MEDORA – For local waste and recycling companies like Rumpke, December is the unofficial season for trash, as Americans throw away 25 percent more material during the holidays. Rumpke reminds customers that not everything belongs in trash and recycling containers.
“With more material at the curb, we often see an increase in improperly discarded items,” said Hillary Ladig, communications coordinator, Rumpke. “Lithium-ion batteries, like those found in cell phones, laptops, toys, and power tools, should never be placed in trash or recycling containers, as they can ignite and cause fires in our trucks and facilities.”
Ladig advised taking batteries to designated drop-off locations like Batteries Plus stores or to check with the local solid waste district for disposal options. More information on how and where to properly dispose of batteries is available at www.batterysafetynow.org.
While flammable items, liquids, batteries, and hazardous materials should be left out of trash cans, Rumpke also encourages customers to adhere to its naughty and nice list for recycling.
Holiday Recycling Guide – Naughty and Nice List
Nice List (acceptable items)
- Non-foil wrapping paper
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper gift bags
- Gift boxes
- Postcards, greeting cards and envelopes
- Newspapers and sales ads
- Junk mail
- Clean pizza boxes
- Paperboard (like cracker & cereal boxes)
- Glass bottles & jars
- Beverage cartons
- Aluminum & steel cans
Naughty List (not accepted):
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Christmas lights
- Ornaments
- Christmas trees (real or artificial)
- Tissue paper
- Ribbons & bows
- Foil wrapping paper
- Toys
- Candles & candle holders
- Greeting cards with sound (these contain lithium-ion batteries and should not be discarded in trash or recycling)
- Styrofoam
- Plastic packaging (packing peanuts, bubble wrap, etc.)
As a reminder, Rumpke collection will be delayed one day due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Customers with Thursday collection will be serviced on Friday, and those with Friday collection will be serviced on Saturday during both weeks. Normal collection resumes the week of January 5.
For more information on Rumpke’s holiday schedule and to review recycling and trash guidelines, visit www.rumpke.com.
