CHAMPAIGN ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist (can assist with questions if you cannot find the answer below) Champaign Public Works Department 702 Edgebrook Drive Champaign, IL 61820 217-403-4780 [email protected] Limited items accepted at this location; please keep reading to find out where you can recycle, donate, or dispose of items.
WHERE DO I RECYCLE, DONATE, OR DISPOSE OF IT?
Click on the topic of interest below to expand the information box.
CALL THE LOCATIONS TO CONFIRM INSTRUCTIONS, FEES, AND HOURS.
Aluminum Cans
Aluminum cans are accepted in the City’s single family curbside recycling program. as well as the City’s multifamily recycling program. Feed The Thing.
Additionally, Illini Recycling. 420 Paul Ave., Champaign, (217-356-0648) will buyback aluminum cans Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. (The price per pound varies by the market.) They accept aluminum cans that are crushed or not crushed; they accept only aluminum cans, not any other types of aluminum such as siding or pans, and they do not accept pop tabs separately. You can bring bags of aluminum cans to their recycling center, get a weight for them, and then bring that ticket to their office for payment.
Antifreeze
Currently there are no known local options to recycle antifreeze.
Antifreeze can be safely disposed of at long-term household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facilities in Illinois or at IEPA-Sponsored HHW Collection Events.
Champaign County typically hosts IEPA-Sponsored One-Day HHW Collection Events in the Spring (in April). The registration website is available year-round with up-to-date information.
ISCU
ISCU accepts WORKING appliances only for donation.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
1914 Glenn Park Dr., Champaign 217-359-0507 The ReStore accepts WORKING appliances only. including microwaves
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-352-8883 Check Best Buy’s website for specific details about appliance recycling.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana 217-328-2100 Call for acceptable items and fees (MICROWAVES are ACCEPTED for recycling)
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana 217-344-7696 Call for acceptable items and fees ( NO MICROWAVES ACCEPTED)
Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA)
44 E. Washington St., Champaign 217-359-7222 Call for acceptable items
The I.D.E.A. Store
125 Lincoln Square, Urbana 217-352-7878 Visit The I.D.E.A. Store’s website for more details.
Bill Smith Auto Parts
3405 N. Country View Rd., Urbana 217-367-5090
Mack’s Auto Recycling
1309 E. Kerr Ave., Urbana 217-367-6219
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana 217-344-7696
Additionally, Parkland College Automotive may accept automotive-related equipment and chemicals for their classes. Call to confirm.
Advance Auto Parts
Multiple locations in Champaign and Urbana
AutoZone
Multiple locations in Champaign and Urbana
Battery Specialists
133 Kenyon Rd., Champaign 217-352-0591
Interstate All Battery Center
2504 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign 217-355-4855
O’Reilly Auto Parts
1009 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign 217-352-1671
BATTERY RECYCLING DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:
Champaign Public Works Dept 702 Edgebrook Drive, Champaign Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The black/yellow drop-off bin is located inside the Public Works building lobby and is accessible during lobby hours.
5 Important Rules To Read Before You Drop Off Batteries :
Household quantities of batteries ONLY; batteries NOT accepted from schools, (commercial) businesses, institutions, etc. 2. NO loose batteries; please place batteries inside of a bag or box before you place them in the drop-off bin. 3. Mercury thermostats and thermometers can also be placed in this bin (clearly marked and inside of a sealed bag or box). 4. Please tape all rechargeable batteries and lithium batteries, including lithium button cell batteries. Alkaline (single-use) batteries, non-lithium button cell batteries, NiMH, NiCad, and Zinc Air do NOT need to be taped. ( No drill batteries please; you can bring those to Home Depot or Lowe’s, info below. And no lead acid batteries; you can bring those to Interstate Batteries, info below. ) 5. NO OTHER ITEMS ARE ACCEPTED!
Please refer to this guide for other local drop-off locations for Household batteries within Champaign County.
This program is coordinated by the Environmental Sustainability Specialist, 217-403-4780.
These locations accept rechargeable batteries only:
Battery Specialists
133 Kenyon Rd., Champaign 217-352-0591
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-352-8883
Home Depot
820 Bloomington Rd., Champaign 217-356-2629 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, left side)
Interstate All Battery Center
2504 N. Mattis Ave., Champaign 217-355-4855
Lowe’s
1904 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-373-7300 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, to the right)
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana 217-344-7696 Call first to confirm
UPS Store (Baytowne Shoppes)
907 W. Marketview Dr., Champaign 217-359-6233
Business/Restaurant Trash Recycling
See the “Commercial (Business) Trash Recycling” tab.
Cardboard
Cardboard is accepted in the City’s single family curbside recycling program. as well as the City’s multifamily recycling program. Feed The Thing.
If you live outside of Champaign City limits, then Illini Recycling accepts cardboard at their recycling facility, 420 Paul Ave., Champaign (217-356-0648).
Carpet
Contact your solid waste hauler for disposal options. Or contact the following businesses to see what services they currently offer:
Henson Disposal 910 Saline Ct., Urbana 217-417-8788 Open to the general public; 96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services 915 Saline Ct., Urbana 217-384-2274 Open to the general public; 110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and 301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
Call the locations to confirm instructions, fees, and hours.
Cassette VHS Tapes
Check with local organizations for donation options (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.) for old VHS movies and old music cassette tapes.
