Q: Why can't I
put my recyclables in by the bag? Why do I have to put them in
one at a time?
A: The reason why the bins only accept one or two items at a time
is an effort to minimize the amount of contamination we get in
the bins. For example, if the the openings in the glass bins were
not circular and were shaped like large slots as in the newspaper
bins, then folks might be tempted to recycle windows in those
bins. We can not accept window glass for recycling, and the size
limitations on the openings limit the possibility of us getting
such contaminants. Also, when folks leave their bags of recyclables
on the ground at the bin sites, it can cause a hazard for others
who wish to recycle. The bags are a tripping hazard for those
visiting, and are also hazardous for our drivers who empty the
bins. Please, do not leave bags of recyclabes at the
bins. Take the time and put them into the bins for safety.
Q: How do I get
recycling in my area?
A: We are often asked how to get recycling in areas of the County.
We can break this question into 2 different answers. 1. Curbside
recycling is handled by the individual municipality (city, township
or borough). Those municipalities that offer curbside do it because
they are either mandated to do so under PA Act 101 or have chosen
to do so. When considering a curbside program, please contact
your specific municipality on how you may help them create a program.
2. Recycling bin sites located around Cambria County are placed
to be within 5-6 miles from anyone living in the County. Due to
budgetary constraints, we can not offer any new sites to be placed
right now, but do plan to offer more recycling options at each
site within the next year. For more information, please contact
us at 814-472-2109.
Q: What should
I do with my phonebooks?
A: Tear the front and back glossy covers off and put them in the
magazine bins. The center is newsprint and should go in with the
newspapers.
Q: What should
I do with old
paint?
A: If it is latex, set it out to dry or mix in kitty litter or
a commercial clumping agent (available at your local hardware
or paint supply store). If it is oil based, mix in the clumping
agent and allow to solidify. When it is solid (will not run anymore),
set out for trash collection beside your trash with the lids off.
Those who pick up the trash will see it as a solid and will take
it from you. In addition, each year around June, the Cambria County
Solid Waste Authority holds a Household Hazardous Waste Collection.
For more information on this collection, click
here.
Q: I need to get
rid of an appliance. When is your
next pick-up?
A: In recent years, PA Cleanways of Cambria County has been collecting
old appliances. To contact PA CleanWays, please call 472-2120
and ask for Mark Stockley. If they are not collecting, please
call one of the local businesses located
here.
Q: When is the
magazine truck coming to my area?
A: We have installed permanent magazine bins at all of our Cambria
County bin site locations. With these, we don't need to bring
out the trailer and you can recycle your magazines anytime!
Q: I'm having a
problem with the "garbage man"...
A: Although we are not directly involved in picking up the trash
from your home, here
is the list of who is.
Q: What do I do
with glass?
A: Due to various market factors, glass can be very hard to recycle
right now. Unfortunately, most of it has to be put in with the
garbage. But instead of purchasing colored glass containers, opt
for brands that carry their products in plastic containers. Most
of these are recyclable.
| Q: What can I
do with my plastic bags? That's what the little
bin is for, right? |
 |
A:
Not exactly. The "Hide-a-Bag",
as it is known, is for disposal of plastic bags
used for toting recyclables to the bins. It isn't for recycling
them, and it is not for any other trash disposal.
If you'd like to recycle your bags, check with the grocery
store where you got them. If they don't recycle them, ask
why not! You could even try to shop at places that will
take the bags back - giving the more environmentally friendly
business you own environmentally friendly business! |
Q: What about the
colored ads from in the newspaper?
A: Until recently, we advised folks to place the glossy ads in
with the magazines. However, our standards for paper have changed
a bit, allowing for those ads to be collected with newspapers.
This saves everyone a bit of time in separating them out at home
or at the site. Remember, if it comes with the newspaper, it goes
in with the newspaper! We love it when recycling gets even easier!!
Q: What do I do
with all of these old books that I have?
A: Books are often hard to get rid of nowadays. Libraries, schools
and other institutions may be able to take certain books. The
CCSWA holds an annual book recycling event behind our offices
in Ebensburg. Click here
for more information on book recycling. If you missed the
collection and really need to get rid of what you have, the Blair
County Compost Site located on Blacksnake Rd. in Dean Township
accepts books. For more information on the compost site, please
contact the Blair County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling
at 814-696-4620.
