The original item was published from February 14, 2024 4:22 PM to February 14, 2024 4:28 PM
The Lenawee County Recycling Drop-Off Site (DOS) has been an active hub for those taking the extra time out of their week to bring their recyclables. The site averages about 6 full containers per month hauled away to the materials recovery facility.
But with all that traffic at the DOS, it is important to be patient and respectful not only with your fellow recyclers, but with the county’s maintenance crew and the haulers who take it away for processing. Remember, everyone using the DOS is there with the same mission in mind – to do the right thing and take care of our planet.
We understand that taking a trip to the DOS is going above and beyond to recycle, and we’ve got some tips for doing your part to making the process run as smoothly as possible.
Driving and Parking
The right lane is for parking, the left lane is for driving through. This help ensures that no one is blocked in by a fellow recycler, or crossing traffic to bring their stuff to the bins.
If there is a line, please pull as far forward in the right lane as possible to allow others to park as well. Make sure to leave enough space between you and the person in front of you when parking so they can access their recycling if it’s in their trunk.
Read the signs
It’s easy for signs to become just a part of the background landscape sometimes, but the signs at the DOS contain important information about what can and cannot go in each bin. You may learn a new item that you could recycle that you’ve missed in the past! Take a moment to read the signs at the DOS next time you visit.
Be Patient
Having a line at the DOS is kind of a good problem to have – it means that a lot of people are diverting their trash from the landfill. Still, it can be understandingly frustrating when you have to wait your turn to park and also use the bins. A little patience with your fellow recyclers helps make the process run smoothly.
We’ve had a few questions as to why the openings to the dumpsters are so small. This helps prevent illegal dumping of items that would contaminate our recycling loads. Having too many non-recyclable materials mixed in would get the entire load sent to the landfill, which would defeat the purpose of your hard work donating it at the DOS. The openings on the containers may be small and make the process take a little longer, but they go a long way toward making sure your recycling efforts are not in vain.
Come prepared
You can save a lot of time at the DOS if you break down your boxes to flat before you arrive, and make sure your papers and plastics are separated accordingly. Having everything ready to go in your trunk or back seat can make it easier to get in and out of the DOS quickly.
Don’t dump
It should go without saying that the recycling DOS is not a dumping ground for other trash or bulk items. However, that happens from time to time.
More common, we find that people will not take the time to put their stuff in the bin and just leave their bags of recycling next to the compactors. Please do not do this because it creates litter in the area, especially on a windy day in which the items my blow away.
This also could delay the opening or maintenance of the DOS because the crew have to spend time cleaning up the area.
Be kind
Finally, remember that everyone at the DOS has the planet’s best interest at heart. Even if you are in a hurry, try to be kind to your fellow recyclers. If you see someone struggling to understand the process, lend a helping hand. It could be their first time at the DOS, and by helping them you ensure that they continue to recycle in the future.
The Lenawee County Recycling DOS is located at 307 River St., Adrian.