluminum Cups

Effective February 1, 2022, paper, plastic and aluminum cups will be accepted for recycling in Franklin County. This includes poly-lined paper cups such as disposable “to-go” coffee cups. The paper sleeves frequently added to these cups are also accepted but their plastic lids should be thrown away.

Plastic fast-food cups are also accepted. Empty them, remove straws and place the plastic lids back on. Please avoid throwing the lids loosely into the cart.

Finally, aluminum cups such as those used at many stadiums and some dedicated outdoor refreshment areas (DORAs) are now accepted. Again, these items should be empty when put in with recycling.

With the addition of cups, Franklin County’s current list of acceptable materials includes the following items: Paper and cardboard, plastic bottles, tubs and jugs, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, cartons and disposable cups.

What to Avoid

Items on the ‘no-no’ list include disposable plastic party cups (“Solo” is one common brand), Styrofoam cups, K-cups, plastic coffee cup lids, straws, take out containers and clamshell containers like those used for strawberries and blueberries.

Unfortunately, if you aren’t able to avoid using these items, the only current options for disposing them are to either reuse them (look for someone in your local Facebook Freebies group who may use them for a craft, to organize art supplies or a school project) or put them in the trash where they’ll be safely disposed at the landfill.

SWACO is already in the process of updating our education materials and other resources.  Please follow us on social media to learn about future program changes @SWACO_Green and @SWACO.org 

Together we can make a difference.

*As of November 1, 2024, clear plastic clamshell containers are accepted in curbside recycling and at SWACO recycling drop-off locations in Franklin County.