Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Have you ever given serious thought to your family's rate of recycling? More household items than you might suspect are now recyclable and the more Amberley residents recycle, the greater our Residential Recycling Incentive (RRI) grant from the Hamilton County Solid Waste District. Last year, Amberley's rate of recycling was 22% which is very good. If our rate is between 20%-24.9%, our RRI $ per ton is $28.  We received a little more than $11,000 in 2011 just for recycling. However, if we increase our rate to 25%, our RRI $ per ton increases to $32.  How can we do that if we are already one of the top recycling communities in Hamilton County?

If we are smarter about recycling we can easily meet that goal. Mariemont and Montgomery already surpass us by 10%, and Mariemont does it with the small red bins as well.

First of all, go ahead and order that large recycling bin from Rumpke. You will find that with the acquisition of a larger bin, your rate of recycling will probably surpass your rate of throw-away trash. The bins can be purchased and delivered to your home. You could wait a year and get one for free when Amberley renegotiates it's garbage contract (most likely), or you could buy one this year and get another one next year. I know we could easily fill two large recycling containers at my household every week.

Pay attention to what you are throwing away. Toilet paper rolls and paper towel rolls? Both are recyclable, but you are probably throwing them away. I've started keeping two waste baskets in the bathroom -- one is for recyclable trash.  Open your mail over the recycling bin. Also, all those receipts in your wallet and purse are recyclable too.

Don't throw away those old computers and televisions. They are recyclable! Hazardous household waste products can be taken to 4600 Spring Grove Avenue . I am certain with a little more thought and a bigger household bin, Amberley can become an elite community of recyclers and bring in a little more revenue to the Village as well.