A leading cause of sewer blockages across the U.S. is the accumulation of fats, oils, and greases in sanitary sewers. If wastewater can’t move freely through pipes and into the sewer system, it can back up into your home and can cause unsanitary conditions that can be expensive to repair.  Please take large volumes of expired cooking oil and grease to SWACO’s permanent household hazardous waste facility for safe disposal. Items will be accepted if in a tightly sealed container.

Check out the City of Columbus wastewater treatment website to learn more about keeping fats, oils, and greases out of the sewer drains.

TIP

• Place cooled cooking oil and fats in a sealed container and discard small quantities with your regular trash.
• Use a paper towel to wipe cooking oil and fats from pots, pans, plates, and utensils prior to washing.

Most paper, plastic & metal cups can be recycled in your residential program or SWACO drop-off recycling location.

QUICK TIPS

Unfortunately, the only type of cup that is NOT accepted is a party cup such as a solo cup.

Please make sure cups are empty. Rinse out with water if necessary & remove straws.  Leave lids on plastic cups. Lids on the paper cups should be discarded in the regular trash.

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs & at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program

Improperly discarded tires pose a significant environmental and health threat since tires provide an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus.  As a result, properly recycling your old tires is one of the most environmentally responsible acts that you can take as a citizen.  When purchasing new car tires, please allow the retail store to recycle the worn-out tires on your behalf. These stores must follow State regulations to have the tires properly managed, typically through recycling.

If you already have tires at home, contact a tire retail store such as Discount Tire, Firestone Auto Care, and National Tire and Battery. Most of these stores will properly dispose of tires for a small fee.  Liberty Tire Recycling will also accept all kinds of rubber tires, including bicycle tires, for a fee.  Please call your local bicycle shop to see if they have a recycling program for worn-out bicycle tires.

ATTENTION

• State laws restrict tires from being disposed of in landfills and should be recycled properly to protect public health.
• In the State of Ohio, you must be registered with Ohio EPA to transport more than 10 tires at a time. If you have more than 10 tires or have a large tire pile to be cleaned up, contact a registered tire transporter for disposal services.  Contact the Ohio EPA for a complete list of registered tire transporters and other information about scrap tire management and clean-up.
• Need to report an illegal tire dump in Franklin County? Call the Environmental Crimes Task Force of Central Ohio at 614-871-5322 or submit a report online at itsacrime.org.

Do not place durable plastic items such as plastic toys in curbside recycling or a SWACO drop-off. If in good working condition, please donate it for reuse at one of many charitable organizations. If the item cannot be donated for reuse, place it in the regular trash for disposal.

To learn more about the types of plastics that are and are not accepted in your curbside recycling. 

pro TIPS

• Consider participating in a  take-back program for toys such as Lego Replay or Mattel PlayBack where these toys will be donated to charities or recycled into new toys.

Do not place mirrors & window glass in your curbside recycling.

ATTENTION

Not all glass can be recycled.  The following types of glass items do not belong in your curbside recycling or SWACO recycling location:

• No light bulbs
• No crystal
• No mirror or window glass
• No ceramics such as dishware or ovenware
• To learn more about the types of glass that can be recycled in Franklin County, please refer to the frequently asked questions page. 

Quick Tip

If the ceramics or glass items are in usable condition, consider donating them to a local charity that can reuse or resell the items to help support their mission. To avoid mirror shattering, place tape across in an “X” pattern.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

If mirror or window pane is broken, place in a durable container to ensure safety of trash collection personal.

Pallets can be refurbished or recycled into mulch through specialized companies. Please call ahead for instructions for drop-off.

If you are a commercial business, a pick-up service may be available. Please call ahead to learn more about the quantities required and fees for the service.

ATTENTION:

• Pallets should not be placed in curbside recycling or broken up and mixed with yard waste.
• Pallets should be clean and without plastic wrapping.
• If recycling isn’t an option, call your local city sanitation department and request a bulk pick up.

Do not place broken ceramics in your curbside recycling.  They belong in the trash.

ATTENTION

Not all glass can be recycled.  The following types of glass items do not belong in your curbside recycling:

• NO light bulbs
• No crystal
• No mirror or window glass
• No ceramics such as dishware or ovenware
• To learn more about the types of glass that can be recycled curbside in Franklin County, please refer to the frequently asked questions page. 

