The COVID-19 pandemic changed consumers shopping habits, creating a boom for online retailers that hasn’t slowed down. Corrugated cardboard currently represents 80% of the packaging used for online orders, meaning the demand for cardboard is as high as it has ever been.
Recycled cardboard is used to make cereal boxes, paperboard, paper towels, writing paper, and of course, more cardboard boxes. It is important that you are doing your part to recycle it properly. Remember to keep boxes empty, flat and clean. Boxes with packing material can’t be sorted at the recycling facility, so packing materials such as Styrofoam, plastic bags and wrap must be removed in advance. Cardboard boxes also need to be broken down prior to placing them in your the recycling container. This will make the cardboard less likely to get stuck in your curbside bin, and will save valuable space in your bin or community drop-off container.
The Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District is tasked with preparing and implementing the Solid Waste Management Plan for Clermont and Adams Counties. The Solid Waste District is responsible for designating landfills with enough disposal capacity for waste generated in Adams and Clermont counties, providing enough recycling opportunities for 80% of the population, managing scrap tire disposal and illegal dumps, litter clean-up activities, recycling and litter prevention education, and household hazardous waste disposal.
The Adams Clermont Solid Waste District is pleased to partner with Adams Brown Recycling to provide several environmental education programs and services to students in Adams County schools. The Education Specialist, Dee Edge, is available to assist schools with general environmental education, recycling programs, solid waste reduction projects, and food waste reduction/diversion programs
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The Education Specialist works closely with school administrators and educators to develop and implement specialized environmental educational programs for their students. Classroom presentations, hands-on activities, technical assistance, and educational materials are available to schools and businesses on a variety of topics pertaining to waste reduction, recycling, and other environmental topics.
SCHOOL RECYCLING CONTAINERS AVAILABLE
A large amount of the waste generated in schools can and should be recycled. Examples of recyclable materials commonly found in schools include paper, cardboard, bottles, and cans. Once a recycling plan is established in a school, the Adams-Clermont Solid Waste District can provide free indoor recycling containers to be used year-round in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, and other areas throughout a school building. These sturdy plastic recycling containers are blue in color and are branded with a white recycling logo. The containers vary in size and shape depending on the application, from a 3 gallon rectangle shaped deskside container to a 32 gallon can with removable lid.
THE “GREEN MACHINE” TRAVELING DISPLAY
The Green Machine is a popular custom-built traveling display that is used to teach about recycling and taking care of the environment. It can be seen at many local fairs and festivals throughout Adams, Brown, and Clermont counties. The Green Machine may also be available to come to your event or school to accompany a presentation from our Education Specialist!
Please contact Dee Edge via email at dedge@abcap.net or by phone at (937)378-3431, extension 104, for information about free environmental education programs available to your Adams County school, business or group.
