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Recyclable Items
Each year Americans generate millions of tons of waste. We throw “away” massive amounts of trash as a result of everyday living. Many things like packaging, furniture, grass clippings, yard trimmings, glass, plastic, metal, paper products, clothing and much, much more can be turned into valuable next-generation products. Now, many of us realize that there is no such place as “away”. Since our trash problems won’t go “away” either, we must take responsibility for our own waste. The best way to do that is to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Educate.
If you would add material or business to the A to Z list please follow the instructions below:
Add Your Business: If your business reuses, recycles or safely disposes of an item that is on the A to Z list, or an item you feel should be on the A to Z list, complete the attached Vendor Application Form and e-mail it to adminservices@co.blaine.id.us.
Add a New Material: If there is an item that you would like to see added to the A to Z list, e-mail the name of the item to adminservices@co.blaine.id.us. We will do the research to see what local disposal options are available
Recyclable Items A to Z
Acetone
Acetone is a colorless mobile flammable liquid. The most familiar household use of acetone is the active ingredient in nail polish remover. Acetone is also used to make plastic, fibers, drugs, and other chemicals. Exposure to acetone can be chronic due to acetone contamination of water, food (e.g. milk), or the air (acetone is volatile). A number of acute poisoning cases have been described. Relatively speaking, acetone is not a very toxic compound; it can, however, damage the mucosa of the mouth and can irritate and damage the skin. Accidental intake of large amounts of acetone may lead to unconsciousness and death. The effects of long-term exposure to acetone are known mostly from animal studies. Kidney, liver, and nerve damage, increased birth defects and lowered reproduction ability of males (only) occurred in animals exposed long-term. It is not known if these same effects would be exhibited in humans. Acetone and acetone compounds are flammable liquids and should be disposed of as hazardous waste. They can be taken to any Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or event; see collection information below.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Station (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Acids
Acids are found in several household Cleaning Compounds, Pool Chemicals, Solvents, Wet Cell Batteries, and Radiator Flushes and Cleaners. Acids, which have a pH range of 0 to 6.9, maybe corrosive and cause severe burns on contact with living tissue. Acids should be disposed of as a hazardous waste. They can be taken to any Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or event; see collection information below.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Station (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Adhesives/Glues
Petroleum-based adhesives/glues can contain a solvent which may be inflammable, lung or skin irritant, or possibly fatal when inhaled in high concentrates. Water-based adhesives/glues can be dried out and placed in the trash. Petroleum-based adhesives/glues should be disposed of as a hazardous waste. They can be taken to any Household Hazardous Waste collection facility.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Station (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Aerosol Spray Cans
Aerosol spray cans contain an active ingredient and a liquid or gaseous propellant that is packed under at least 40 pounds of pressure per square inch. These pressurized aerosol containers are explosive and may be flammable. Depending upon other ingredients, the aerosol sprays may be irritants, corrosives, poisons or contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They can be recycled curbside if empty. Remove and discard plastic tops from empty spray cans and put them in your metals curbside recycling. Full or partially full aerosol spray cans or paint cans cannot be recycled curbside. Take full or partially full aerosol cans to a Household Hazardous Waste collection facility.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Aftershave
Water-based aftershave may be flushed down the sink or toilet. Alcohol-based aftershave/cologne is flammable and can be disposed of as hazardous waste. They can be taken to any Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or event; see collection information below. Alcohol-based aftershave/cologne should not be flushed into a septic system; however, small amounts (less than a couple of ounces) can we flushed down the sink or toilet is connected to a sanitary sewer.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Aluminum
One of the most efficient forms of recycling is aluminum recycling. Aluminum can be reused repeatedly and requires very little processing to make it available for reuse. Manufacturers simply melt down crushed aluminum stock and add it to freshly extracted aluminum without any degradation of quality in the finished product. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recycling an aluminum can require less than 5% of the energy that would be expended in creating a similar can out of fresh bauxite ore. The Aluminum Association estimates that the energy saved in recycling a single aluminum can could power a television for 3 hours.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Curbside Collection
- Sun Valley City Hall
- Smiley Creek
- Blaine County Recycle Center
- Carey Transfer Station
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Apple Products
Apple has an active reuse and recycling program for old iPods, iPads, Macs, PCs, and cell phones. They often offer gift cards and discounts on new products when recycling an old device. The full details of their program can be found here. The Blaine County Recycle Center accepts the following electronics to recycle. They can be dropped off free of charge Monday-Saturday from 8:00 am-5: 00 pm at 110 Ohio Gulch Road: Monitors, CPUs, Towers, Laptops, Power supplies, Cell phones, DVD/VCR players, Fax machines, Copiers, Printers, and Scanners. Please note we are unable to accept televisions.
