Whilst not wanting to raise your hopes that the global problem of wasted energy and resources in single use plastics has been resolved, there has been a significant improvement in recycling options in Montgomery County.
In addition to the standard plastic bottles, jugs, tubs and cups recycled by Rumpke, and collected curbside by the the City of Oakwood Public Works department (full list on the website shown at A), Rumpke has initiated the national Hefty ReNew program. In sum, residents:
- Buy the orange Hefty ReNew bags, (currently from Kroger, Target and Meijer; Green Oakwood has requested DLM start carrying stock)
- Fill the bag with the wide range of plastic items listed on the Hefty ReNew bag and at B. Additionally, a Green Oakwood volunteer at the recent Five Rivers MetroParks Master Recycler meeting, was briefed by Rumpke on further items (at C) which can be included.
- Place the closed bag out with your curbside recyclables and trash for the City to collect.
At $7.99 for 20 bags, by placing one bag at the curb every 2 weeks, the program will cost residents less than 80c per month. Given that trash costs the City of Oakwood more to dispose of than recycling, the positive buy-in of residents using Hefty ReNew bags will help to minimize city costs. Order a free starter kit (at D) or pick up one from the Green Oakwood stall at Oakwood Farmers Market on 7/20 or 08/17.
Despite some residents expressing scepticism, Green Oakwood has been assured by Engineering and Public Works Director, Doug Spitler, that they will collect and recycle the full Hefty ReNew bags (and we encourage any witness of incorrect placement in the city’s Cushmans to inform Public Works, with specifics, on 937-298-0777).
We recognize the program is not ideal (buying plastic to recycle plastic) but feel it is a significant step forward in the range of plastic items which can be recycled curbside; the ease of which will increase participation. In our view, with the caveat that reducing plastic coming INTO the home is preferred, generally, we feel this is a positive step forward in ethos and recycling availability. Our parents and grandparents called it ‘being thrifty’, so why not follow their lead and enjoy your new, easy-to-close trash can, and consider joining us at the next Green Oakwood Recycle meeting on August 6th, 6.30pm at Wright Memorial Library.
Appendix
A. https://www.rumpke.com/for-your-home/recycling/acceptable-items
B. https://www.hefty.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/03282024HeftyRenewWhatGoesinBag.pdf
C. Additional items, endorsed by Rumpke, which can be placed in the Hefty Renew bag:
- Plastic straws and lids on disposable paper and plastic ‘To go’ cups.
- Plastic windows on paper tissue boxes, envelopes, and pasta boxes.
- Sleeves around yogurt containers and clean frozen food wrap.
- Red solo cups (clear plastic cups go into regular Rumpke recycling)
- CLAMSHELLS! Note: Rumpke is working towards putting clamshells in the regular recycling in the future.
- Plastic trays from microwave meals / TV dinners (no aluminum).
- The plastic squares that keep bread bags closed.
NB. Plastic grocery bags, toilet tissue, paper towel and newspaper wrappers, etc. CAN go in the Hefty bag, but it is preferred that they are reused or taken to stores such as Meijer and Kroger for recycling (DLM has just stopped this option). - Plastic flower pots can go in but are better taken to Lowes/Meijer for reuse).