As of 10/27/21, this is the only/closest option we are aware of to recycle old VHS and/or cassette tapes: Technology Recyclers 8401 E. Washington St., Indianapolis Call to confirm: 1-800-237-3887
CDs / DVDs
The Champaign Public Library, 200 W Green St., accepts donations of like-new (music) CDs and (movie) DVDs that are clean and in good condition.
Check with local organizations for donation options (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.)
Unfortunately, there are currently no local options for recycling CDs and DVDs.
Plastic Recycling Incorporated (Mail-in Program)
2015 S. Pennsylvania St. Indianapolis, IN 46225 317-780-6100 Pay for shipping
Best Buy
2117 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-352-8883
Sprint Store
61 E. Marketview Dr., Champaign 217-398-8700
Target
2102 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-355-3325
Verizon Wireless
910 W. Town Center Blvd., Champaign 217-355-0942
CFLs
See the “Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)” tab.
Christmas Lights
See the “Holiday String Lights” tab.
Clothing Other Items
The following accept clothing, plus other items, for donation. Call or check their websites for more information.
Direct Service Agencies:
Crisis Nursery 1309 W. Hill St., Urbana 217-337-2731 crisisnursery.net
Empty Tomb 301 N. 4th St., Champaign 217-356-2262 emptytomb.org
1512 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign 1819 S. Philo Rd., Urbana 217-355-5654 saltandlightministry.org
Thrift Stores That Benefit Direct Service Agencies:
Connections Lincoln Square Mall, Urbana 217-384-2158 courageconnection.org
Goodwill 912 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign 217-359-8729 1201 Savoy Plaza Lane, Savoy 217-503-6076 llgi.org
Salvation Army 2212 N. Market St., Champaign 217-373-7825 salvationarmy.org
Commercial (Business) Trash Recycling
The City of Champaign does not have a commercial trash or recycling program; however, several private haulers operating in the City of Champaign offer commercial trash /or recycling options to businesses. Businesses should contact one of those private haulers to set up trash /or recycling and obtain pricing for the service. Haulers set their own trash /or recycling collection rates. There are a variety of services offered by the different haulers, ranging from cardboard only collection to co-mingled recycling collection.
Haulers That Offer Business Recycling Services in Champaign (The following list is not intended to constitute company endorsements. Please call the haulers to confirm services.)
ABC Sanitary They offer commercial trash recycling services, including weekly pick up services. They also offer roll-off dumpster services. 217-356-0909 website: abcsanitary.com
GFL Environmental, Inc. (f/k/a Area Disposal Service Peoria Disposal Company) They offer commercial trash recycling services, including weekly pick-up services. They also offer roll-off dumpster services. 888-895-8696 website: gflenv.com/support/
Illini Recycling They offer weekly trash recycling services but only with their 95-gallon containers – no dumpsters. They also offer roll-off dumpster services. 217-356-0648 website: illinirecycling.com Also a construction demolition recycling facility. Also operates a public drop-off site.
Midwest Fiber Recycling They offer recycling services only. including weekly pick-up services. 217-356-6094 website: midwest-fiber.com
Republic Services, a/k/a Allied Waste They offer trash recycling services, including weekly pick up services. They also offer roll-off dumpster services. 217-367-2278 website: republicservices.com
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs)
CFLs are accepted at the (free) Spring IEPA- Sponsored One-Day Household Hazardous Waste Collection. Visit the HHW online registration website for more information. They are also accepted free of charge at the locations below.
(Please note: LED light bulbs, as well as standard – incandescent – light bulbs, do not contain mercury and can be safely disposed of in your garbage.)
Home Depot
820 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign 217-356-2629 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, left side)
Lowe’s
1904 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-373-7300 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, to the right)
Composting at Home
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. You can compost food scraps and yard waste at home.
To learn more about composting at home, you can visit these helpful websites:
Information and a “How To” brochure is available by contacting:
Computer Monitors
See the “CRT (tube) Computer Monitors” tab.
Henson Disposal
910 Saline Ct., Urbana 217-417-8788 Open to the general public; 96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Mid-America Recycling
2906 N. Oak St., Urbana 217-550-9749 Call and/or visit website for more info, including fees
Construction Demolition Debris (C D)
910 Saline Ct., Urbana 217-417-8788 Open to the general public; 96 minimum disposal fee for up to a ton (call to confirm price)
Republic Services’ transfer station
921 Saline Ct., Urbana 217-384-2274 Open to the general public; 110 minimum disposal fee “for a pick up truck’s worth of stuff (up to a ton) and 301 for anything larger than a pick up truck.” (call to confirm price)
Cooking Oil
You should NEVER pour grease or oil down the drain. It can clog sewer pipes and nobody wants that! Keep in mind, you can reuse most oils several times; deep frying oil can be filtered and reused three or four times (more depending on the quality and your comfort). Bacon fat can also be filtered and stored in your refrigerator.
Unfortunately, the City of Champaign is not aware of any local recycling center that accepts cooking fats and oils. Some restaurants have grease disposal bins; perhaps they might allow you to dispose of your used oil in their bin.
Alternatively, after allowing used oil to cool, you can put it in a non-breakable container with a resealable lid and throw it out with the trash.
Click here or here to view more disposal options.
Click here to view disposal options for 5-gallons of cooking oil.
Goodwill
912 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign 217-359.8729
1201 Savoy Plaza Ln., Savoy 217-503-6076
Goodwill works with Dell Reconnect to recycle old electronics; as part of this program, they accept working and non-working CRT (tube) computer monitors at their stores FREE of charge. Drop off during regular store hours.
