FAQs • Why are items sometimes left in my recycling bin?

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Why are items sometimes left in my recycling bin?: Items may not be clean or the lids or labels were not removed. Items may not be Number 1 or Number 2 plastics. Corrugated cardboard cannot be mixed in with paper.

Solid Waste

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1. I have some large items to dispose of. Will you take them?: Yes. Call the Utility Office at 419-394-3303 and request a “Special Pickup”. Fees apply.

2. Will you pick up cardboard?: Yes. All cardboard must be tagged with the exception of small pizza boxes.

3. Will you pick up yard waste?: No. An area is available at the General Services Department located at 331 N Chestnut Street for yard waste disposal. Access is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Please do not discard of garbage or bags at this site.

4. Why was my paper not taken?: Paper will not be picked up if it is wet or over the two bag per week limit. Also, make sure no trash is in with the paper.

5. Does the City recycling department pick up shredded paper?: Yes.

6. Why doesn’t the City take my oil and anti-freeze bottles when they are marked #2?: Even though they are #2 bottles, we do not accept them due to the possibility of these items contaminating other plastics.

7. Can I set more than one recycling bin out?: Yes, but the second bin must be pre-sorted with only one item in bin, e.g., all cans, paper, etc. Please note: At times only one bin will be taken after holidays and inclement weather. It is also subject to space availability.

8. Why are items sometimes left in my recycling bin?: Items may not be clean or the lids or labels were not removed. Items may not be Number 1 or Number 2 plastics. Corrugated cardboard cannot be mixed in with paper.

9. Why was my trash not taken?

For trash to be picked up, it must meet all City guidelines including:

It must have a tag on it
Trash should be placed at the curb no later than 7 am on day of pick up
Trash containers shall not exceed 32 gallon capacity and shall not exceed a maximum filled weight of 33 pounds. The maximum bag size is 33 gallon capacity with a maximum weight of 33 pounds. Additionally, if trash is overflowing in the container, it will not be picked up, e.g., the lid will not fit on the container
Loose trash

10. Why is my trash can marked “oversized”?: Trash containers cannot exceed 32 gallon capacity or exceed a maximum weight of 33 pounds. We will not empty containers larger than these specifications.

11. Will you still pick up my trash if I put it in a container larger than allowed?: Yes; however, only if each bag inside the container is tagged. Refuse workers will not lift a container to the truck that is larger than regulation size.

12. Why was my bag tagged as “overweight”?: It exceeded the maximum bag size which is 33 gallon capacity with a maximum weight of 33 pounds.

13. Can I use a 50 gallon bag or larger to dispose of trash?: Yes, as long as it weighs 33 pounds or less.

14. Not all my trash was taken. Why?: The container may have been overflowing. Also, if you have a full bag on top of a 32 gallon container, it will not be taken unless tagged separately. Loose trash will not be taken.

15. I put a tag on my trash bag or container, but it was left behind and marked not tagged. Why: Tags should be placed around the neck of the tied bag or on the handle of the trash container in a manner where it can be easily torn off. Do not place tag flat on the bag or container as it may slide off in some weather conditions.