How recycling is done in Berea, Kentucky

		Contents of this page: The basics What items can be recycled with Rumpke? May Berea residents use the Richmond/Madison County Recycling Center? What about things that shouldn't go in the landfill, like batteries, paint, insecticides, etc.? What about large items like appliances, carpet, etc.? NEW!  How can I recycle white paper without taking it to Richmond? Additional questions (go to next page)

The basics
The City of Berea contracts with Rumpke, Inc., to collect and dispose of household solid waste for its residents.  The contract includes a provision for curbside recycling.  Garbage is picked up once a week in Berea.  On the same day as your garbage pickup, place your recyclables in a special bin at the curb beside your garbage cans.  Garbage is picked up by one truck, recycling by different truck.  If you do not have a recycling bin, you  may request one from Rumpke by calling 1-800-223-1170.  A bin will be delivered on the next garbage day.

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What items can be recycled with Rumpke?

PLEASE:
Wrap newspapers securely enough so they stay dry. Rinse all bottles, jars and food cans thoroughly. Remove caps and lids (put out with trash). Labels may stay on. Leave tin can lids partially attached and tuck them down into the cans. Please be thoughtful of the people who work on the sorting lines.

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 May Berea residents use the Richmond/Madison County Recycling Center?
Yes.  The following items are not accepted by Rumpke but may be taken to the Drop-Off Center in Richmond, located off Boggs Lane South at 550 Recycle Drive.  (Phone: 859 625-0202)

#1 Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . clear dish liquid and peanut butter containers (clean and remove lids)

#2 Plastic . . . . . . . . . . . . . cool whip and butter containers (clean and remove lids)

metal cans  . . . . . . . . . . . . empty aerosol cans

magazines and catalogs . . ."slick" paper only

white paper . . . . . . . . . . . "office," copy and notebook types  (no fax paper)

computer paper  . . . . . . . . all colors

residential paper . . . . . . . . colored paper, junk mail, gift wrap, file folders, envelopes

cardboard  . . . . . . . . . . . . corrugated cardboard only; pizza boxes if clean; brown paper bags

phone books

textiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . good, reparable clothing, linens, blankets, coats, shoes (tie pairs together)
                                            [No house slippers, high heels, boots, rags]


Not accepted at the Drop-off Recycle Center:
styrofoam of any kind
wax coated paper board (cereal boxes, gift boxes, soda/beer cartons, shoe boxes, freezer boxes)
paper towels/napkins, paper plates, diapers, wet paper
contaminents of any kind (containers that held paint, poisons, pool chemicals, etc.)
oil containers (take used motor oil to gas station)
plastic bags (some grocery stores accept)

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What about things that shouldn't go in the landfill, like batteries, paint, insecticides, etc.?
The county sponsors toxic waste collection on a bi-annual basis.  Items such as paint, and tires are usually accepted.  Check back for dates and more details.

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What about large items like appliances, carpet, etc.?
Twice a year, spring and fall, the city of Berea picks up large items such as appliances, furniture, discarded carpet, and tree limbs.  There is a charge for this service.  There is an extra charge for items using freon unless it can be documented that the freon has already been removed.  In the future this page will provide more details.  For now, please check the Berea City Government Access Cable Channel 12 for specific dates in April and more complete information.

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How can I recycle white paper without taking it to Richmond?
A white-paper recycling option is now available in Berea at a 10' x 12' storage building dubbed the "White Paper Depot."

Receptacles are located inside the building.  Directions are posted inside on the walls and outside on the door.  Only white office-type paper is accepted at this time.

Office-type paper includes paper used for letters, memos, copies and the like, as well as notebook paper.  To be classified as white, the paper may have printing in colors, but the paper itself must be white.  Staples do not have to be removed, but paper clips are not acceptable.  Shredded paper is OK if securely contained in plastic bags.  Not accepted are Fax (slick) paper, envelopes, computer-type paper, file folders, or newsprint.  Regular white paper used with compters or fax machines, however, is acceptable.  All paper must be kept dry -- wet paper ruins all the rest for recycling purposes and must be sent to the landfill.

The League of Women Voters of Berea and Madison County purchased and set up the White Paper Depot and donated it to the City of Berea.  In return, the City has granted a license to the LWV for its use and management.  Arrangements have been made by the LWV to transfer the white paper to a recycling center.  The facility is intended for the use of citizens of Berea and will be administered without discrimination.   Organizations, businesses and groups may arrange to use the facility by requesting permission from the LWV.  Permission will be granted unless the volume of paper or other considerations present an unacceptable burden on LWV personnel.  Berea residents are encouraged to take advantage of this easy method for recycling white paper at the White Paper Depot.

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Additional Questions
Please see the next page.


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Return to Berea Recycles! main page

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