Additionally, CRT (tube) computer monitors are accepted at the bi-annual Champaign County Residential Electronics Collection Events. For recycling/donation options for flat screen computer monitors, see the “Electronics” tab.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana 217-328-2100 20 fee
Mervis Recycling
3008 N. Cunningham Ave., Urbana 217-344-7696 free (call to confirm)
Home Depot
820 W. Bloomington Rd., Champaign 217-356-2629 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, left side)
Lowe’s
1904 N. Prospect Ave., Champaign 217-373-7300 (drop-off bin located in front entryway to store, to the right)
Electronics (including event information)
The City co-hosts a bi-annual Champaign County Residential Electronics Collection Event (typically in May and October). Residents are required to register in order to participate. For more details (including event dates), please visit the online registration website
There are local recyclers that will accept your old electronics for drop off throughout the year. ( Best Buy will accept certain sizes/types of TVs for recycling for a 29.99 fee. Best Buy is the ONLY establishment accepting TVs of any kind for recycling in the Champaign County area.) Please click on the following link for more information about where to recycle electronics year-round: Where Do I Recycle Unwanted Electronics Year-Round?
At the bi-annual collection events, there is a 4 TV limit per person; all sizes, types, models of TV’s will be accepted, including CRT tube TV’s. There is a 7-item total limit. Please visit the online registration website for a complete list of accepted and non-accepted items.
City staff will continue to work with our government partners to find alternative methods and locations for recycling electronics (specifically TVs) and other items. Any questions can be directed to Nichole Millage at 217-403-4780.
As of January 1, 2012, local waste haulers no longer accept 17 categories of electronic items listed below with your regular trash collection, as these have been banned from Illinois landfills. For more information on the state ban, visit the Illinois EPA website.
Electronic Items Banned from Illinois Landfills:
- Televisions
- Monitors
- Printers
- Computers (laptops, notebooks, netbooks, tablets)
- Electronic keyboards
- Facsimile (fax) machines
- Videocassette recorders (VCRs)
- Digital video disc players (DVD players)
- Digital video recorders (DVR)
- Video game consoles
- Small scale servers
- Scanners
- Electronic mice
- Digital converter boxes
- Cable receivers
- Satellite receivers
- Portable digital music players
Electronics were banned from Illinois landfills on January 2012. Many electronic products contain toxic lead, mercury, cadmium, and other materials that pose environmental and health risks that must be managed. Many electronic items contain metals, plastics, or leaded glass that can be recycled into basic commodities or products, and then re-marketed for re-use. The re-use of these components conserves natural resources and energy, and contributes to reduced air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Information on this page is subject to change.
Exercise Equipment (treadmills, etc.)
Check with local organizations for donation options for WORKING exercise equipment (Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, Salt Light, Salvation Army, etc.).
Some local metal scrap recyclers will take exercise equipment containing metal. Please call in advance to ensure they will accept equipment.
Mack’s Twin City Recycling
2808 N. Lincoln Ave., Urbana 217-328-2100 Call for acceptable items
Exercise equipment is NOT accepted at the bi-annual Champaign County Residential Electronics Collection Events
Fans
Check with local organizations for donation options for WORKING fans (Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Salt Light, Salvation Army, women’s shelters, homeless shelters, etc.).
If your fan does not work, you can take it to the following for recycling:
Know Before You Throw
We all have questions about what to do with certain items. Learn how to properly recycle, reuse, donate or dispose of various items.
About
Our Know Before You Throw campaign is designed to assist Howard County residents and businesses with sorting their waste properly. Before you toss something, check our list to see if it can be reused, recycled or donated.
Is something missing from our list? Let us know as we continue to keep our page up to date.
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Stay informed about inclement weather updates, holiday collection changes, updated services and more!
Test your skills
Is that recyclable? Trash? Household Hazardous Waste?
Play our Know Before You Throw Sorting Game to find out. Click and drag materials to the correct bin and test your skills!
At this time, Waste Management is unable to recycle #1 plastic clamshells (typically used for salad, berry and other produce containers) due to the way they are manufactured. While we wait for technology and markets, avoid purchasing items in clamshells and consider reusing to keep those clamshells out of the trash.
NEW! Waste Management is now accepting ALL #5 plastics, including #5 clamshells. If it has a #5, it goes in the blue bin!
NEW! Waste Management is now accepting ALL #5 plastics, including #5 clamshells. If it has a #5, it goes in the blue bin!
Upcycled accepts clean #5 and #2 plastic containers. Check their website for details and drop-off locations.
Aluminum foil and bakeware are no longer accepted in curbside recycling. However, you can take it to the scrap metal area at the Residents’ Convenience Center for recycling.
American Flags can be retired at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Representatives from the American Legion Adams, Hanna, Moore Memorial Post 156, retrieve the flags and dispose of them in a dignified fashion as required by the U.S. Flag Code. Ceremonies are conducted in coordination with local Scout troops.
Antifreeze should NOT be poured down the drain.
Antifreeze (not mixed with oil or other substances) can be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Please leave container for attendant to empty.
Have older items that you think may be valuable? Check out our Donation Directory or nearby consignment stores to resell those items.
Working appliances should be reused/donated.
For non-working appliances, schedule a Scrap Metal Collection or take appliances (toasters, mixers, toaster ovens, coffee makers, microwaves, etc.) to the scrap metal area at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Refrigerators (doors removed), air conditioners and dehumidifiers must be placed next to the scrap metal drop-off so the Freon can be removed.