Appliances
Working appliances in good condition are a great example of a reusable item. Large Items are accepted at The Building Material Thrift Store. Small Appliances can be donated to The Gold Mine, The Attic Thrift Store, or the Barkin’ Basement.
Fixed Collection Facilities ($5 fee per item)
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Batteries
Alkaline batteries: Alkaline batteries are standard household batteries (AA, AAA, C, D). They are used in products from walkmans and clocks, to smoke detectors and remote controls. Since 1994, most types contain no added mercury or only contain trace amounts. These batteries are marked “no added mercury” or have a green tree logo. Although newer alkaline batteries contain less mercury than their predecessors, they are still made of metals and other toxins which contaminate the air and soil.
Rechargeable Batteries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cad) rechargeable batteries are hazardous. Button and disc batteries are used in flashlights, radios, cameras, hearing aids, watches, toys, calculators and other items in the home. These batteries may contain zinc, lead, mercury, nickel, cadmium, silver and electrolytes. If batteries leak or explode, the chemical substances contained in these batteries can cause internal and external burns and irritation. These batteries also contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, lithium, manganese, silver, zinc, cadmium, and nickel which can accumulate in ground and surface water, wildlife and humans when disposed of improperly.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- The ERC in Ketchum
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Bags (Bread bags, grocery bags, food storage bags)
Hilex Poly, a plastic bag manufacturer based out of Jerome, has expanded their plastic bag recycling program to include lots of great new items! They ask that bags be clean and dry, and not have any items or garbage in the bags (remember to take those receipts out of your grocery store bags!) Hilex Poly DOES NOT accept food or cling wrap, prepackaged food bags (i.e. frozen food bags or pre-washed salad bags), film that has been painted or has excessive glue, or bio-based/compostable plastic bags.
Where are bags accepted?
- Atkinsons in Ketchum
- The ERC in Ketchum
- Blaine County Annex Building in Hailey
- The Bellevue Country Store
Camera
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. By donating your camera or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting. The camera must be in good condition: The Building Material Thrift Store, The Gold Mine, The Attic Thrift Store, Barkin’ Basement, F-Stop or sell on ebay or craigslist.
Car Battery
A vehicle battery is a wet cell battery which contains about 21 pounds of lead (a highly toxic metal), three pounds of plastic and one gallon of sulfuric acid (a corrosive electrolyte solution.). The lead and sulfuric acid from these batteries can seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater, potentially affecting the quality of our drinking water supply. Also, disposing of batteries near rivers, streams or lakes can threaten aquatic life.To prepare for recycling, remove the battery from the vehicle and place it in a cardboard or plastic box for easy handling and to keep the acid away from your clothing and skin. Do not store batteries outside in the rain.
A used battery that still has useful life may be reconditioned for resale. Worn-out batteries are routed to lead reclaiming plants where the lead is extracted and used in the manufacture of new batteries. The plastic and sulfuric acid can also be recycled. Recycling spent batteries protects our community and the environment and saves the energy and cost of raw materials.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- O’Reilly’s Auto Parts (960 South 4th Ave, Hailey)
Cardboard
Corrugated cardboard is a cardboard with a wavy layer inside. We cannot accept waxed cardboard, cardstock boxes, and food contaminated cardboard, such as pizza boxes.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- YMCA Parking lot (101 Saddle Road) in Ketchum
- Sun Valley City Hall
- Ohio Gulch Recycle Center
- Hailey Park and Ride (corner of River St. and Bullion Rd.)
