Let’s Get Sorting: Your Guide to Recycling in Scranton
Hey there, fellow Scranton residents! We all know that keeping our city green is a top priority, and recycling plays a huge part in that. But with so much going on, it can be tough to keep track of exactly what can go where. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide to the 2024 recycling schedule for Scranton!
From your typical curbside collection to special events and bulky items, understanding how to recycle properly is key to keeping a clean and sustainable environment for everyone in Scranton. So, grab your blue bin and let’s dive into the details.
**Mastering Your Curbside: The Basics**
The most common way to recycle is through what we call curbside collection. It’s the standard for many cities and towns, but it’s not always as straightforward as you might think. You need to know exactly which items belong where in your blue bin.
To make things easier, let’s start with a quick overview of what typically gets tossed in your blue bin:
- **Paper:** Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, cardboard boxes (flattened).
- **Plastic Bottles and Containers:** Clear plastic containers. If you’re unsure if something is recyclable, it’s best to double-check with your local recycling program.
- **Cans:** Metal cans of food, beverages, or other recyclables.
- **Glass Bottles and Containers:** Clear, green, brown glass bottles and jars (without the lids if possible).
Now let’s dive into some extra details. Remember to keep your blue bin clean and empty of any non-recyclable items before setting it out for collection.
**Understanding Your Schedule: The Key to Success**
Every city has different rules, but generally, most places have a set schedule for their curbside recycling. Most likely your waste is collected on a weekly basis and there’s usually a designated collection day for each street in Scranton. Here’s what you can do to make sure your recycling is done properly.
**1. Check Your Local Resource:** The best place to find out the exact schedule for your area is through the City of Scranton website or your local waste management company.
**2. Know Your Neighbours**: If you have a close-knit community, ask your neighbours! Often we all know what works best in our neighborhood.
**3. Be A Recycling Ambassador:** Talk about recycling with friends and family too! The more people who are aware of the proper way to recycle, the better for everyone.
**Beyond Curbside: Special Recycling Opportunities**
You can go beyond just your curbside bin. There are other ways to be a little green in Scranton. Think outside the box – you’ll be surprised at the opportunities!
**1. Electronics Recycling:** If you have old computers, laptops, smartphones, or televisions (TVs) that you aren’t using anymore, you can drop them off at designated recycling centers. These centres often offer special drop-off events for electronics.
**2. Specialty Collections:** Sometimes there are special collections throughout the year for things like batteries, light bulbs, or old paint. Keep your eye out for these as they typically occur in the spring and fall.
**Bulky Items: A Guide to Disposal (and Recycling)**
Don’t worry, sometimes you need a little extra help to get rid of bulky items! Before you throw away anything that might be too big for your regular recycling bins, it’s best to check with the city.
**1. Check for Special Pickup:** Scranton often has special pickup days for appliances and furniture. Keep an eye out for these announcements, as they can often come a few times per year.
**2. Drop-off Locations:** For items like mattresses or large furniture, there are usually designated drop-off points within the city where you can safely dispose of them (check with Scranton city for more information on this).
**3. Consider Donation/Reuse:** If possible, consider donating those bulky items that still have value to charities or organizations in your community! There are often places where you can drop off furniture, clothing and other household items.
**A Cleaner Scranton: Let’s All do our Part**
Recycling is a collective effort, and every single person playing their part makes a difference. Keep in mind that a successful recycling program needs everyone’s cooperation to keep it running smoothly.
Let’s all work together to keep Scranton green! We can do this!