Batteries must be removed from any lawnmowers, scooters, or other battery-operated devices.
Certain arts craft supplies can be taken to SCRAP Creative Reuse Bmore, a donation-based creative reuse and donation store in Baltimore. Their list of acceptable and unacceptable items changes occasionally, so please check their website for up-to-date information.
Ash is not acceptable for curbside trash due to the potential fire hazard. Fireplace, grill and cigarette ash can be disposed at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Please be sure that ash has cooled before disposal.
Many charitable organizations accept donated cars or trucks.
Buy and sell kid’s items using online consignment shops or the local Once Upon a Child store.
Have unused diapers or wipes? Donate them to the Howard County Diaper Project through The Office of Children Families.
Alkaline batteries after 1995 are OK to be disposed of in your regular trash. For other batteries, including rechargeable and button, see our Battery Recycling poster. Many different types of batteries can also be dropped off at MOMs and REI Columbia.
Bring your bicycles to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill and give those bikes another life! Look for the Reusable Bicycle shed. Bikes are collected with help from the Glenwood Lions Club (donated to Bikes for the World) and Free Bikes 4 Kidz Maryland (small bikes and trikes refurbished for local children in need). Even if your bike isn’t in good condition, volunteers can often refurbish it or use parts from it to refurbish other bikes.
Gently used hard soft cover books can be taken to our drop-off at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill or other charitable organizations listed below. Torn or damaged books can be recycled with curbside recycling collection.
Check our Donation Directory or these links to recycle and reuse used and unused bras.
Water filters are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program. Send filters to the My Brita program (they partner with Terracycle).
Donate usable items, such a strollers and high chairs to a local charity or second-hand store like The Birthing Circle.
Have an old car seat? Check out Target’s Car Seat Trade-In program. Or remove the padding from the car seat to recycle the plastic part with curbside recycling or at the Residents’ Convenience Center Alpha Ridge Landfill.
What’s better than recycling? Reuse! Check out BoxCycle and ABCBoxes to donate boxes, or get reusable boxes.
If you can’t reuse the boxes, clean cardboard (free of plastic) can be recycled in our curbside recycling program (must be flattened to under 6′ in width) or at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
When shopping, ask contractors if they recycle used carpet. Visit the Carpet America Recovery Effort for details.
Carpet/rug can be taken to Alpha Ridge Landfill to be disposed as trash (tip fee applies).
Not all containers are recyclable. Check out our guide for correct disposal of carry out/take out food containers. Our Sustainable Shopping page is a great resource to help navigate packaging, ecolabels and confusing recycling symbols.
This media is NOT recyclable curbside or at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Try donating through our Donation Directory first. Or try GreenDisk’s mail-in recycling option.
Recycle cell phones and chargers with Electronics at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill or take them back to your cell phone company.
MOM’s accepts them for recycling through Secure the Call. Also, visit Swappa, or Green Buyback to get paid for recycling.
Incandescent and LED light bulbs are NOT acceptable in curbside recycling and should be placed in your household trash. Please refer to the CFL recycling poster for proper disposal of other bulbs and tubes.
Broken or dead strands and extension cords can be taken to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycled with electronics (DO NOT put in your curbside recycling). See our poster for additional recycling options.
Undecorated artificial trees and wreaths can be recycled with scrap metal at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Undecorated live trees and wreaths can be recycled in the Wood Waste Area at Alpha Ridge Landfill. During the holiday season, visit our Merry Mulch webpage for drop-off sites.
See our Donation Directory for local options.
Or, bring gently used clothing to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill for donation.
At this time, coffee pods are NOT acceptable in curbside recycling. However, the coffee inside the pods can be composted in your backyard compost pile.
Coffee pods companies Keurig Nespresso both offer recycling solutions for their products.
Terracycle also offers a mail-in program for all coffee pods, discs and capsules.
Propane, helium oxygen tanks and fire extinguishers (empty or filled) are accepted at Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Or, return tanks to the seller.
Whether it’s a huge renovation or small home project, please visit our Construction Demolition page for what to do with debris material (drywall, sheetrock, siding, etc.) you no longer need.
Used cooking oil can be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Check out our cooking oil poster for more information.
Recycle wine corks in the lobby of the Roger Carter Center in Ellicott City.
You can also take corks to My Organic Market (MOM’s)
Visit recork.org for additional drop-off locations.
Crayons are NOT acceptable in curbside recycling.
For mail-in recycling programs, please visit:
E-cigarettes and vapes are made up of many components including rechargeable batteries and liquid nicotine mixtures. They should NOT be thrown in the trash. These devices should be disassembled before being safely disposed with Household Hazardous Waste collection at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Residents may recycle many electronics at Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill or at these participating retail stores:
Donate old glasses so they can be worn rather than take up drawer space.
or check your local eye doctor.
If you have an old EZ-Pass, please return it to a drop box at an EZ-Pass Customer Service Location.
Or, bring the pass to a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day at the Alpha Ridge Landfill (Saturdays ONLY, April-November).
For proper disposal of ammunition, please contact
Flexible plastic packaging like snack bags, chip bags, pouches and wrappers are NOT recyclable in our curbside recycling program. However, Terracycle offers various recycling programs for these items.
Compost items such as banana peels, vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and egg shells to make a nutrient-rich soil.
Pickup up a FREE backyard compost bin to get started or participate in our Feed the Green Bin Food Scrap Collection program. If your area doesn’t receive collection (yet), you can drop-off food scraps at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill for composting or take those food scraps to My Organic Market (MOM’s) which offers composting as well!
