The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority (Authority) encourages recycling throughout the region and is pleased to provide assistance by offering recycling containers for use at special community events.
“A lot of waste can be generated at events of any size, but with some planning, you can make your event low-or no-waste,” stated Authority Recycling Educator Jamie Tuttle. “Bringing recycling to your special event is free of charge and allows groups and organizations to help conserve our region’s landfill space by keeping items out of the trash and recovering them for recycling into brand new things,” she continued.
In order to obtain recycling containers, individuals or groups must complete a User Agreement Form. The Authority offers two types of recycling containers. Metal-Framed Recycling Container: Metal-Framed containers are easy to transport and are clearly labeled with a plastic cover. The containers require a 40” X 46” clear plastic bag (NOT PROVIDED). The metal-framed containers are available for LOAN at NO CHARGE.
Cardboard Recycling Container: Cardboard recycling containers are available for collection of bottles and cans. The cardboard containers are 18” X 18” X 36”. Following your event, the containers can be saved for reuse or recycled with other cardboard. The cardboard containers do not need to be returned to the Authority.
Below are additional tips for recycling success at public events:
- Recycling containers should be made available and placed NEXT TO garbage/trash cans to prevent recyclables from being mixed with garbage and vice versa.
- Recycling containers should be clearly marked so people can distinguish them from garbage containers.
- Designated volunteers or staff should be available to monitor and empty recycling containers during and after the event.
- Educate volunteers and ask them to check for contamination (i.e., garbage mixed with recyclables).
- Encourage vendors and organizers to “THINK GREEN.”
- Ask food vendors to consider alternatives to Styrofoam. (Styrofoam is not recyclable in our program.)
- Use recyclable paper for flyers and print materials.
- Promote your event electronically – spread the word using the web and social media.
To obtain a User Agreement Form, contact Jamie Tuttle at 733-1224 ext. 2300 or at jamiet@ohswa.org. For more information on special event recycling or other Authority programs, please visit www.ohswa.org or call 733-1224. You may also search for the proper recycling and disposal instructions for hundreds of items by visiting www.AmIRecyclable.com.