Quick Tip

If the ceramics or glass items are in usable condition, consider donating them to a local charity that can reuse or resell the items to help support their mission.

Some nurseries will accept pots and flats for reuse & recycling. Nationwide, The Home Depot and Lowe’s have a collection program for nursery pots and trays. Check with your local nursery store for details as a recycling program is a store-by-store decision based on management.

ATTENTION

Do not put flower pots and flats in your curbside recycling.  If taking them back to a local nursery isn’t feasible, please discard in the trash.

Single-use coffee pods and capsules do not belong in curbside recycling.  The cups are too small to be sorted properly at the recycling facility and belong in the trash.

quick tips

• Consider participating in a mail back program that accepts coffee capsules for recycling.  For example, Grounds To Grow On & Terracycle’s K-cup and coffee capsule program
• If you don’t use a mail back program, consider removing the coffee grounds and composting them in your backyard bin or pile before discarding the capsule in the trash.

Do not place durable plastic items such as plastic toys, buckets, hangers, milk crates, storage containers, kids furniture, and playsets in curbside recycling. If in good working condition, please donate it for reuse at one of many charitable organizations. If the item cannot be donated for reuse, place it in the regular trash for disposal.

To learn more about the types of plastics that are and are not accepted in your curbside recycling. 

qUICK TIPS

• Consider participating in a  take-back program for toys such as Lego Replay or Mattel PlayBack where these toys will be donated to charities or recycled into new toys.

Aluminum foil and foil pans are not accepted for recycling and should be discarded in the regular trash.

PRO TIPS:

Residents are encouraged to recycle paper signs in their curbside recycling cart.  Stretch or film plastic signs can be recycled at a variety of grocery stores as part of the film plastic recycling programs, and the metal stands can be taken to a local metal recycler.

WHY CAN’T THIs type of plastic BE RECYCLED in my curbside bin?

The types of plastics used to construct these signs are not accepted at the recycling facility that processes recyclables in Franklin County. Due to the different types of plastics used, and the variability in sizes and shapes of these materials, they are difficult to separate at the recycling facility and strong end markets don’t exist even if they are successfully separated.

Following the election each year, SWACO hosts a collection event to collect unwanted yard signs for recycling.  The event takes place the Saturday after the election each Fall. That event has already taken place for 2022.

SWACO operates a drop-off program to serve Franklin County residents and businesses who need additional recycling capacity. Annually about 6,000 tons of recyclable material is diverted from the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill through this program.

When using this program, please remember:

•  ONLY recycle the following items:
  • Paper & Cardboard (break down and flatten cardboard boxes)
  • Plastic Bottles, Jugs, Tubs, & Cups (lids and labels accepted)
  • Glass Bottles and Jars (all colors accepted)
  • Metal Cans & Cups (remove aerosol tips)
  • Cartons (rinse and remove lids)
• Keep recyclables loose; DON’T place them in plastic bags.
• If you see illegal dumping and misuse of the containers, report it. Call 614-971-5322 or log on itsacrime.org 
• Use our Recycling & Reuse Search Tool to find out where to recycle materials not accepted in the drop-off program.

Currently, there are no local recycling options for mattresses.  Sometimes mattresses can be donated if they are in good condition.  The Furniture Bank of Central Ohio will accept if in gently worn condition.  Please double check their donation standards.

If the mattress cannot be reused, contact your local city service department to schedule a bulk pick-up or take the mattress to the Franklin County Landfill for disposal.

Construction and demolition debris is defined as materials resulting from the alteration, construction, destruction or repair of a physical structure. Residents and businesses can dispose of construction debris at local private facilities such as:

• Frank Road Recycling Solutions
• Scotts C & D Landfill

Companies such as: Staples, Office Max and UPS all provide shredding at their retail stores.  Please refer to the company’s program to learn more about pricing and locations. Shred – it also provides community events periodically. Check here to find an upcoming event near you.

ATTENTION

• Rumpke no longer accepts shredded paper in clear plastic bags. Please take your shredded paper to a community shredding event or to one of the above retail stores.
• Shredded paper should not be placed loose in your recycling bin as it can contaminate the load of recyclables.

