ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (January 2, 2020) — As we start the New Year, tidying up after numerous celebrations and special events that occur during the post-holiday season can create a large amount of waste. Items need to be disposed of properly. Special attention is needed so recycling is productive and beneficial. The drop-off sites sponsored by the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency are conveniently located at strategic locations in the county. Care and attention to proper disposal is necessary. Illegal dumping of items not collected is not allowed.
Examples of acceptable holiday recycling materials and proper handling include:
- Flattened and broken down cardboard boxes;
- Other cardboard packaging materials;
- Tissue paper; and
- Cleaned and rinsed plastic food and beverage containers.
Examples of unacceptable materials and items that are not recyclable:
- Gift-wrapping paper;
- All forms of Styrofoam;
- Gift-bows and ribbons;
- Hard, brittle types of plastic materials;
- Clear plastic wrappers from cartons and boxes; and
- Glass containers.
The Rock Island County Waste Management Agency (RICWMA) asks Rock Island County citizens to “Think Recycling” during the post-holiday period rather than throw away items as garbage that could otherwise be recycled or reused. The second ask is to make sure items are allowed, cleaned, and flattened. Area residents should only bring acceptable items to the drop-off locations. Details are outlined on the RICWMA website. Cities hosting the sites take great pride in keeping the drop-off sites clean. Citizens can help by picking up dropped items, only putting acceptable items into the recycling containers, and not leaving items that are not acceptable and should be thrown away or called for a bulky waste pick-up at your residence. Bulky waste is things like mattresses, furniture, or other items that do not fit in your garbage container.
Rock Island County citizens are encouraged to utilize their community’s curbside-recycling services or to use one of the four regional drop-off recycling sites at the following locations:
- East Moline — 1200 13th Avenue (Engineering and Maintenance Services Facility)
- Milan — 451 West 4th Street
- Moline — 3635 4th Avenue, at Public Works Department
- Rock Island — 701 2nd Street, near the Wastewater Treatment Plant
For more information, residents may contact RICMWA at (309) 788-8925 or visit the website at www.ricwma.org.
