The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority loves recycling, and you should too! Recycling creates jobs, strengthens the economy, conserves natural resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing new materials.
Materials collected for recycling are used to create new products, supporting domestic manufacturing and reducing our reliance on virgin resources such as timber, minerals, and fossil fuels. Recycling also saves energy, often using significantly less energy than producing products from raw materials. This helps lower overall emissions and supports long-term environmental sustainability. Additionally, recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to the Regional Landfill, helping extend landfill life, reduce disposal costs, and protect air, land and water quality for future generations.
Valentine’s Day celebrations often generate excess waste from cards, candy packaging, flowers and gift containers. By making informed choices and properly disposing of materials, residents can help keep recyclable items out of the garbage and reduce waste.
Cards
Greeting cards and envelopes can be recycled and should be placed loosely in your recycling bin with the rest of your recyclables. Cards with glitter, foil and other similar decorations should be placed in the garbage. Instead of purchasing store-bought cards, get creative and DIY your own with materials you already have!
Candy Wrappers and Boxes
Most candy wrappers are made from multiple layers of plastic and foil that cannot be separated for recycling and should be placed in the garbage. As a lower-waste alternative, consider giving homemade treats such as cookies or chocolate-covered strawberries.
Like candy wrappers, candy boxes have multiple layers of different materials that would have to be separated before being recycled. These items should be placed in the garbage if you are not able to find a way to reuse them.
Flowers and Vases
Flowers and vases are not recyclable. Flowers can be turned into crafts, be composted or be placed in your garbage for disposal. Vases should also be placed in the garbage if you are not able to reuse or donate them.
By following these recycling reminders along with the Authority’s accepted items list, residents can help reduce contamination in the recycling stream and ensure materials are processed properly. Making small changes like these during holidays and other special occasions can have a lasting positive impact on the environment.
For additional information on how to properly dispose of Valentine’s Day related items, please contact the Authority at 315-733-1224 or ohswa@ohswa.org. More information can also be found at www.ohswa.org and on the Authority’s Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.