GENERAL
RECYCLING
TRASH
What does OCRRA stand for exactly?
OCRRA stands for Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency. Click here for more information on how it was formed and how it operates.
Why doesn’t OCRRA accept plastics #3-#7 for recycling in the Blue Bin?
There are two key reasons why all plastics are not currently recycled:
1) Economics and the poor market demand for other plastics, and
2) Processing requirements; all plastics are not “equal.” They have
different chemical/physical characteristics and therefore cannot all be melted
together.
There are more than a half dozen different types of plastic, in terms of their chemical composition or in the way they react under heat. Manufacturers mark plastic containers on the bottom with a number (seven in total) contained in a triangle of arrows (the recycling symbol). The numbers, show the type of plastic resin used to manufacture the product. Not all plastics are chemically or physically the same, and therefore, from a processing standpoint, they cannot be mixed together when making new plastic items.
The first question to ask in relation to including an item in the recycling bin collection is whether there are dependable markets that will accept and pay for the item collected. Since consumers have come to believe that triangular chasing arrows mean the material is recyclable, or is made from recycled material (neither of which is the case), consumers sometimes have the mistaken belief that there is a market demand for all plastics. Unfortunately, this is simply not the case. This is where economics play a role in whether items can be added to the Blue Bin program.
Currently, there is little or no demand from recycling facilities for other plastics, including the containers with a number 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 on the bottom. The demand for plastics is totally dependent on recycling facilities purchasing and using the material to manufacture new products. Recycling only occurs if waste is formed into a new product.
Changing technology may alter the situation in the future. OCRRA continues to keep up with market economics and technological possibilities for recycling all types of plastics with long-term stable market conditions.
OCRRA asks that you please try to reuse #3-7 plastics before throwing them in the trash. An even better idea is to limit the purchase or use of products that come in these containers. Contact manufacturers of products that come in these containers and ask them to use #1 or #2 plastics instead. By reducing the demand for these types of plastic containers, consumers can influence the amount of non-recyclable plastics that are used in product packaging.
Where do I get a new Blue Bin for my recyclable items?
Click here for more information.
How do I get rid of a broken or old Blue Bin?
Although Blue Bins are made of recycled plastic, they are not recyclable in the Blue Bin, because it is not a bottle or jug shaped plastic.
To dispose of Blue Bins, write or label “TRASH” on them to let your hauler know it is trash.
What items can be recycled in Blue Bins in Onondaga County?
OCRRA provides printable recycling instructions for the community here. Also, check out OCRRA's searchable database for questions on items that do not appear on the recycling instruction sheet.
Why can't plastic bags go in the Blue Bin?
Plastic bags are made of a different type of plastic than plastic bottles. Plastic BOTTLES are the only plastic items that can be recycled in the Blue Bin.
Plastic bags that make their way into the Blue Bin cause machinery shut downs at the recycling sorting facilities.
Please, do not put any plastic bags in the Blue Bin. If you store your recyclables in a plastic bag in your home, simply empty the recyclables into your Blue Bin prior to pick-up, and recycle or trash the bag, depending on its cleanliness.
If your plastic bag is dirty, throw it out. If the bag is clean, take it to a retail store for recycling. Most all retail stores are now required by law to collect and recycle clean plastic bags.
Do I really need to clean my recyclables before I put them in the Blue Bin?
Yes, but they don’t have to be spotless. Please do your best to rinse out any food and liquids.
A sticky smelly mess isn’t fun for anyone picking up the recyclables, nor is it good for the recycling process as these materials may be stored and leftover food / liquids create bacteria problems.
Do lids and caps found on bottles, jars, and jugs go in the Blue Bin?
No, the tops are a different type of plastic from the bottle, jar, or jug. Tops should be removed and thrown in the trash.
I got an Orange Sticker. Why weren't my recyclables picked up?
Review OCRRA's recycling instructions to determine what item was incorrectly placed in your Blue Bin.
Usual problems include: cardboard is not flattened or cut into small enough pieces; newspaper and other paper are not in a paper bag; plastic containers, other than plastic BOTTLES, are put in the Blue Bin; or items are put in plastic bags. If you still have a question, please contact OCRRA; we can help!
Why does OCRRA charge to handle items like TVs, computer monitors, and laptops? Don't my tax dollars cover this?
These materials contain components that are harmful to the environment (e.g. lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, polyvinyl chloride, beryllium, etc.) OCRRA wants to ensure these items are kept out of the waste stream, as their toxic elements could lead to health concerns for humans and animals if released into the environment. OCRRA contracts with a certified electronics waste recycler that breaks these items down to component level, recycles what is extractable, and properly disposes of what cannot be recycled.
OCRRA does not make money off of electronics recycling. Just like there is a cost to get rid of your trash, this is another form of trash (e-waste) that is costly to dispose of properly.
Despite the fact that the "OC" in OCRRA stands for "Onondaga County," OCRRA does not receive tax dollars to support its programs. OCRRA is a non-profit, public benefit agency; it is not an arm of county government. OCRRA is self-funded, primarily through fees residents and haulers pay to dispose of their trash and the sale of the electricity generated at the Waste-to-Energy Facility that processes our County's trash.
Where are the Compost Sites and when are they open?
OCRRA operates two Compost Sites; one in Amboy and the other in Jamesville.
Click here for hours, directions, and additional information.
How do I find a trash hauler?
If your municipality does not provide
trash pick-up, consult the VERIZON Yellow Pages under "Garbage Removal" for
the names of local trash companies.
I remodeled my house and have construction debris. What do I do with this
material?
Small quantities of remodeling debris can be disposed at
OCRRA's Rock
Cut Road Transfer Station in Jamesville.
Larger quantities of remodeling
debris can be disposed at OCRRA's Ley
Creek Transfer Station off Route 81, exit 25, on Seventh North Street in
Salina.
Fees apply. Please be prepared to pay in cash, and unload your own vehicle.
Where is the dump / Transfer Station?
There is no dump in Onondaga County.
OCRRA runs two waste Transfer Stations.
What happens to the trash in Onondaga County?
It goes to our County’s Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Facility where it is converted into electricity that is used to power 36,000 homes in Onondaga County. In December 2008, POWER Magazine ranked the Onondaga WTE Facility as one of the top five renewable energy facilities in the world!
When are the Waste Drop-Off (Transfer) Stations open?
Click here for hours and directions.
I want to take my own trash to the Transfer Station; how do I do that?
Click here for more information.
Still have a question? Check the searchable database.
If you don't find an answer there, e-mail us your question or call us at 453-2866.
