faqs

1. What exactly is the Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District?

The Southeastern Indiana Solid Waste District is a regional government agency serving seven counties: Franklin, Jefferson, Jennings, Scott, Switzerland, Ohio and Ripley.

The mission of the SISWD is to preserve and enhance our environment, natural resources, and public health and safety, by leading in the proper management of solid waste.

To serve our mission, are goals are to:
 

• Coordinate the implementation of integrated solid waste management systems;
• Support and coordinate all existing municipal and county recycling efforts throughout the district;
• Promote the availability of reasonable priced competitive and effective recycling, composting collection and recycling services within the District;
• Educate the public, particularly schoolchildren, in the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling to preserve our environment
• Encourage voluntary participation in recycling, reduction and reuse
• Encourage the development of environmentally sound solid waste management programs in business and industry

2. I'm confused about recycling. I want to do the right thing, but there are so many rules. How do I know which ones apply to me?

Yes, there are different rules for different collection sites. In general, most recycling operations accept newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, aluminum and bi-metal cans, # 1 and #2 plastics, and glass. To find out the rules for SISWD sites, check out the locations, identify your county, and the information you need should be there. If you are in a community that offers curbside collection, check with your municipality for rules. Rural citizens may have drop-off locations in their vicinity, so you may wish to contact your county officials for information.

3. I want to recycle all my plastic. Why doesn't anyone accept # 5, #6 and #7 plastics?

Generally, all plastic is assigned a number from 1 to 7 depending on the chemical make-up of that particular kind of plastic. At this time, only #1 and #2 plastics are easily recyclable. Although some recycling companies may pick up all plastics, there are limited or no markets for numbers # 3,4,5,6, and 7.

4. Does the Solid Waste District pay me for my cans and other metals?

No, the SISWD cannot purchase your metal recyclables. There are commercial entities which are interested in purchasing metals. Check your Yellow Pages under "Scrap Metal."

5. Do I have to prepare my recyclables in a special way? Like, do I have to remove labels and lids?

While it was required at one time, it is no longer necessary to remove labels. However, some recyclers would appreciate it if it were done. Caps on bottles should be removed, but may be put into the recycling bin. Please rinse bottles and cans, and keep paper dry. Newspapers and magazines should be separated. Cardboard boxes should be broken down and flattened.

6. What do I do with paint?

Oil based paints can severely damage the environment if not disposed of properly. The SISWD does collect oil-based paints here at our processing center in the Jefferson Proving Grounds. Your county's recycling center also accepts oil-based paint. Latex paints should be left open to dry (add cat litter or sawdust to speed up that process) and then may be thrown in the trash. Do not throw away wet paint! You may wish to consider donating any leftover paint to a charitable organization in your community, such as Habitat for Humanity or arts groups.

7. Is there a fee to recycle?

Each county and community may have its own program, and there may be a collection fee. However, if you take your reyclables to your local center, there is no fee to dispose of regular items. Fees do apply for tires, televisions, and refrigerated appliances at SISWD sites because of the expense of disposal. Check your location on this site for specifics.

8. What do I do with items my recycling center won't accept, like pesticides, etc?

Please do not throw pesticides, paint thinner, stain, household detergents, herbicides, used oil and oil filters, batteries, or oil-based paint in your trash! Bring them to the SISWD processing Center at the Jefferson Proving Grounds or to your county recycling center during special collections. The county recycling centers do accept oil, batteries, and oil based paint. Check your location for specific information regarding these household hazardous wastes.

9. What is composting? How do I do it?

Composting is Mother Nature's way to recycle. It is a process in which natural materials decompose into fine, enriched soil. You begin by creating an enclosure in your backyard made from chicken wire, boards, palettes, etc. about three feet high and about six feet in diameter. Start throwing in your grass clippings, leaves, twigs, eggshells, vegetable and fruit peelings, etc.. The pile needs a proper ratio (about 25 parts to 1 part) of carbon-rich materials (browns) and nitrogen-rich materials (greens.) The smaller the pieces, the faster it will compost. Add a layer of dirt and turn the pile occasionally. You will get some wonderful dirt after a few months - dirt that is full of nutrients. This dirt can be added around plantings and worked into the soil of gardens, etc. Don't add meat or fatty materials or domestic animal waste. For more information about composting, visit the website of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management OPPTA office: recyling.in.gov