A few weeks ago on Let’s Talk Trash, we talked about some common household materials that can and can’t be recycled. Since there were so many household materials, we had to make a second post! Check out the list below to see more common household materials and to find out whether they can or can’t be recycled.
Dish Gloves
Rubber dish gloves are not recyclable by Muncie Sanitary District. However, there are many different ways to reuse or repurpose old dish gloves. For instance, worn out dish gloves cut into horizontal strips can become heavy-duty rubber bands.
Sponges
Sponges are not recyclable by Muncie Sanitary District. Old and worn sponges should be repurposed or put in the regular trash.
Steel Wool
Steel wool is recyclable by Muncie Sanitary District and can be placed in blue bags.
Used Candles in Glass Jars
Glass jars are always recyclable, but it can be difficult to remove the remaining wax from a candle jar. There are several ways to do this. One easy solution is to stick the jar in the freezer for a few hours. When you take it out, you should be able to gently tap the jar and remove the wax in one piece. You can also pour boiling water into the jar to melt the wax. The melted wax will float to the top, and once the water cools it can be strained to remove any remaining pieces. Another option is to create a double boiler with a pot of water and your candle jar. Place your candle jar in a pot of boiling water, but don’t let any water into the jar. When the wax inside has softened, pop it out with a butter knife, and throw the jar in your blue bag!
Bottles for Cleaning Supplies
Empty plastic bottles that held cleaning supplies, such as window cleaner or kitchen bleach, can be recycled in blue bags as long as they are plastics No. 1–7. However, the nozzles should be removed from these bottles before recycling. Most household cleaning supplies are water-based and can be flushed down the drain. However, oven cleaners, furniture polish, and crystal drain openers should not be put down the drain. Refer to the bottle for proper disposal.
Hazardous Waste
Hazardous waste that ends up either in blue bags or in the regular trash can be very dangerous to sanitation workers. Muncie Sanitary District offers Delaware County residents a free way to dispose of hazardous waste safely: take them to East Central Recycling at 701 E. Centennial Avenue, where they will be disposed of safely.
Yard Waste
Yard waste—including leaves, grass clippings, and bark chips—cannot be recycled by Muncie Sanitary District and should not be put into blue bags. However, it is possible to compost these items to make nutrient-rich soil. Yard waste can always be dropped off at East Central Recycling during regular hours to be chipped and composted. You can also place brush on the curb for pickup; brush for curb-side pickup must be under 6 inches in diameter and should be stacked neatly on the curb. Piles should not be placed under any power lines or low-hanging tree limbs.
Muncie Sanitary District also offers free, curb-side leaf collection during leaf season, which runs from approximately October 1 through November 30. During leaf season collection, leaves must be placed in separate bags.
Tires
Tires are recyclable by Muncie Sanitary District, though not in blue bags or through the curbside program. Muncie residents can drop off up to six tires a year per address for no cost at East Central Recycling (701 E. Centennial Avenue).