Did you know that the first full week of May is celebrated as International Compost Awareness Week? Composting is an excellent way of recycling organic materials such as grass clippings, yard waste, and food scraps to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment. During this week, Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction celebrates by providing free compost …
Concerns have been growing about a type of pollution called microplastics. These plastic particles have been turning up everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to the tip of Mount Everest. Microplastics are pieces of plastics smaller than 5 millimeters in size, falling into one of two categories: primary or secondary. Primary microplastics are defined …
In 2001 the state of Indiana estimated that we would be at 50% recycling capacity by 2025… we are currently only at 19%. I know some of you may be saying, “I try to recycle, but the rules keep changing. It’s all so confusing.” So let us help you out. Let’s rewind back to five …
Why Recycling Guidelines Change, Bottle Caps, and More Read More »
This organic material is available at public compost sites in Porter County whiles supplies last. It’s always best to call our office, 219-465-3694, during office hours to confirm material availability. All Porter County residents are invited to come in with their buckets and shovels and take as much as they want. Self-loading of material is …
Organic Material Available at Porter County Compost Sites Read More »
Porter County residents have had the ability to recycle their old smoke detectors over the last year, thanks to a program we launched July 1, 2018. The program is the first of its kind in Northwest Indiana and one of only a couple offered throughout the state. Since the program’s inception, the solid waste district …
Celebrating One Year of Recycling Smoke Detectors Read More »
A Valparaiso resident successfully completed all the requirements to become Porter County’s newest Certified Master Recycler. Jane Biuckie was recognized at the July 9 Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction board meeting. She completed 30 volunteer hours, thereby achieving all requirements of the Porter County Master Recycler Program, sponsored by the district. Biuckie fulfilled her …
Your waste hauler collects your trash and recycling and transports them to nearby transfer stations. The “garbage” trucks dump the trash on one side of the station and the recycling on the other. From there, semi trucks come to the transfer stations, and front loaders pack the trucks with the material that was dumped onto …
We sponsor grinding at the public compost sites in Porter County to give the brush and branches brought in from various municipalities and Porter County residents a new purpose in the gardens of residents. Yes, your branches get recycled! Mulch is available free to all Porter County residents. Its benefits in gardens and landscaping include: Weed control: …
Add Mulch to Your Gardens for Beauty and Function Read More »
If you’re planning a pizza-filled gathering, think twice before putting those pizza boxes into your curbside recycling bins. We’ve all been trained that paper and cardboard are recyclable. However, what makes your pizza delicious also reduces the recyclability of the boxes in which they were delivered. Boxes soaked with food and grease are not recyclable …
Expanded polystyrene (EPS), generically called Styrofoam, which is actually a Dow Chemical Company trademark, is NOT RECYCLABLE anywhere in Northwest Indiana. Many people believe that because it is a type of plastic, they can place it in their curbside recycling bins/totes or in our drop-off recycling containers; however, it is a major contaminant for the facilities …
Styrofoam Is Not Recyclable In Northwest Indiana Read More »
