Recycling

What materials do you accept for recycling?

Fayette County Solid Waste Authority currently accepts plastic numbers 1 and 2, cardboard, paper, and aluminum cans. We ask that you rinse all containers, remove labels on cans, and flatten all cardboard before placing it into a recycling drop-off receptacle.

How do I know what number my plastic is and if it is acceptable to recycle?

It is important to know what kind of plastic it is before you recycle. Currently, we are accepting plastic numbers 1 and 2. To know which type of plastic you are recycling, look for the following logos, usually found on the bottom of plastic containers:

Plastic is used by many different companies across the world and can be used to create a variety of items. There are 7 different types of plastic, including Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE or PET), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene or Styrofoam (PS), and Miscellaneous plastics (polycarbonate, polylactide, acrylic, acrylonitrile butadiene, styrene, fiberglass, and nylon). It is important to become familiar with an item’s SPI (Society of the Plastics Industry) code, which is also known as a resin identification number and is used to classify the different types of plastic. Here is a breakdown of the 7 plastic types, along with their SPI resin code, and recycling status:

#1 – PETE or PET – recyclable

#2 – HDPE – recyclable

#3 – PVC – recyclable, but currently not accepted by FCSWA

#4 – LDPE – recyclable, but currently not accepted by FCSWA

#5 – PP – not recyclable

#6 – PS – not recyclable

#7 – Other plastics like nylon and styrene – not recyclable

To read more about the plastic types and what they’re traditionally used for, click here.

https://www.qualitylogoproducts.com/promo-university/different-types-of-plastic.htm

What about things like grocery bags? How do I find the plastic number?

FCSWA does not recycle plastic grocery and shopping bags, however, most large chain grocery stores accept used bags for recycling, such as Kroger and Walmart. These retailers will accept bags from any grocery store.

I have glass items. Where can I recycle these things?

Currently, FCSWA does not accept glass at our recycling facility.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE!

There are many things you can do to help reduce the amount of waste heading to the landfills each day. Not only is it good for you, but it is also good for the environment! Below are fifteen tips on ways you can reduce and reuse before you recycle.