Private Food Scrap Collection Services:
Used furnace filters cannot be recycled and should be disposed in your household trash. If you have filters that are new, consider donating them to a charity such as Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
There are many local donation options and pick-up organizations to give your used furniture and home goods a second life. Check out our Donation Directory for local options. If your items are truly trash and have no life left, we can accept them for bulk trash.
Freetown Farm accepts garden hoses (any length, condition, material, or type) for donation to design a drip irrigation system for the fields. Hoses can be dropped off at 8000 Harriet Tubman Lane. For questions, please email Chiara at Freetown Farm.
Recycle any color food or drink glass bottles jars in your curbside recycling or at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Please remember that glass must be Clean. Empty. Dry.
We do not accept window glass, drinking glasses, mirrors, ceramics, crystal, CorningWare or Pyrex.
Grills can be recycled with scrap metal. Contact our office to schedule a collection.
Recycle your grill at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. You can also recycle your propane tank at Alpha Ridge in the compressed gas tank area. Please do NOT put gas tanks in the scrap metal area.
Hair Donations
There are many charitable organizations that accept hair donations to be made into wigs. Before donating, please research organizations and check guidelines/qualifications for donations.
Hair Fur Donations
A Matter of Trust accepts hair, fur and fleece donations in any amount. The fibers are felted into mats that are used by hazmat teams in oil spill cleanups.
Plastic Hangers
Plastic hangers are not recyclable because they can jam processing equipment at the recycling plant. Contact your local donation center to see if they need hangers. Reuse is the best option.
Wire Hangers
Wire hangers are not acceptable in curbside recycling but can be recycled with scrap metal at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Consider contacting your local dry cleaner to see if they take back wire hangers or reuse them with these great craft ideas.
Consider donating unopened beauty products. Used or empty products can be donated through Nordstrom’s BEAUTYCYCLE program. Mascara wands can be donated to Wands For Wildlife.
Corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic products, found in most homes, garages workshops, are considered Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Learn how to properly dispose of these items on our HHW website.
Wrapping paper alternatives to protect the environment
Donate ink and toner cartridges to Animal Advocates of Howard County to support Howard County Animal Control.
Recycle with cartridge retailers like Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and Walgreens.
Some offer an incentive coupon. There are also mail-back programs including Dell and Quill.
MOM’s hosts an annual denim drive every spring.
Donate jeans to Blue Jeans Go Green or your favorite charity.
Masks, gloves and other PPE are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program. Please dispose of these items in your curbside trash.
Mattresses box springs can be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill or through Ikea’s mattress recycling program.
Mattresses box springs may be picked up with bulk trash collection, but will NOT be recycled. Consider recycling them to give them a chance to be made into something new!
In coordination with the Loan Closet of Howard County residents can now drop-off durable, reusable medical equipment at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Items Accepted: Bathing Aids (shower bath), Canes, Ramps (modular/portable), Therapy Aids, Toilet Aids, Walkers and Manual Wheelchairs.
Items Not Accepted: Hospital beds, CPAP machines, Items missing pieces, Broken Items, Oxygen Tanks, Prescription medications, Expired medical supplies, Mattresses, Items containing mercury or Items requiring calibration.
Hospital beds can be donated to the Anne Arundel Food and Resource Bank 410-923-4255, ALS Society 1-301-978-9855 or MD Tap Program 410-554-9232.
Proper disposal of unwanted medications and used needles and sharps is crucial. To learn more, please download our Medication Sharps poster.
Metal food and drink cans and EMPTY aerosol cans are accepted in curbside recycling or at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. All other scrap metal items (pots, pans, hangers, etc.) must be scheduled or dropped off at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Motor oil, oil filters and hydraulic oils (brake, transmission or power steering) can be taken to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Don’t just shuck ’em and chuck ’em. Bring your empty oyster and clam shells to the Robinson Nature Center for reuse. Shells will be picked up by the Oyster Recovery Partnership and taken to the Horn Point Laboratory Oyster Hatchery where they will be cleaned and reseeded with oyster larvae before being reintroduced into the Bay.
Please see our paint recycling poster for information on recycling or disposing of old paint.
For a complete list of acceptable recyclable paper, please see our Curbside Collections page.
Animal feed or bird seed bags are NOT acceptable in curbside recycling. These bags are typically layers of different materials and once those layers are together, it’s hard to get components separated so that they can be made into new things. Still not sure? Do the ‘tear test’. if you can easily tear the bag and don’t see a plastic film layer mixed with the paper, it’s good to go for recycling.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. in that order. Use reusable bags so you have fewer plastic bags. If you can’t reuse, then recycle at a participating retail store.
All plastic bags and film are not accepted in curbside recycling. This includes: grocery/retail bags, mattress/furniture covers, newspaper bags, bread bags, dry cleaning bags, plastic wrap from toilet paper rolls, napkins, paper towels, bottles of water, etc., produce bags, frozen vegetable bags, food storage bags, bubble wrap and air filled bags for packaging.
Why? Loose bags, and even bundled bags, get wrapped around recycling equipment and jam the screens at the processor. Plastic bags do A LOT of damage to the curbside recycling processor equipment.
Certain plastics are accepted in our curbside recycling program and at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Plastic material should be clean, empty and dry before recycling.
You can add your carved and uncarved pumpkins and gourds to your curbside food scrap collection. Or, take them to the food scrap drop-off at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Attend a Harvest Heap event to drop off pumpkins and learn about backyard composting.
