Do you have a question about recycling or where to properly dispose of a household item? Check out these resources!

Can’t find something you are looking for? Check out Circular Indiana as a great resource to locate more recycling information through out Indiana.

Recycling, Reusing and Disposal:

Waste-not.org is a web site set up and updated by the Conservation Education Coordinator at the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District. The purpose of the site is to provide information for the people in Wayne and Union Counties regarding waste disposal, recycling, conservation, and local resources.

Plastic Recycling:

Did you know there are SEVEN different types of plastic? Each type of plastic has a specific use, and not all of them are recycled everywhere. Here are some other useful links that will guide you in your recycling journey!This site gives information regarding what happens to different types of plastics as they are recycled: https://owlcation.com/stem/How-plastic-is-really-recycled

 Sanitary District, this link will help you figure out what is recycled and what is thrown away: http://www.richmondindiana.gov/our_government/departments/sanitary_district/trash-recycling_pickup.htm

 

The Recycling Center in Richmond provides recycling containers for projects such as cleaning out the garage or doing home improvement: http://recyclingcenterinc.com/Services.html 

  

Other local recycling companies include Richmond Scrap Processors, Integrity Metals, and Perpetual Recycling Solutions. 

  

For everyday items, excellent recycling information can be found at https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/how-to-recycle-anything!

  

Curious about how plastic bottles are recycled? 

Check out: www.oberk.com/how-are-plastic-bottles-recycled!

  

Check out this useful resource for ways to recycle and reuse items in your home, reduce your energy use, and much more:  https://www.bottlestore.com/ways-to-reduce-reuse-recycle-plastic-containers

Need help decoding all of those recycling symbols and numbers? Want to guide you and your family in the do’s and don’ts of recycling? Check out this site: https://www.yourbestdigs.com/guide/recyclin 

Mattress Recycling/Donation Information:

Oftentimes you will see mattresses wrapped in plastic along the curb during trash day headed for, or even dumped in natural areas (not good for the environment or “curb appeal”). Depending on the condition of your mattress – you may be able to donate it or recycle it! Check out this website for more info: https://www.mattressadvisor.com/mattress-disposal-guide/

 

Electronic and Appliance Recycling:

Best Buy has an assortment of electronics and appliances that they accept for recycling. Check out their page for more information.

Looking for a guide on how to recycle your electronics? Want tips on what to do before safely disposing of them? Check out The Complete Guide to Recycling Electronics.

 

Batteries and Bulbs:

Batteries + Bulbs recycles batteries!  Small bags are free and large boxes are $0.30/pound. They are located at 3741 National Rd E, Richmond.

Are you an Earlham College student or staff member? Your Batteries can be taken to drop bins at Earlham College. Visit their Recycling and Sustainability site for details and locations.

 

Proper Smoke Detector Disposal:

Do you have an old malfunctioning smoke detector? Did you know that some smoke detectors have radioactive material in them?  Some state and local laws and regulations prohibit the disposal of ionization smoke detectors (that contain radioactive material) in the municipal waste stream. For this reason, smoke detectors containing radioactive material should be returned to the manufacturer for disposal. If the manufacturer refuses to accept the return of the smoke detector, check with your local government agency or contact the Office of Sustainability via email at sustainability@usps.gov. Visit this link to USPS.com for more information.

Proper Medicine Disposal:

Disposing of medicine improperly can lead to a whole host of problems for our water! Do the right thing and return unused or expired meds to Phillip’s Drugs (Richmond, IN) for collection and proper disposal. Thank you to Phillip’s Drugs for researching and implementing this green initiative! (Visit www.PhillipsDrugs.com or call 765-966-5544 for information)

Miscellaneous Recycling of Household Items:

  • Your local Goodwill Industries recycles nearly everything you can think of (even electronics)! The company has been recognized for its sustainability efforts and are a great stop before the landfill! Call 765-966-4108 for local hours and item acceptance policies. 

  • Have extra Amazon boxes? Fill them with all the stuff you’ve been meaning to take to Goodwill. Then visit http://givebackbox.com/amazon and print off a shipping label and drop it off at any UPS or USPS. Amazon will send your unwanted items to Goodwill for free! Recycle a box and help others reuse your old items! It’s a win-win!