• Automobiles, motorcycles, and many other items use Lead-acid batteries. These batteries can often be recycled at auto repair stores and auto parts stores. Call your local store to confirm that they will accept your battery.
• Power tools use a variety of battery types, including Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion).  All Lowes and Home Depot stores will accept batteries from power tools, as well as some other battery types.  

ATTENTION

• Batteries should never be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container. They can cause fires at the local recycling facility and put recycling workers at risk.
• Safety first! In order to safely prepare batteries for recycling either place each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container or tape the battery terminals with clear packing tape or non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible so that the battery type can be identified.

Cell phones and Cell Phone Batteries should NEVER be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container. They can cause fires at the local recycling facility and put recycling workers at risk.

ATTENTION

• Cell phones and cell phone batteries can be recycled at a variety of locations, including Verizon, Lowes, Home Depot, and Best Buy stores, among other locations.
• Safety first! To safely prepare batteries for recycling either place each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container or tape the battery terminals with clear packing tape or non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible so that the battery type can be identified.

Unfortunately, paper towels are not recyclable. As a result, they should NOT be put into your residential recycling bin or in a recycling drop-off container but should be disposed with your residential trash.

WHY CAN’T THIS BE RECYCLED?

The fibers in paper towels are too short to be recycled. Each time paper is recycled the fibers get shorter. At some point those fibers are no longer long enough to be recycled.

QUICK TIPS

• Use cloth towels in your kitchen! Not only is it better for the environment, it may save you money in the long run!
• If you have a backyard composting bin or pile, paper towels and napkins can be a good source of carbon and can be composted along with other organic materials.

Unfortunately, take-out food containers are not recyclable with your residential recycling in Franklin County. As a result, these items should NOT be put into your residential recycling bin or drop-off container but should be disposed of with your residential trash. This includes “clam-shell” containers made out of clear plastic or polystyrene (typically a white foam material), and other shapes and sizes of plastic take-out containers.

WHY CAN’T THIS BE RECYCLED?

The types of plastics used in these containers are not accepted at the recycling facility that processes residential recyclables in Franklin County. Due to the different types of plastics used, and the variability in sizes and shapes of these materials, they are difficult to separate at the recycling facility and strong end markets don’t exist even if they are successfully separated.

QUICK TIPS

More people are bringing their own “take-home” containers to restaurants in case they have leftovers at the end of the meal. While not yet as common as people bringing their own reusable bags to grocery stores, there are growing efforts among Franklin County residents to reduce the amount of unrecyclable plastic that they generate. The next time you’re heading out to a restaurant, give it a try!

Terracycle Recycling Program

Terracycle offers a FREE recycling program for all brands of plastic food storage containers including the black takeout food containers. To learn more about the program, click here.

Unfortunately, this type of plastic, polystyrene is not accepted for recycling in Franklin County. As a result, party cups should NOT be put in your residential recycling bin or drop-off container, but should be disposed with your regular trash.

WHY CAN’T THIS BE RECYCLED?

Not all cups are made from the same type of plastic. Party cups are made from a plastic called polystyrene. Currently there aren’t stable end users for this type of material & therefore aren’t readily recyclable.

Quick Tip

Consider participating in a mail-back program that accepts cups for recycling.  For example, Terracycle’s Solo Cup program.

Diapers must be disposed of in your residential trash.

Unfortunately, expanded polystyrene is a type of plastic material that is not recyclable with your residential recyclables in Franklin County. As a result, these items should NOT be put into your residential recycling bin or drop-off container but should be disposed of in your residential trash. Common expanded polystyrene items include take-out food containers, packing materials in boxes, and packing peanuts.

WHY CAN’T THIS BE RECYCLED curbside?

While the technology exists to recycle expanded polystyrene or styrofoam, limited markets for the material and challenges with transportation costs have prevented viable recycling options for residents. (Since the material is so lightweight, transportation costs can be prohibitively high.) You may have noticed that more companies are moving away from polystyrene packing materials to more sustainable options due to these issues.

QUICK TIPS

Periodically, the City of Hilliard hosts Styrofoam collection events. Please check Hilliard’s website to see if any collection events are coming up.

Some carpet installers may be able to recycle used carpet or padding.  Unfortunately, for a homeowner left with used carpet or padding there is no option available to recycle the material in Franklin County at this time. This material must be disposed with your residential trash or disposed of at the Franklin County Sanitary Landfill.

