Spring Cleaning Recycling Tips

Spring has sprung and, for some of us, thoughts turn to spring cleaning. Here are some tips that might help you during the process.

Easy Latex Paint Disposal
Many of us have partial cans of latex paint stuck in sheds and garages with no clue how to properly dispose of it. If we ever have another household hazardous waste collection here, chances are great that latex paint will not be included in items accepted. The reason is that in solid form, latex paint is not hazardous, and collecting it quickly uses up the funds needed for truly hazardous material collection.

Here is what to do if you have partial cans of latex paint:
• If the paint is good and there is a usable amount, Habitat for Humanity ReStore may accept it for resale.
• For small amount of paint: Add kitty litter, shredded paper, or a consumer product for drying paint to the can. When the paint is completely dry, you can recycle the can at the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center.
• For large amount of paint: Line a cardboard box with a trash bag. Pour paint into the trash bag. Add drying materials such as those listed above. When the paint is completely dry, tie up the bag and put it in your regular trash. Recycle the paint can and the box.
• REMEMBER: Keep drying paint out of reach of pets and children.
Oil-based paint and paints such as Kilz must be disposed of at a household hazardous waste collection and should never be put into your household trash. Never put liquid paint of any kind in your household trash. It can be very damaging to trash collection equipment and roads.

Shredded Paper
Is shredding old documents part of your spring cleaning? We often get calls asking if our recycling center accepts shredded paper. YES, and they welcome it!
• When recycling shredded paper, leave it in a plastic bag and place it in with mixed paper at the recycling center.
• Do not put loose shredded paper in the collection bins at the center. It can easily be blown about by the wind causing a serious litter problem.

Tire Recycling
Thanks to grants from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management received by Limestone County, tire recycling has been available to Limestone County residents for several years. The newest grant received is good through September 2018! Tires are NOT accepted at the recycling center. Here are county shed locations and drop-off times:
District 1 Shed: 22555 Elkton Rd, Athens, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
District 2 Shed: 24795 Pepper Rd., Athens, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
District 3 Shed: 14119 Ripley Rd., Athens, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
District 4 Shed: 22155 Section Line Rd., Elkmont, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Electronics Recycling
There have been recent changes to the electronics recycling program at our center. The cost of processing and shipping these items has increased and the center had to make the difficult decision to pass on that expense or discontinue taking these items. Here is what you need to know:
• Electronics are considered anything with a cord or batteries (not including large appliances)
• A $0.30/lb fee will be charged for all electronics brought it.
• No batteries of ANY KIND will be accepted.

Paper, Books, and Junk Mail
Our recycling center can recycle most any type of paper products that have not been soiled by food. If it tears, it’s recyclable!
Here is a list of some of the paper items accepted:
• Cardboard boxes
• Paperboard, such as cereal boxes
• Books, including hard-back and phone books
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Office paper, including shredded
If you have questions about something you want to discard, but are not sure it can be recycled, contact the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center at 256-233-8746. Ruby McCartney, Plant Manager, and Keri Chalmers, Asst. Plant Manager, would be happy to help you.
By: Lynne Hart