Dublin is on the right track when it comes to recycling. The City started with curbside recycling in 1995 and has since expanded to include recycling of e-waste and composting of yard waste.
In fact, Dublin does so much with these three programs that the City is close to reaching a milestone: Nearly half of the City’s waste stream is diverted, says Beth Lozier, who administers the recycling programs for the City.
Dublin diverts 48 percent of its waste stream – an increase of 10 percent from a decade ago, City records show.
Diversion not only stops the waste from going to a landfill, it also allows nonprofit groups to find new uses for some of the discarded goods, says Mimi Migliore, Dublin’s nature education coordinator.
The City is planning a neighborhood recycling event that should help increase the diversion numbers. Large household items, building materials, bicycles and shreddable materials will be accepted at the event. The date hasn’t been determined, but it is expected in late spring or early summer. For details, go to http://dublinohiousa.gov/living/its-greener-in-dublin/.
Residents with e-waste, or electronic waste, don’t have to wait. E-waste can be dropped off at the Dublin Service Center, 6555 Shier Rings Rd., on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Dublin residents can take pride in what they have accomplished so far. A majority of the City’s diversion has come from curbside recycling. Residents’ emptied milk gallon jugs, cereal boxes, pop cans, cardboard boxes and other recyclables added up to 4,670 tons in 2012.
If you think those individual efforts don’t add up, think again.
Waste industry experts estimate that Americans generate 1 ton of trash a year, or about 2,000 pounds of waste. Given all of Dublin’s recycling efforts, City residents amass 1,500 pounds on average – about 25 percent less than the average American.
And that’s something to be proud of.
Here is a list of simple do’s and don’ts for recycling in Dublin. For more information on Dublin’s recycling and diversion efforts, go to http://dublinohiousa.gov/living/its-greener-in-dublin/.
Recycle It
Plastic bottles and jugs Glass bottles and jars Aluminum cans Steel cans and lids Paperboard, such as cereal boxes Cardboard Office paper Envelopes and junk mail Newspapers, magazines and inserts Telephone books and catalogs Metal cans
Trash It
Drinking glasses, mirrors, window glass Aluminum foil, pie or roasting pans Plastic that isn’t a bottle or jug, such as yogurt containers and plastic bags Tissues, napkins and paper towels Metal other than cans