QUICK TIPS

• Some communities in Franklin County, including Columbus, require scheduling of bulk pick-up for collection of large items like used carpet. Columbus residents can call 614-645-3111 or use www.311.columbus.gov. Residents in other communities should contact their local political jurisdiction to determine if there are any bulk pick-up requirements.
• Room-sized pieces of new, unused carpet can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Contact them at the link above for more information.

DIRECTIONS TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SANITARY LANDFILL

Recycle concrete through a specialized construction company or take to a designated Construction and Demolition Debris landfill for recycling:

• Complete Resources
• VLD Grading
• National Lime & Stone (concrete only)
• Frank Rd Recycling Solutions
• Scotts C& D Landfill

Please call ahead to confirm pricing and drop off guidelines.

Latex and water-based paints are not considered hazardous, and if dried or solidified can be disposed in your household trash.

QUICK TIPS

• Kitty litter or sawdust may be added to left over latex paint in order to solidify the unused product.
• Paint hardeners may also be purchased at the hardware store for this purpose.
• Leave the lid off to speed drying time and to let sanitation workers know that the can is not full of liquid paint.
• SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste location will accept latex paint for a charge. Call ahead to determine the cost.

Books can be donated to a variety of charitable organizations throughout Franklin County.

Useable furniture (intact, functioning furniture) may be donated to a large number of charitable organizations in Franklin County. Some may even be able to pick up the furniture from your home.

QUICK TIPS

While some degree of wear and tear is expected on donated furniture, the items should be functioning and clean. Heavily soiled or damaged materials may not be accepted.

A wide variety of metal items can be recycled at scrap metal recycling facilities, including metal appliances and items made from aluminum, steel, copper, and iron.

ATTENTION

To comply with state laws designed to deter scrap metal theft, you will be required to show a picture ID and have your photo taken for the transaction record.

QUICK TIPS

Scrap metal recycling facilities accept a very wide variety of items made primarily of metal. However, there are some items that they may not accept, such as beer kegs, railroad related materials, and cable or utility items. It is always best to call ahead to confirm that they will accept your items!

Important Covid-19 update: In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, some retail stores have temporarily ceased their collection of grocery bags and therefore are NOT collecting film and stretch plastic.  We recommend calling ahead to confirm that your neighborhood grocery store is still accepting this material.

Film or “stretch” plastic that is generated in the home can be recycled along with your plastic grocery bags. Examples include the plastic wrapping around paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls, water bottles, and other household goods that are purchased.

ATTENTION

• Do NOT put these materials in your household curbside recycling bin or in a SWACO recycling drop-off location.The recycling facility that accepts the mixed recyclables from your home is not designed to accept this material and it can cause significant problems at the recycling facility.

QUICK TIPS

• Virtually all grocery stores and some other types of retail stores provide recycling containers for plastic bags. Household film or stretch plastic may be recycled at these locations! 
• To determine whether the plastic can be recycled, pull the material to see if it stretches. If it stretches, it can be recycled at these locations. If it does NOT stretch, it should be put in your household trash.
• If the retail store container provides instructions for the materials that they accept, please read and follow those instructions.

Important Covid-19 update: In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, some retail stores have temporarily ceased their collection of grocery bags and therefore are NOT collecting this material for recycling.  We recommend calling ahead to confirm that your neighborhood grocery store is still accepting this material.

Plastic grocery bags, other plastic retail bags, and other types of household plastic bags can be recycled at a large number of locations in Franklin County.

ATTENTION

Do NOT put plastic bags in your household curbside recycling bin or in a SWACO recycling drop-off location. The recycling facility that accepts these mixed recyclables from your home is not designed to accept plastic bags and it can cause significant problems at the recycling facility.

QUICK TIPS

• In addition to plastic grocery and retail bags, these locations accept food storage bags, produce bags, bread bags, newspaper bags, and other similar types of plastic bags.
• These locations also accept the stretchable plastic wrapping from paper towels, toilet paper, and bottle water.
• If the retail store containers provide instructions for the materials that they accept, please read and follow those instructions.

