Cincinnati, Ohio's Enhanced Recycling Program

If you're going Green in Cincinnati, Ohio, you'll get lots of help. The city and county governments are committed to sustainability. They have implemented a number of programs to maintain that focus. The Climate Protection Plan (The Green Cincinnati Plan) includes Green roof loans and a free parking program for all-electric vehicles. While these efforts may not appeal to everyone, the city's enhanced recycling program will benefit most residents.

The city has offered curbside and drop-off recycling since 1989. Any household that utilized Cincinnati waste collection services could phone the city for a free recycling bin. Independent contractor, Rumpke, provided free pick up service.

Cincinnati's past recycling efforts helped minimize local landfill use. They also saved energy and reduced the greenhouse gases that would have been generated when new goods were created. The city of Cincinnati estimates these additional benefits of city recycling:

-Saved enough energy to power 46,602 homes for a year

-Saved the equivalent of 39, 560, 243 gallons of gas

-Protected 1, 800, 684 trees

-Saved 8, 750 jobs

Larger Recycling Bins

Recent changes in the Cincinnati recycling program promise to keep it going strong. One key element of the Enhanced Recycling Program is the new recycle bin. In the fall of 2010, the city began delivering the larger capacity "carts." Each green cart is labeled "Cincinnati Recycles." Wheels on the bottom make getting to the curb a much easier trip. Attached lids will minimize littering mishaps.

Residents don't have to call to request a cart. New city guidelines dictate that every household using city trash services will eventually receive a recycling bin. Residents simply fill the bins with "acceptable" items and deliver them to the curb. Sub contractor, Rumpke, will pick them up.

Bin distribution is based on household size and accessibility. Some residents will receive a 96 gallon cart. Others will get a 65 or 35 gallon cart. The city's revenue sharing agreement with Rumpke will defray the cost of the new bins and may also bring revenue to the city. Recycling pick up service has been reduced from once weekly to once bi-weekly. This should also result in a cost reduction.

Recycling Incentives

Cincinnati is among the first cities in the Midwest to offer a recycling incentive program. Through Recyclebank, residents earn points for community recycling efforts. Points are calculated based on pounds recycled. They may be exchanged for rewards from local and national participating businesses.

Cincinnati Specialty Recycling and Disposal

Old Athletic Shoes

For recycling old athletic shoes, the city recommends Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe Campaign. They dismantle the shoes, grind them up and use them to make running tracks, basketball courts, playgrounds, tennis courts and soccer fields. The program accepts any brand athletic shoe. Cincinnati locations of Bob Ronker's Running Spot will accept old athletic shoes and will forward them to Nike for recycling.

Yard Waste

The city of Cincinnati has suspended it's curbside yard waste pick up program. They recommend composting as a Green alternative. Hamilton County Recycling and Solid Waste District offers compost and Yard Waste Drop off information at their Yardwaste & Composting Hotline 513- 946-7755 or www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org .

Toxic, Hazardous and Electronic Waste

The County also offers scheduled drop offs for certain "acceptable" toxic, hazardous and electronic wastes. Check the website for more information.

Contact Information

Cincinnati Recycling and disposal information: 513 - 591-16000

Hamilton County programs are for county residents only. Those wishing to recycle or dispose of acceptable items are required to show identification to prove residence. The county website and hot line ( 513 - 946 -7755) offer additional formation.

Source:

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/recycling/

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/recycling/history.cfm

www.hamiltoncountyrecycles.org

http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cmgr/pages/-17659-/

http://www.keepcincinnatibeautiful.org/index.php/main/show/386
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/recycling/rewards.cfm

http://www.nikereuseashoe.com/