Many store receipts are printed on thermal paper, a shiny smooth paper that allows for printing via heat transfer instead of ink. These receipts are difficult to recycle and are NOT accepted in our curbside collection program.
Opt for digital or paperless receipts whenever possible to cut down on the amount of thermal receipts generated.
See our Rigid Plastics poster for recycling information for larger plastics like kid’s playsets, laundry baskets, plastic buckets, etc.
As a last resort, shingles can be disposed for a charge at Alpha Ridge Landfill (see our page for tip fee rate).
Download our guide to help you navigate proper disposal and recycling of shipping and packaging materials. Don’t see an item on our poster? Contact us and we’ll let you know how it should be handled!
For specific questions regarding Amazon packaging, please visit their website.
Certain items like Styrofoam peanuts, air pillows bubble wrap can be reused. If you can’t reuse it, contact your UPS, FedEx or local shipping store to see if they will reuse it. Many locations are happy to take these items back.
Before disposal, consider donating boxes, bags bubble wrap to HorseSpirit Arts Gallery (8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD). Packaging material must be in good condition.
If shoes are useable, consider an organization in our Donation Directory or a shoe collection program.
Think before you shred! Don’t shred documents unnecessarily. Once you have shredded paper, you can use it in your garden.
Shredded paper can also be placed in a paper bag (no plastic bags), stapled shut, and added to your curbside recycling. Why in a paper bag? Loose shredded paper is like confetti and will make a mess at the facility.
Silicone kitchen items and bakeware cannot be recycled in Howard County. However, Terracycle offers brand-specific (Ziploc and Stasher) mail-in recycling options.
Howard County currently doesn’t have a separate collection for smoke detectors. According to the EPA, they may be placed in your regular trash.
Hotels and bed breakfasts can register with Clean the World’s soap recycling program! On a smaller scale, consider these soap reuse ideas.
Trade or sell sports equipment at Play It Again Sports.
Golf Clubs: The First Tee of Howard County accepts good condition golf equipment to help Howard County children gain valuable life skills.
Donate stuffed animals, blankets and other items to Stuffed Animals for Emergencies (SAFE).
Styrofoam™ products are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program. Please visit the EPS Industry Alliance for other recycling opportunities that may be available.
Howard County’s Department of Recreation Parks has launched a Pilot Tennis Ball Recycling Program at Centennial Park. Collection bins are located at the West and North Tennis Courts.
Coordinate a collection drive through Rebounces or RecycleBalls.
Recycle automobile and truck tires at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. (Commercial haulers see Landfill Fee Schedule).
We do NOT accept tires on rims, tires over 4′ in diameter or over 15 in width.
NOTE: Rims can be recycled in the scrap metal container. Limit of 4 tires per year.
If the vacuum still works, please consider donating it to an organization in our Donation Directory. If the vacuum cannot be fixed, recycle it with Electronics at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
These are NOT acceptable in our curbside recycling program.
Usable VHS tapes, cassette tapes, CDs or DVDs may be able to be donated to your local library or charity.
Visit Greendisk.com for mail-in recycling programs.
Consider donating your wedding dress and accessories locally to Cherie Sustainable Bridal in Savage or these other charitable organizations.
Untreated wood and lumber can be taken to the Wood Waste Area at Alpha Ridge Landfill for recycling into mulch.
Treated wood/lumber and railroad ties should be taken to Alpha Ridge Landfill and will be considered Construction Demolition Debris, which is not recyclable and will be charged a tip fee.
Some radiology offices will accept old x-rays for recycling, check with yours! Or Accurate Recovery Systems offers mail-in recycling.
For guidelines on recycling yard trim (brush, branches, leaves, etc.) visit our Curbside Collections page.
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Should I Take My Lawn Mower When I Move?
Should I take my lawnmower when I move? You may have asked yourself this question amid the moving chaos. You’re already moving the contents of a whole house, so do you need the added nuisance of moving a lawnmower? It depends on many factors. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of moving your lawnmower vs selling it.
Pros of Taking Your Lawn Mower When Moving
The major benefit of moving your lawnmower is that you won’t have to buy a new one. Needless to say, that’ll save you a lot of money. Plus, you won’t need to get rid of the machine that you’re already used to.
If your mower is working fine and is still new, there’s no need to leave it behind it or sell it.
One more benefit of moving your lawnmower is that you’ll be able to use it immediately after you settle in. You won’t have to wait with a messy yard until you buy a new one. Besides, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of selling it and looking for a buyer.
But is that all? What about the disadvantages of moving your lawnmower?
Cons of Taking Your Lawn Mower When Moving
Taking your lawnmower to a new house is a hassle for sure. You’ll have to make a lot of effort to pack the hefty machine, and it’s still a risky process because anything can happen during the move.
If the lawnmower is old, the risk is even bigger because the machine could be too fragile to load on a truck.
On top of that, it’ll be a pain to find a place for the mower on the moving truck. These machines are large and typically coated with grass, gas and oil. You can’t just squeeze them in with other furniture.
Lastly, you’ll have to pay money for moving the mower, and you’re likely already paying a lot for the whole process.
The movers may also make it harder for you by refusing to load the mower on the truck. This usually happens with gas-powered mowers, although they should be safe when drained of the liquid.
If the lawnmower is too old or fragile, the obviously better option is to buy a new one and save yourself the hassle of moving this one. If the house you’re moving to doesn’t have a yard, you can ditch the mower altogether without buying a new one.