Clothing, coats, shoes, purses, belts, linens, and other similar items may be donated to many charitable organizations and buy-back shops in Franklin County. Clothing should be in good condition without rips, stains or holes before considering donation.

PRO TIP:

Worn-out, stained denim apparel can be recycled through specialized programs such as Blue Jeans Go Green Denim Recycling. Denim in any condition can be recycled and given a second life as a pet bed, industrial mattress, or insulation liners for meal delivery.

For in-person drop-off recycling programs, Madewell offers a denim recycling program. Bring in any brand of jeans and receive a $20 discount on a new pair of jeans. The jeans will be recycled into insulation for houses.

Many types of household appliances can be donated or recycled, including large appliances like washers & dryers, refrigerators & stoves, and small appliances such as toasters, blenders, and vacuum cleaners.

Quick tips

• If your appliance is in good working condition, please consider donating it to one of the charitable organizations listed in the search results.
• Appliances that contain refrigerants, such as refrigerators and dehumidifiers, may not be accepted at all locations or may be charged a fee to be recycled. Please call ahead to confirm prior to visiting any of the locations listed.
• If purchasing a new large appliance, check to see whether they will collect your old appliance for recycling when delivering a new item.
• Some locations may only accept small appliances, while others may only accept large appliances. Please read the accepting entity’s web site carefully and call ahead!

Televisions can be donated to charitable organizations or recycled at a number of facilities throughout Franklin County. If your television is in good working order, please consider donating your item.

ATTENTION

• CRT (“tube” televisions) are typically NOT accepted for donation and virtually always require a fee to be recycled due to the materials that they contain.
• Projection televisions may also have some limitations or fees associated with them.
• Most styles of flat-screen televisions (LCDs, LEDs, etc.) do not have the same types of fees or restrictions, and are readily accepted for donation or recycling.

Many types of electronic devices can be donated or recycled, including televisions, computers, laptops, tablets, printers, calculators, cables, power supplies, and similar items.

ATTENTION

• CRT or “tube” style televisions and monitors may not be accepted or may require a fee to be recycled.  To confirm acceptance of CRTs and any associated fees, please call ahead!

QUICK TIPS

• If your electronic device is in good working condition, please consider donating it to one of the charitable organizations listed. 

• Given the wide variety of electronic items that households generate, and variations in the entities that accept these items, please read their web sites carefully and call ahead to confirm that they will accept your items!

To safely dispose of leftover pharmaceuticals from the home, the best option is to take them to a pharmaceutical drop-off location or a temporary collection event. There are many pharmaceutical drop-off locations available in central Ohio that can be located using the links and search button below.

Unused medicine that is left in the home creates a high risk of accidental overdose and illegal abuse if not properly disposed. Flushing medication down the toilet can contribute to water contamination and therefore is not recommended.

ATTENTION

• Only pills and other solid prescriptions, such as patches, can be disposed of at collection sites.
• Sharps are not accepted, but can be disposed of at several publicly available collection locations.

HELPFUL WEB SITES

• State Board of Pharmacy Drug Disposal Resources
• RxDrugDropBox.org
• U.S DEA Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locations Search Tool

Hypodermic needles and other medical “sharps” pose a significant health threat to recycling and sanitation workers and should NEVER be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container.

ATTENTION

• The safest option is to use an FDA-cleared sharps container to protect your family members, health workers, and sanitation workers prior to disposing of sharps. These containers are widely available at pharmacies and other retail stores.
• If an FDA-cleared container is not available, Nationwide Children’s Hospital has helpful instructions about alternatives that can be used.
• Several publicly available drop-off locations are available in central Ohio and can be located using the search button below.

HELPFUL WEB SITES

• Columbus Public Health Safe Needle Disposal
• Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sharps Containers at Home
• SafeNeedleDisiposal.org
• FDA Safe Sharps

Ionization smoke detectors contain a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke. According to the U.S. EPA, there is no health threat from ionization smoke detectors as long as the detector is not tampered with and it is used as directed.

ATTENTION

• While ionization smoke detectors may legally be thrown away with household trash, it is preferable to take these items to SWACO’s Household Hazardous Waste facility or a temporary collection event whenever possible.
• Photoelectric smoke detectors do not contain any radioactive material and can be disposed in your household trash.
• Safety first! Never take apart an ionization smoke detector.

