Background

Cincinnati (pop. 296,550) has had curbside recycling in place for more than 20 years, with participation increasing year after year. In 2010, the city recycled more than 14,000 tons of paper, plastics, metals and glass, more than a 1,100-ton gain from the previous year. Recycling efforts in Cincinnati, which hosts a citywide single-stream curbside program, conserve enough energy to power every single-family house in the city for six days — an impressive feat! All of that recycling also spared more than 127,000 trees from being harvested. On average, 14% of all waste generated in Cincinnati is recycled.

Materials recycled

Paper Including cardboard (sized to 3’x3′ or smaller), paperboard, office paper, newspaper, magazines, junk mail, envelopes, telephone books and paper grocery bags. Plastics Includes all plastic bottles and jugs. Crushed plastics can include caps and plastic lids. All items must be rinsed/clean. Plastic bags are not accepted. Metals Including all aluminum cans, tin/steel cans, steel lids and empty aerosol cans (no lids or tips). Glass Including all glass bottles and jars (all colors).

Frequency

Curbside recycling pick-up occurs on a biweekly basis, same day as trash. Carts must be placed curbside by 7 a.m. day of pick-up. Carts sized 35, 64 and 96 gallons are available. A collection schedule is available online.

Other programs

Hamilton County, OH, which includes Cincinnati, offers both e-waste collection days and a listing of drop-off points throughout the city and surrounding areas (including northern Kentucky). All Hamilton County residents can take advantage of free hazardous waste drop-off events with proof of residency. Accepted items include pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, thinners, lawn and pool chemicals, cleaners, household and auto batteries, fire extinguishers, propane tanks, oil-based paint, mercury-containing devices, fluorescent light bulbs, driveway sealer, gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze and kerosene. For information on the next drop-off event, see the Hamilton County Recycles website. Hamilton County also has a listing of drop-off locations for “odd items” throughout the region. Bottles, cans, paper and cardboard can be dropped off at a number of Rumpke collection centers throughout the area. Centers are 24 hours unless otherwise noted.

• 250 William Howard Taft Rd. (behind County Environmental Services)
• 6128 Hamilton Ave. (operates normal business hours)
• 321 W. Central Ave.
• City of Cincinnati parking lot at 3rd & Butler streets
• City of Cincinnati parking lot at 3rd Street & Central Avenue
• 800 Vine St.
• 150 St. Peters St.
• 8241 Vine St. (Kroger)
• 5090 Observatory Cir. (Ault Park; operates normal park hours)
• 1817 Race St.
• 617 Clinton Springs Ave.
• 4040 Spring Grove Ave. (Building Value; operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• 904 Cutter St.
• 1945 Dunham Way (operates 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

As well, there are many aluminum and paper drop-off recycling locations all over the city.

More information

Visit the City of Cincinnati Recycling website for more recycling program info.