Are Lawn Mowers Allowed on Moving Trucks?
Yes, lawnmowers are allowed on moving trucks as long as they’re drained of the gas.
Items that are illegal to carry on moving trucks include gasoline, perfume, aerosol cans, fertilizers, paint, pesticides, and anything that contains alcohol.
Before loading the lawnmower on the moving truck, you’ll have to drain it of oil and gas. Otherwise, it’ll be illegal to move it.
Some companies will still refuse to move gas-powered mowers, even if they’re drained. So, you’ll want to ask about that before dealing with the company.
How to Pack Lawn Mower Properly for Moving
Packing a lawnmower isn’t easy because many things can go wrong. You may lose some parts, and you may accidentally damage others. Plus, you need instructions to drain the gas and oil from the machine.
Step 1: Drain the Mower
The first thing you should do is find a suitable area to pack the mower. First, lay a tarp on the ground and move the mower to be on top of it.
The tarp isn’t necessary, but it’ll keep the ground clean while you’re draining the mower. You don’t want oil on your soil or your grass.
Now, drain all the gas and oil, pouring them into any jugs or old containers you have around. You’ll have to find a way to discard them. There are local companies that can help with that. What’s important is to keep them in a safe place, away from any heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Mower’s Parts
After you drain the mower, wear protective gloves and start removing the blades carefully. Don’t attempt to do it without gloves because the blades may hurt your hands. Plus, always make sure to check the instructions manual before removing them.
Now, it’s the spark plug’s turn. You’ll want to remove it because it may start the engine. So, take it out and leave it aside.
After removing the blades and the spark plug, start cleaning all the lawn mower’s parts thoroughly. Remove all the debris from the blades and all the attachments. You can use water and soap and use a wet cloth for the hard-to-reach parts.
Now, take all the attachments and blades you removed from the mower and wrap them in wrapping paper.
Step 3: Load the Mower on the Moving Truck
Now that you’re done cleaning the mower and wrapping the blades, it’s time to load it on the moving truck. To do so, make sure all the parts are wrapped in bubble wrap.
That way, you’ll protect the parts from getting scratched, and you’ll prevent them from scratching other items in the box.
Put all the wrapped items in a separate moving box, label it, and put in on the truck. Now, using a tow dolly, load the mower on the truck or the moving van.
The right way to place the mower on the truck is to keep its wheels perpendicular to the truck’s wheels. That way, you make sure that the mower doesn’t move with each sudden move or acceleration from the truck.
On top of that, you’ll want to secure the mower in its place using a heavy-duty cord and preferably cover it with a tarp for further protection.
Closing Thoughts
So, should I take my lawnmower when I move?
That depends on whether you need it or not. If the house you’re moving to has a small yard, you can get rid of the mower. It won’t be worth the hassle of moving it.
Otherwise, if you’ll need it, it’s better to take it because a new one will cost you a lot.
Find this article helpful? We also have lots of tips for how to move everything else in your garage too.
I’ve been a college coach for going on 20 years now and that career has led Jen and I on quite the journey. We’ve lived in 7 different states and have moved a dozen different times. We’ve learned A LOT over the course of all those moves and we want to pass on our knowledge to help others going through the moving process.
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Ryan’s Coaching Career has led us through 10 different moves across 7 states! We’ve learned A LOT during all those moves and decided to share everything we’ve learned here with you.
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Tree Wrap: What It is, Why to Use It, and How
Chances are if you live in the North and buy a tree, the nursery staff will recommend you wrap its young trunk in winter to guard against damage. So let’s talk about tree wrap, what it is, why to use it, and how.
What is Tree Wrap?
Tree wrap is a commercial product used to wrap the trunk of a tree from late fall until the last frost of spring, offering a layer of protection to the bark underneath. The simple process of wrapping a young tree protects it from the massive day to night temperature swings and resulting injury during the cold months.
Why Should You Wrap a Tree Trunk?
The first and main reason to wrap a tree trunk is to prevent sunscalding, which occurs in winter and early spring.
Here’s how sunscalding happens: According to Planttalk Colorado, high-intensity sunlight during winter days warms the bark of the tree. This warming of the bark triggers cells to “break” dormancy, stimulating cellular activity. When the sun sets or a sudden drop in temperature occurs, these active cells and conductive tissues known as the xylem and phloem are killed.
The resulting injury presents itself as sunken and discolored bark. Over time it may peel or flake off to expose dead tissue underneath. Trees on the south side of buildings are most susceptible, especially the southwest side of the tree. For this reason, sunscalding is also known as southwest winter injury.
The second reason to wrap a tree is to protect it from other fall and winter damage. As part of winter tree care in northern climates, certain types of deciduous trees should be wrapped for protection. The advice applies mainly to new trees, young trees, or saplings. Wrapping is also called for with trees that have thin bark texture, including soft maple, ashes, willows, honeylocust, and crabapple.
Wrapping a tree trunk protects the tree in a number of different ways:
- Protects bark from damage or splitting that may occur in winter
- Protects against damage from lawn care implements such as mowers and trimmers
- Prevents damage from wood-boring insect species
- Keeps the pesky neighborhood squirrels, rabbits, and deer from trying to snack on the tender bark when their food sources are limited
Tree wrap is an easy and inexpensive way to prevent potentially serious health issues. Splits in the outer bark from frost cracks or other problems, such as mower damage, increase the chance insects may get under the bark. These tiny creatures can cause damage to the internal layers known as the inner bark (where nutrients and water are transported from the roots to the leaves) and cambium (the growing part of the trunk that produces new bark and wood).
