UTICA, N.Y. — Spring cleaning season has brought new reminders about what can and cannot be recycled in the area.
The Oneida-Herkimer Solid Waste Authority shared that yard tools like shovels and rakes are not accepted in curbside recycling but can be taken to EcoDrop facilities in Utica or Rome for scrap metal recycling.
Electric- and gas-powered tools, including power cords and rechargeable batteries, should also be brought to EcoDrop for recycling or disposal but must be free of gasoline or oil.
Thick plastic bags from soil, mulch or compost are not recyclable curbside or at stores and should be thrown in the garbage.
Plastic flowerpots and cardboard trays from garden centers can go in curbside recycling, while tough rigid planters are accepted at EcoDrop as bulky rigid plastic, according to the Authority.
Flimsy seedling trays, compostable pots and ceramic flowerpots should be placed in the garbage or added to a compost bin if compostable.
Garden hoses are not recyclable and can cause machinery problems at recycling centers, so they need to go in the garbage.
Pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals are considered hazardous and must be brought to the Household Hazardous Waste facility at the Utica EcoDrop, which accepts these items from April through September.
Green waste is accepted at both EcoDrop locations and is turned into compost at the Utica site.
Residents who cannot bring green waste to EcoDrop are encouraged to check with their municipality or waste hauler for curbside collection options.
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