Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a resident who wants recycling access at your property, contact ben.russ@cincinnati-oh.gov for more information
If you are a property manager or owner who wants to join the pilot program, contact sue.magness@cincinnati-oh.gov
🌍 Protect the Planet – Saves energy, trees, water, and other natural resources. In 2022, Cincinnati saved 102,980 trees from being harvested through recycling.
💨 Cut Pollution – Reduces greenhouse gases and keeps air and water cleaner. In 2022, Cincinnati recycling reduced more pollution than if every household in Cincinnati did not drive a car for 4 weeks.
🗑️ Reduce Waste – Keeps reusable materials out of landfills.
💼 Support Jobs – Creates local recycling and manufacturing jobs.
💚 Make a Difference – Small actions add up to a big impact for our community and future.
Please place your recyclable items LOOSE in your cart or bin. Do not place items in plastic bags. The only exception is shredded paper, which should be placed in a clear plastic bag. All items should be empty (no need to wash, but please rinse). Labels are ok and do not need to be removed.
Plastic lids can be recycled by reattaching them to plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs. Please remove and discard plastic sprayers and pumps. Metal lids can be replaced on glass jars for recycling or thrown in loose. Please remove and discard plastic lids and straws from cartons.
NO!
Plastic bags are not accepted in the City’s recycling program.
Due to the stringent standards for the reselling of this material, manufacturers require plastic bags be clean, dry and in like-new condition to be used in the manufacturing process. Due to the collection and separation process, Rumpke Recycling cannot meet manufacturer’s standards.
Many local retailers have established plastic bag recycling programs. We encourage you to seek out these types of opportunities to recycle your plastic bags and films.
NO!
Batteries are not accepted in the recycling OR waste pick-up, as they can start devastating fires in the recycling facility or trucks. To find a safe place to dispose of batteries, click here.
Thank you for keeping our community safe!
Rumpke will accept plastic bottles, jugs, #5 tubs, and cups. The lids from these items are recyclable if replaced on the empty container. If you would not call the plastic item a bottle, jug, cup or tub, please do not include it in curbside recycling.
Examples of acceptable plastics: Soft drink and water bottles, shampoo bottles, kitty litter jugs, detergent bottles/jugs, milk jugs, etc. Additionally, butter, sour cream, cottage cheese, yogurt, and other tubs, as well as plastic beverage cups from fast-food restaurants (Starbucks, McDonalds, etc.) and plastic souvenir cups. When in doubt, leave it out.
Examples of unacceptable plastics: Berry containers and other clamshells, styrofoam cups, solo cups, frozen meal trays, toys, to-go containers, plastic cutlery, plastic bags and plastic wrap.
Rumpke Recycling, the contractor for the City’s recycling program, is proud to take part in a sorting process called "Single Stream Recycling". Through this process, residents can place all recyclable items in their recycling bins for biweekly collection -- without sorting them. Eliminating the need for sorting at home makes the process easier on both residents and Rumpke drivers.
All the recyclable materials are placed together in the recycling truck and transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). At the MRF, the recyclables are sent through a series of machines, which separate the materials. Employees are stationed at several points throughout the facility to maintain quality control. Once the items have been separated, they are baled and shipped to end markets where they are manufactured into new items.
The City of Cincinnati's recyclables are transported to Rumpke Recycling’s Material Recovery Facility in St Bernard, located at 5535 Vine Street, where they are separated by type through a manual and mechanical process. The material is then shipped to manufactures across the country. The manufacturers convert it into new and useful products. If you would like to learn more about the recycling process, please visit www.rumpke.com. Tours of the facility are also available. Please call Rumpke at 1-800-582-3107 to schedule your visit.
Some of the products your recyclables become include:
- Plastic: Plastic strapping, carpet fibers and backing, drainage pipes, park furniture, new containers, and clothing
- Glass: New glass containers, roadbed aggregate, and fiberglass components
- Newspapers/Paper: More newsprint, paperboard, construction paper and animal bedding
- Steel Cans: New cans, building materials, and new food cans
- Aluminum Cans: New cans, rain gutters, and window frames
Yes!
Residents can tour Rumpke Recycling’s facility. Rumpke ask that participants be at least a freshman in high school. Please call Rumpke at 1-800-582-3107 to schedule your tour.