MUCH OF OHIO'S NON-INDUSTRIAL WASTE IS RECYCLABLE
A New statewide study reveals
COLUMBUS, OH More than 60 percent of Ohio’s residential and commercial waste can be recycled, according to a recent statewide study initiated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The “What’s In Our Garbage? Ohio’s Waste Characterization Study,” concluded Ohioans generate and dispose of more cardboard, office paper, newsprint and mixed paper each year than any other item. The study was conducted at 14 landfills and transfer stations across the state, where 460 loads of Ohio-generated waste were examined during the spring and fall of 2003.
Paper fiber made up 41 percent of Ohio’s total waste stream by weight. Recyclable plastics, which includes soda bottles and milk jugs, constituted another 16 percent. Significant amounts of recyclable glass and metals also are being disposed of in large quantities.
“This study proves what we’ve suspected for quite some time that considerable amounts of recyclable materials are being sent to landfills every day in Ohio,” said Ron Kolbash, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. “The information generated from this study will help us to better focus our recycling education, awareness and grants programs to benefit all of Ohio.”
The purpose of the waste characterization study was to categorize and measure the types of solid waste generated and disposed of by households and businesses in Ohio. Data collected from the first-time study will assist ODNR, local solid waste management districts and recycling programs to target specific waste materials for recycling.
Other interesting findings from the study include: approximately 75 percent of all waste loads contained loose wood, such as wood scraps and 2x4s. Carpet was also observed in 62 percent of the loads including new rolls of carpet, carpet scraps and backing. Construction and demolition debris was seen in 52 percent of the loads, such as drywall and screws and nails, and insulation.
The Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention encourages Ohioans to contact their local recycling and litter prevention office or solid waste management district to find out how they can recycle these and other items. A list of local offices can be found at ohiodnr.com
For information on the waste characterization study, contact the Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention at 614-265-6333 or visit ohiodnr.com