Shop with reusable shopping & produce bags. Did you know that it takes just 4 family shopping trips to accumulate 60 shopping bags? Switching to reusable shopping bags is easy and affordable. They are available at almost any retailer, including bags that help you keep food items frozen until you reach your destination. Bags can start at as little as $1, and hold more items than your traditional plastic or paper shopping bags. Don’t forget to look into mesh produce bags for your fresh produce. http://oceancrusaders.org/plastic-crusades/plastic-statistics/
Purchase a stainless steel water bottle or coffee mug, and purchase a water filter for drinking water at home to help replace bottled water. The average water pitcher filters 240 gallons of water a year for about 19 cents a day, and one water pitcher filter can replace as much as 300 standard 16.9-ounce bottles. You can purchase a 16 oz. stainless steel water bottle or coffee mug for as little as $5 at many retailers, and it is a great method of reducing plastic waste. https://www.banthebottle.net/bottled-water-facts/
Bring your own to-go container for food and drinks. This practice will help eliminate disposable to-go containers from going into the landfill. Many businesses, large and small, offer discounts for bringing your own containers! Be sure to call ahead and find out if this is something your favorite restaurant or drink shop offers.
Avoid straws or get a reusable one to take on the go. Americans alone use 500 million straws daily, enough to fill up over 125 school buses per day and 46,400 school buses per year, according to the National Park Service. You can help by requesting that you don’t receive a straw with your drink when you are at a restaurant, or you can invest in your own reusable straw to use. They come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, glass, and are even available in a collapsible format for better transportation. If you’re not interested in one that you can reusable, there are also paper straws available for purchase, which are biodegradable and safe for wildlife. https://www.nps.gov/articles/straw-free.htm
Switch to washable cloths instead of paper towels. Paper towels are a huge contributor to paper waste each year. If every household in the U.S. used three fewer rolls per year, it would save 120,000 tons of paper waste. Switching to cloth rags are much more eco-friendly and affordable. They can be used for wiping up messes, used as a dish towel, or even as a napkin. https://cottagecare.com/blog/dirty-details-facts-paper-towels-sponges/
Start a compost, especially if you’re a gardener. Composts are easy to start, and you don’t need any special equipment to do it. This is a great way to eliminate food and paper waste from going to the landfill, and it will make your plants happy during gardening season. The key materials for composting are nitrogen/greens and carbon/browns. When starting a compost pile, the recommended practice is to layer or alternate these greens and browns. Learn more about the various compost types, and what things to avoid adding to your compost https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/basics/starting-compost-pile.htm
Switch to reusable alternatives for home products like toothbrushes, ziplock bags, plastic wrap, and more. It is easy to find a replacement for these items. For example, toothbrushes made with bamboo have hit the market and are easy to find. Reusable silicon sealable bags are available as an alternative to ziplock. Bee’s Wraps are an alternative to plastic wrap. Baking mats are available to replace aluminum foil. The possibilities are endless!
Shop in bulk. This will not only save you money and time, but it will also prevent waste from going to the landfill. Some items to look for in bulk are spices, coffee, dried beans, or other food items. You may find these at some retailers and local farmer’s markets.
Switch to bar soap and shampoo. Not only are these items easy to find, but they are also much better for the environment than traditional body wash and shampoo. Instead of throwing away plastic bottles, you’ll be able to recycle the paper into your compost. Check small local businesses, such as Wild Mountain Soap Company in Fayetteville, for these items! http://www.wildmountainsoaps.com/
Donate unwanted items and shop at second-hand stores. If you’re no longer wanting that item you purchased a few years ago, consider donating them to a local consignment or thrift store, homeless shelter, or women’s shelter. Don’t forget to shop at second-hand stores before buying new. Items purchased at thrift stores are often in like-new condition at a fraction of the cost.
Replace plastic containers with glass/stainless steel as they fall apart. Eventually, plastic Tupperware containers start to crack and fall apart. As these items break, replace them with glass or stainless steel containers. These items are sturdier, and often oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe. Don’t forget to recycle your plastic containers!
Switch to a safety razor for shaving. The EPA estimates that 2 billion razors are thrown away each year. Safety razors are very affordable and you never have to throw any plastic items into the landfill! Blades cost around a penny each and are double-sided, recyclable, and work just as well as disposable razors! If a safety razor isn’t a good option for you, look into switching to an electric razor. https://groundswell.org/2-billion-tossed-per-year-whats-the-most-wasteful-bathroom-product/
Utilize digital items like paperless billing, e-books, e-newspapers, and e-magazines. This will help prevent tons of paper waste from filling up the landfills each year, and many companies offer these items at a discounted rate, or offer a discount on your bill for switching to paperless!
Layer newspaper in your garden as a barrier against weeds! Newspaper is biodegradable and easy to obtain. Just layer newspaper underneath your garden bed and add dirt, and don’t worry about pulling weeds during the garden season. This is a great method to reuse paper instead of throwing it away or recycling.
Consider ‘up-cycling’ your items. Why throw something away when you can turn it into something that works better? Up-cycling is the process of turning something that would be considered trash into a functional part of your household. For example, turn old mason jars into decorative pieces, flower vases, or even a cocktail shaker. Turn old windows into a beautiful new picture frame. The possibilities are endless. Get some ideas https://www.personalcreations.com/blog/50-new-uses-for-old-things

Where can I drop off my recyclable items?

You may drop off your recyclable items for pick-up by the FCSWA at the following:

Fayetteville Recycling Center on Gatewood Road at Wolf Creek
Parking Lot of the Fayetteville Town Center-between Gino’s and Lowe’s
Parking Lot of Ben Franklin’s
Parking Lot of Studio B
Parking Lot of the City of Oak Hill Police Department on Virginia Street

For Raleigh County SWA, you may drop off your recyclable items at the following:

RCSWA Recycling Center in Beckley: 200 Fernandez Drive, Beckley
Peter and Paul in Oak Hill, WV
Park Drive in Oak Hill
Advance Auto Parts in Oak Hill, Rainelle, Summersville, and Beckley
AutoZone in Oak Hill, Beckley, and Summersville
Kroger in Oak Hill

We ask that you rinse all containers, remove labels on cans, and flatten all cardboard before placing it into a recycling drop-off receptacle.