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

SWACO operates a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Center located at:

645 E. 8th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614-294-1300

Weekly Hours
Wednesdays: 12pm-6pm
Thursdays: 9am-5pm
Fridays: 12pm-6pm
(Closed Holidays)

Oil-based paint and similar products like paint thinner and solvents are flammable and hazardous.

ATTENTION

These materials should not be placed in with your household garbage but should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste facility or collection event whenever possible. Please consider buying less hazardous alternatives when possible!

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

SWACO operates a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Center located at:

645 E. 8th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614-294-1300

Weekly Hours
Wednesdays: 12pm-6pm
Thursdays: 9am-5pm
Fridays: 12pm-6pm
(Closed Holidays)

Household batteries include single-use and rechargeable batteries in a variety of sizes (AA, AAA, 9v, etc.). The use of rechargeable batteries is recommended in order to reduce the number of batteries being disposed of each year.

• Rechargeable batteries can be recycled at Batteries Plus Bulbs stores. They are also accepted at SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility.
• Single-use household batteries (alkaline and other types) are accepted at SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility. Mail-in programs are available for a fee from Call2Recycle.
• Modern-day alkaline batteries no longer contain mercury and are classified as non-toxic by the Environmental Protection Agency and can be disposed of in household trash.

ATTENTION

• Batteries should never be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container. They can cause fires at the local recycling facility and put recycling workers at risk.
• Safety first! If you choose to recycle household batteries through a mail-in program, retail store, or take to SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility, please safely prepare them for recycling.  Please keep each battery in its own clear plastic bag before placing it in a storage container or tape the battery terminals with clear packing tape or non-conductive electrical or duct tape, keeping the label visible so that the battery type can be identified.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) (the small twisty type of light bulb) contain a small amount of mercury and should be recycled whenever possible. They can be recycled at all Lowes and Home Depot retail locations and at Batteries Plus Bulbs stores. They are also accepted at SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility.

ATTENTION

• CFLs should never be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container.
• Broken CFLs can release mercury vapor and should be cleaned up using U.S. EPA recommendations. U.S. EPA recommends that you DO NOT VACUUM the area where the bulb broke. Please read their recommendations.
• Other light bulbs such as: LED, incandescent and halogen bulbs are safe to dispose of in the trash.

Most retail stores that sell 20 lb. (gas grill size) propane tanks offer free exchange programs to get a new filled tank. Blue Rhino also offers a free recycling program for 20 lb. tanks that are no longer needed. Write “RECYCLE” on the tank and take it to any Blue Rhino location.

Smaller tanks are often not refillable but can be recycled at SWACO’s permanent Household Hazardous Waste facility.

ATTENTION!

Propane tanks should never be put in your curbside or drop-off recycling container. Even when they seem to be empty, they can retain enough propane to cause an explosion and put recycling workers at risk.

Most auto service stations and oil change businesses will accept used motor oil and used oil filters from residents for recycling. SWACO’s permanent household hazardous waste facility also accepts these items.

ATTENTION

• Motor oil should never be used to kill weeds, as a dust suppressant on dirt or gravel roads, burned, or poured down the drain or sewer.

• Facilities that accept used motor oil may also accept other auto fluids such as antifreeze. Call and ask!

Households generate a wide range of poisonous, dangerous, flammable, & corrosive products, including lawn chemicals, solvents, household cleaners, & pool chemicals.

ATTENTION!

These materials should not be placed in with your household garbage but should be taken to a Household Hazardous Waste facility or collection event whenever possible.  Please consider buying less hazardous alternatives when possible!

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

SWACO operates a permanent Household Hazardous Waste Center that accepts a wide variety of common household hazardous materials. A full list of materials is available at the web site below, or you can confirm acceptance by calling ahead.

Location
645 E. 8th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43201
Phone: 614-294-1300

Weekly Hours
Wednesdays: 12pm-6pm
Thursdays: 9am-5pm
Fridays: 12pm-6pm
(Closed Holidays)

Visit SWACO’S HHW Page

Almost 1,000,000 pounds of food waste is landfilled daily in Franklin County. Residents have many options to reduce food waste, including smarter meal planning strategies, in-the-kitchen prevention techniques, and backyard composting.      