Tree wrapping year-round is not recommended, as this gives insects a place to hide from the elements and causes damage to the bark and trunk.
When to Use Tree Wrap
The most important aspect of using tree wrap is the timing of the application. Seasonal wrapping protects trees from sunscalding over the winter and early spring. Apply it in the fall as the tree slows its growth for the season. Remove in early spring as temperatures begin to warm up.
A good way to think of this is to apply tree wrap at Thanksgiving and then remove it at Easter.
How to Use Tree Wrap
To wrap your tree start at the bottom of the trunk:
- Begin winding the tree wrap around the entire base working on a slight upward angle.
- The wrap should be snug, but not overly tight.
- Overlap by about one-third as you move up the tree.
- Wrap the tree’s trunk all the way to the bottom-most branches and cut the wrap.
- Secure it at the top with a staple or small tack.
Note: Avoid using anything that wraps around the entire trunk (i.e. twine, tape, wire ties). That can cause a potentially fatal girdling of the tree. Some people also choose to tuck the wrap back under the uppermost three or four wraps/layers and pull it taut.
Corrugated Cardboard
It’s the same material used to make boxes manufactured in thinner, more flexible layers and cut into thin strips. One benefit is the color closely matches the bark of many trees, but it also doesn’t hold up well in wet areas.
Burlap
Not used frequently as a tree wrap. Burlap is simply the same material used to make sacks or wrap tree root balls. You can find it in the craft section of the store, cut into strips. It is cheap to purchase and easy to find, but anyone who has worked with it knows the mess it creates from the unfinished edges.
Tree wrap varies in color, based on its material. Most are light in color — either white, beige, or light tan — to reflect the sunlight from the bark of the tree. Reflecting the sunlight helps to moderate the temperature of the tree bark, keeping it from becoming too warm.
You can purchase tree wrap at home and garden centers, big box stores, and online retailers. Tree wrap comes in rolls, typically 3-4 inches wide and in lengths ranging from 20 to 50 feet. Depending on the brand and material chosen, a 10 roll may wrap a couple of smaller trees.
Contrary View
There are dissenting opinions on the use of tree wrap and whether it’s beneficial for trees or causes more problems. The main argument against tree wrap: If you plant trees correctly and provide proper tree care, you won’t need it.
Here are a few tips on how to plant trees correctly:
- Plant trees so their root flare — where the topmost root comes out of the trunk — is at the soil surface or slightly above it.
- Water thoroughly as needed.
- Never mulch over the root flare. (No mulch volcanoes!)
- When pruning, make cuts that are flush to the branch bark collar, leaving it intact so it can seal off the wound, protecting the trunk from disease and decay.
Pro Tip: For the best outcome when pruning, deciduous trees should be pruned in late fall and early winter.
If your purpose behind tree wrap is to prevent insect damage or the removal of bark by animals, you are better suited to use:
- Vinyl spiral tree guards
- Specially made tree banding (to prevent insect damage)
- Build a small cage around the trunk using wire mesh.
FAQ About Tree Wrap
There are three ways to protect your tree during winter:
Wrap the tree trunks: Tree wrapping is a tried and true way to protect against sunscalding, bark damage, and disease.
Mulch around the base: Applying 2 to 4 inches of mulch around (not on) the base of the tree provides insulation, reduces soil evaporation, and improves water absorption. You can use recycled leaves here to add to your mulch.
Water thoroughly: Water the tree, and the surrounding area, one last time. Go slowly at a rough rate of 10 gallons per inch of tree diameter.
The most important thing to do to protect your trees from the harshness of winter is to be prepared. Winter can be a damaging time of year for many trees and knowing ahead of time how to best protect your trees can save you from losing them. When going through these steps, FOCUS on younger trees that are at high risk of winter damage.
You can help treat sunscald in trees by keeping your tree healthy and properly irrigated and fertilizing only if your soil calls for it.
Also, carefully removing any dead or loose bark from the wound can improve the damaged section. By cutting these off, you limit hiding space for potential insects and improve the look of the wound. Never try to seal the wound with a tree sealer or paint.
Instead, it is better to let the tree heal itself. In many cases, a tree will heal and callus from sunscald damage on its own within a few years. Properly caring for the tree with adequate water and fertilizer will help the recovery process.
Tree guards work as a good alternative to tree wraps. Tree guards are like tree wraps but they are typically cylindrical tubes placed on the bottom of the tree’s trunks to protect against:
Insect damage Lawn mowers Sunscalding Winter damage
When purchasing tree guards, go for white, as this will reflect the rays of the sun and keep the tree trunk cool.
Another alternative to tree wraps that can protect against insect damage is tree banding. Tree banding is done by wrapping a Band of a sticky substance around a deciduous tree to capture insects that walk along the trunk. This won’t do much against sunscalding, but it will protect the tree against harmful insects such as cankerworms.
Tree Professionals
Tree wrapping can help to protect your trees during the winter months from sunscald and damage. Don’t let the first frost catch you off guard, call a local tree care professional to help protect your trees.
Amanda Shiffler
Most comfortable with soil under her fingernails, Amanda has an enthusiasm for gardening, agriculture, and all things plant-related. With a master’s degree in agriculture and more than a decade of experience gardening and tending to her lawn, she combines her plant knowledge and knack for writing to share what she knows and loves.
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