BG residents reminded to reduce, reuse and recycle during the holidays

Cardboard is dumped onto belt at BG Recycling Center.

(Submitted by the City of Bowling Green)

Cardboard boxes piling up from online shopping and present wrapping? Wondering if Styrofoam can go in your recycling container? According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans throw away 25 percent more garbage during the holiday season.

Residents are encouraged to recycle as much as possible to minimize waste. The City of Bowling Green contracts with the Bowling Green Recycling Center, Inc. to provide curbside recycling collection to help make recycling easier.

Below are helpful tips to recycle responsibly during the holiday season.

  • Wrapping Paper, Gift Cards, and Bows are not accepted in the blue curbside recycling containers or at the local recycling drop offs. Please consider alternatives to wrapping paper to reduce the amount of waste created.
  • Cardboard Boxes and Paper Board Packaging may be recycled curbside. Please remember to flatten boxes to save space. Large boxes or quantities can also be recycled at any of the local recycling drop off locations. Please remove all Styrofoam, plastic, and packaging material from boxes and discard with your garbage.
  • Plastic Shipping Envelopes and Padded/Lined Envelopes are not recyclable and should be discarded with your garbage.-
  • Although Glass Beverage Containers and Jars are NOT accepted curbside, residents may take these items to any of the local recycling drop off locations for free.
  • The Wood County Solid Waste Management District provides a list of locations accepting items like Electronics, Televisions, Cell Phones, and other household items that have been replaced this holiday season. Residents are encouraged to donate or resell items that still have usefulness or value. A link to the Household Recycling Guide is posted to the City’s home page.
  • The Public Works Department will collect live Christmas Trees beginning Monday, Jan. 7. All trees must be to the curb by 7 a.m. on Jan. 7. Collection is by ward, not by refuse day. Please remove bags, decorations, tree stands, etc.
  • For a full list of recyclable items, special collection opportunities, and the 2019 refuse and recycling calendar, please visit www.bgohio.org. Residents may also call 419-354-6227 with questions.