Republic Services will place hang tags on recycling containers contaminated with non-recyclable materials in Ocean Pines on Thursday, Aug. 8 and Friday, Aug. 9.

By Greg Ellison

Staff Writer

(Aug. 8, 2019) Aiming to counter reduced demand for recycled materials and subsequent lower profit margins, Republic Services will hang tags on Ocean Pines residents’ recycling containers that outline accepted materials.

The informational campaign is planned for this Thursday and Friday and is part of Republic Services’ continuing efforts to educate residents regarding the leading practices in recycling.

Republic Services Division Manager Anthony Spirito said the recycling industry is facing ongoing challenges as prices for numerous salvaged materials have dropped, with some items becoming virtually impossible to liquidate.

“We all know the importance of why we want to recycle,” he said. “The only way to improve the quality of material is by educating those who are providing it.”

Spirito said with associated costs to recycle certain items increasing, it becomes vital financially for residents to turn in uncontaminated materials.

The notices are intended as a reminder to place in recycling bins only items that are approved items.

Acceptable recycled materials include paper, flattened cardboard, metal cans, and plastic bottles or jugs.

Spirito said cleaned recyclables should be placed loose in pick-up containers and never bagged.

Spirito also recommended keeping small plastic lids attached to the corresponding recyclable container or disposing directly in trash cans.

Previously recycled glass items are no longer being collected as the market has essentially vanished, Spirito said.

For added clarity, the notices will also outline items deemed non-recyclable, including clothing or shoes, soiled paper, tools, toys, construction materials, medical waste, scrap metal, polystyrene foam, pizza or food boxes, electronics, batteries, diapers and yard waste.

In addition to recyclables, residents are permitted to dispose of up to four bags of leaves or other yard waste along with scheduled pickups, Spirito said.

Additionally, yard waste either in bulk or placed in paper bags may be dropped off at Public Works yard at 1 Firehouse Lane near the south station fire department, which is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The drop-off option is not available to contractors or for items placed in plastic bags.

Spirito said assuring only proper recyclables are placed curbside is the responsibility of residents, while also noting contaminated materials would not be collected.

To learn more, visit www.RecyclingSimplified.com.