As it approaches the 600-ton mark since opening 22 months ago, Hendricks County’s recycling center at Lizton saw four months exceeding 35 tons each last year.
More than 43,000 drop-offs of recyclable household items have been made. At least 100 dogs and one cat have accompanied recyclers. Many are regulars.
Center patrons frequently ask whether they can recycle panes and plastic bags, drinking glasses, ceramics or scrap metal, but drop-offs need to be what contracted recycling companies accept.
Free household item recycling falls into three main categories of food and beverage glass; corrugated boxes; paper; plastic bottles, jugs and tubs; and steel and aluminum cans.
Food containers should be properly rinsed. Everything should be clean and not contain food waste. Soiled paper plates and napkins, Styrofoam, straws and plastic tableware are not accepted.
Cereal and cake mix boxes and similar containers are made from paperboard, and they go into the Commingled bin for compacting and weekly pick-up. Commingled papers include newspapers, magazines, mail, school notebooks, and soft- and hardbound books. Shredded paper is not accepted; it cannot be baled.
Some plastics such as toothpicks, toothpaste plastic laminate containers and heavy durable containers are not accepted. Several area groceries accept their plastic bags for recycling.
Corrugated boxes go into a bin all to themselves. Commonly used in shipping, they have distinctive layers glued together. Compacted, that bin fills quickly following the holidays.
For recycling specifics, visit the Hendricks County Recycling District website at https://www.recyclehendrickscounty.org/
Open four days every week, center hours are Tuesday and Thursday, 9 am-6 pm; Wednesday, 1-7 pm; and Saturday, 9 am-3 pm.
Call the district at (317) 858-6070.
