Residents who recycle are usually pretty good at the basics, says Marketing and Communications Manager Matt McPherson, but some not-so-common summer items can create confusion.
“Pool floaties. People might think that plastic is recyclable, but it is not because of how flexible and flimsy it is. So those can just go in the regular trash.”
The Kent County Department of Public Works is providing guidance on popular summer items that can’t be placed in a curbside bin but possibly can be recycled through other programs.
Broken air conditioning units need special recycling due to the hazardous materials inside, along with propane tanks and fireworks.
“Batteries are becoming a bigger issue for recycling: lithium-ion batteries. Larger items that might have batteries like a kid’s electric car that they might ride around the yard in. Say that dies this summer and you need to get rid of it. That should be something that is specially recycled.”
Even old grilling tools are tricky – though often made of metal, it is not the sort of metal that can go in the recycling bin.
McPherson urges anyone unsure about seasonal items to check the online Summer Recycling Guide at the Kent County Department of Public Works.
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