For great tips on reducing food waste, proper storage, meal planning, and recipes for food that is “past its prime,” visit: Save More Than Food website.

Find a Community Drop-Off Program near you.

Twigs and small branches can be composted through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs.

QUICK TIPS

• Keep it loose in a container clearly marked “yard waste” or use compostable paper bags. Do not place material in plastic bags.
• Twigs can also be bundled with biodegradable twine or string (no nylon string or rope). Limitations on the size of the branches may apply. Call the facility to confirm.   
• No food, pet waste, dirt or rocks, sod, plastic pots, or any other non-organic material is accepted.

WHERE CAN I COMPOST THESE ITEMS?

Most communities provide residential curbside collection of yard waste, and it can be dropped off at several participating local businesses.

Find a Curbside Program

Weeds can be composted through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs.

QUICK TIPS

• Keep it loose in a container clearly marked “yard waste” or use compostable paper bags. Do not place material in plastic bags.
• No food, pet waste, dirt or rocks, sod, plastic pots, or any other non-organic material is accepted.
• Weeds are generally not suitable for home composting but can be composted through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs. 

WHERE CAN I COMPOST THESE ITEMS?

Most communities provide residential curbside collection of yard waste, and it can be dropped off at several participating local businesses.

Find a Curbside Program

Shrubs and other woody plants can be composted through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs.

QUICK TIPS

• Keep it loose in a container clearly marked “yard waste” or use compostable paper bags. Do not place material in plastic bags.
• No food, pet waste, dirt or rocks, sod, plastic pots, or any other non-organic material is accepted. 

WHERE CAN I COMPOST THESE ITEMS?

Most communities provide residential curbside collection of yard waste, and it can be dropped off at several participating local businesses.

Find a Curbside Program

Grass clippings can be composted at home or through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs.

QUICK TIPS

• Keep it loose in a container clearly marked “yard waste” or use compostable paper bags. Do not place material in plastic bags.
• No food, pet waste, dirt or rocks, sod, plastic pots, or any other non-organic material is accepted. 

WHERE CAN I COMPOST THESE ITEMS?

Most communities provide residential curbside collection of yard waste, and it can be dropped off at several participating local businesses.

Find a Curbside Program

All leaves from trees, shrubs, and plants can be composted at home or through curbside or drop-off yard waste programs.

QUICK TIPS

• Keep it loose in a container clearly marked “yard waste” or use compostable paper bags. Do not place material in plastic bags.
• No food, pet waste, dirt or rocks, sod, plastic pots, or any other non-organic material is accepted. 

WHERE CAN I COMPOST THESE ITEMS?

Most communities provide residential curbside collection of yard waste, and it can be dropped off at several participating local businesses.

Find a Curbside Program

Paper such as junk mail, newspaper, magazines, office & school paper, and paper grocery bags are accepted.  

QUICK TIPS

If the paper is coated with a plastic coating or foil, it is not accepted. Generally, if you can tear a paper item with your hands, it’s recyclable. 

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

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Cartons such as milk, broth, and juice boxes are accepted.

QUICK TIPS

Please empty cartons, remove and dispose of straws and lids (they can’t be recycled with the carton).

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program

Steel and aluminum cans are accepted for recycling. Empty aerosol cans are also accepted as long as the material in the can was not hazardous (like insect killer) and the tip has been removed.

QUICK TIPS

Labels do not need to be removed. Please rinse containers when necessary. See Scrap Metal for options on recycling other metal objects.

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program

All colors of glass bottles and jars are accepted.

QUICK TIPS

Labels do not need to be removed. Please rinse containers when necessary and put lids back on and they will be recycled too!

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program

All plastic bottles, jugs and tubs: All plastic bottles with a neck smaller than the base, plastic tubs, fruit cups, and yogurt containers can be recycled in your residential program.

QUICK TIPS

Please rinse out with water when necessary and put the cap or lid back on.

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program

Many types of cardboard items are recyclable, including corrugated cardboard, mail-order boxes, cereal boxes, paper towel rolls, and other items.

QUICK TIPS

Please flatten your cardboard boxes prior to putting them in your recycling container.

WHERE CAN I RECYCLE THESE ITEMS?

These materials are accepted in all residential curbside recycling programs and at all SWACO drop-off recycling locations.

Find a Curbside Program