Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio re-evaluates recycling drop-off bins

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The Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) is re-evaluating public drop-off recycling sites in Columbus, Ohio, after the organization recorded a 50 percent decline in tonnage since 2011, a report by the Columbus Dispatch says. The authority removed 15 containers within the last year, with 180 public recycling containers remaining in Franklin County, Ohio.

According to the report, the drop boxes were used more frequently before curbside recycling arrived to the city in 2012. While some residents use the drop-off locations as a supplement to their curbside programs, between 25 percent of the materials put into the bins are not recyclable. Materials found in annual audits include construction debris, worn furniture and old electronics.

Improper use of the bins has become so common that an environmental crimes task force monitors certain problem areas and screens bins to remove items that aren’t recyclable, the report says. But for now, SWACO will remove drop boxes on a case-by-case basis and will conduct a formal evaluation for six months to evaluate the program.

SWACO says it also plans pilot programs and education efforts to make recycling easier in the city.