- Hailey Fire Department
- 130 Riverview Drive in Bellevue
- Bellevue Fire Station
- Carey Transfer Station
- Smiley Creek
Cell Phones
Most electronic waste contains toxins such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. By donating your cell phone or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting Cell phones in good condition can be brought to ERC, Cell phone stores, Charity (There are many places that reuse and recycle phones for good causes. Just type “donate cell phone” into your search engine) or Best Buy in Twin Falls
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Compost
What exactly is compost, and how do you make it? Compost is a dark brown, earthy, crumbly material consisting of decomposing organic matter. When added to soil, compost improves both porosity and water retention and provides plants with essential nutrients in a form that they can readily absorb. Composting is the human manipulation of the decomposition process. Inside every compost pile are thousands of microorganisms working to break down the organic material. By controlling the conditions of the compost pile, we can speed up the process and produce a valuable soil amendment, while reducing the amount of trash going to our landfill. It’s a win-win situation, and here’s the best part—anyone can do it! To download Southern Idaho Solid Waste‘s composting guide, click here.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)-Accepts wood (less than 18″ diameter & 8′ length), Christmas trees (WITHOUT decorations, tinsel, lights, or stands), grass clippings, leaves, and untreated scrap wood. Untreated wood waste does not contain metal, plastics, chemicals, or other wood treatments. (Treated and/or contaminated wood waste will be accepted as municipal solid waste and billed accordingly.) Items are ground into compost, which can be purchased by the public. For drop off items, one load, per household, per week is free. After that, there is a $10 per ton charge. Commercial-scale loads of grass and leaves will be landfilled and charged at the rate of $65/per ton. Clean wood waste will be accepted at $10 per ton. Yard debris can also be collected in a dumpster at your home or business and delivered to Ohio Gulch. For complete details on having a dumpster delivered and removed from your home or business, contact Clear Creek Disposal at 726-9600.
- Winn’s Compost (Ohio Gulch Road) accepts yard debris and food scraps. For hours and drop off information, contact 309-2525.
Computers
Most electronic waste (computers, monitor, televisions, printers) contains toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting. Computers in good condition can be taken to: Wood River Middle School – Tech department, Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
Construction & Demolition Waste
Debris from a demolition or construction project that is not mixed with waste generated by a household and is not specifically excluded from regulation by state rule. Construction and Demolition Waste is not likely to produce litter, gases, or leachate during its decomposition process and may include materials like: glass, plastic, wood, siding, roofing materials, timbers, sheetrock, and other building materials. It does not include wastes that are regulated under separate laws and rules, such as asbestos, certain hazardous wastes, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and radioactive waste. Demolition Waste must only contain materials that were physically attached to the structure being demolished. *All household items that are not physically attached to the structure must be removed before demolition or the material will be accepted as Mixed Construction & Demolition Waste at the appropriate fee.
Degreasers
Degreasers are oil-based or water-based chemicals that are used to clean metal by washing off dirt, grease and oil. Oil-based degreasers can be toxic and flammable. Even small amounts entering surface or groundwater can result in pollution. Many oil-based degreasers evaporate quickly and contribute to air pollution. Water-based cleaners are generally safer for the user and the environment. Degreasers should be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Diaper wrap (packaging)
Hilex Poly, a plastic bag manufacturer based out of Jerome, has expanded their plastic bag recycling program to include lots of great new items! They ask that bags be clean and dry, and not have any items or garbage in the bags (remember to take those receipts out of your grocery store bags!) Bags are accepted locally at all Atkinsons Markets, LL Greens Hardware, Kings, The Community School, and the Blaine County Annex building. Hilex Poly DOES NOT accept food or cling wrap, prepackaged food bags (i.e. frozen food bags or pre-washed salad bags), film that has been painted or has excessive glue, or bio-based/compostable plastic bags.
Dry Cleaning Bags
All bags must be clean and dry, and not have any items or garbage in the bags (remember to take those receipts out of your grocery store bags!)
Where are bags accepted?
- Atkinsons in Ketchum
- The ERC in Ketchum
- Blaine County Annex Building in Hailey
- Bellevue Country Store
DVD Players
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. By donating your DVD players or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting.DVD players in good condition can be taken to Wood River Middle School – Tech department, Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1 )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
DVD's/ VCR"S
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. By donating your DVD players or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting.DVD players in good condition can be taken to Wood River Middle School – Tech department, Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1 )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
Dynamite
Explosives can include gunpowder, black powder, dynamite, grenades, large caliber ammunition, as well as shock sensitive material like picric acid. If you find one or more of these items please call 9-1-1 to report the incident. 9-1-1. staff will ensure the appropriate law enforcement agency contacts you to determine how best to handle the situation. DO NOT transport explosives or shock sensitive material to law enforcement agencies or any other site unless instructed to do so. Moving these materials could cause an explosion.
Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are not recyclable but they can be taken to local grocery stores to be reused. Below are a few more ideas:
- Organizer: Perfect for tucking into a desk or kitchen drawer, egg cartons are just the right size to corral small items. Fill the cups in an egg carton with those teeny desk necessities that always go astray—paper clips, rubber bands, staples, and erasers. Dress up your egg carton with a coat of paint and you can even place it on your desk instead of stashing it in a drawer. You can also use egg cartons to hold all of those other junkie items that never seem to have a place like batteries, hardware, and other odds and ends.
- Seed Starter: Give your seedlings a head start for success by starting them off in empty eggshells held in a leftover egg carton. Simply save your empty eggshells as you use them. Once you have an egg carton full, fill each eggshell with soil. Place one seed in each eggshell using tweezers, water regularly and watch your baby seedlings grow!
- Bird Feeder: It’s nothing fancy, but the birds won’t care. Create a bird feeder with just an egg carton and string. Secure one strand of string on either end of your egg carton. Then, tie the strings to a tree branch, so the egg carton is in the air, but remains level. Fill it up with birdseed and watch your feathered friends flock to your backyard.
- Paint Palette: Are the kids (or you) feeling artistic today? Before the paint starts flying, use an egg carton to hold small amounts of a variety of paint colors. It’s an easy-to-use and easy-to-clean up paint palette! Don’t forget to leave a couple of spots in the egg carton empty for color mixing.
- Decoration Storage: Cushion small, fragile holiday ornaments by storing them in leftover egg cartons. Your ornaments will stay snug and secure (especially with an additional layer of tissue paper or two) until the holidays come around again.
Fax Machines
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. By donating your fax machines or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting. Fax machines in good condition can be donated to Wood River Middle School – Tech department, Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1 )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
Furniture Wrap
Hilex Poly, a plastic bag manufacturer based out of Jerome, has expanded their plastic bag recycling program to include lots of great new items! They ask that bags be clean and dry, and not have any items or garbage in the bags (remember to take those receipts out of your grocery store bags!) Hilex Poly DOES NOT accept food or cling wrap, prepackaged food bags (i.e. frozen food bags or pre-washed salad bags), film that has been painted or has excessive glue, or bio-based/compostable plastic bags
Where are bags accepted?
- All Atkinsons Markets
- The ERC in Ketchum
- Blaine County Annex Building in Hailey
- Bellevue Country Store
Glass
Glass recycling is less efficient than many other forms of recycling, due to the processing required to return glass to a usable, raw state. According to the EPA, recycling glass only saves about 30 perfect of the energy cost of producing new glass, and the raw materials required are in abundant supply. Reusing glass bottles and jars, however, requires no energy whatsoever, so you can reduce energy costs by finding new uses for these containers instead of simply throwing them out. Once you throw glass out, 1 million years will pass before that glass breaks down at the landfill. There are 2 main reasons the county had to make the difficult decision to discontinue curbside glass pick-up: 1) The curbside collection has been hazardous; there have been injuries to staff collecting and processing the glass.2) The glass contaminates the other recyclables. If any glass combines with the other products–plastic, paper, tin–the entire load can be rejected. It is also costly; in one instance the contamination was so severe the county paid for costs to repair machinery damaged by the glass in a paper load. To prevent these instances the glass is now collected at the drop-off locations for local reuse.
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Fixed Collection Facilities
- YMCA parking lot (101 Saddle Road)
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Hailey Park and Ride (Corner of River and Bullion)
- Hailey Fire Department (617 South 3rd, adjacent to the Fire Department)
- Bellevue Fire Station
- 130 Riverview Drive in Bellevue
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Glass is not offered as residential curbside in Blaine County
Household Items
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Herbicides & Pesticides
Fungicides, germicides, herbicides, insecticides, miticides, and rodenticides are all pesticides. Pesticides are designed to kill fungi, germs, weeds/plants, insects, mites, and rodents. Using pesticides may be necessary at times, but in many cases, there are alternatives that are often more effective in the long run and less harmful to public health and the environment. If you choose to use a pesticide be aware that a number of pesticides that were once legal to use are now banned or restricted from household use. Some of the pesticides you should NOT use are Aldrin, Chlordane, Cyanide, DBCP, DDT, Diazinon, Dieldrin, Heptachlor, Kepone, Lindane, Mirex, Silvex, 2,4,5,-T, Toxaphene, Arsenates, Sodium Arsenite, Creosote, and Pentachlorophenol (PCP).
There are many strategies for controlling house pests. These strategies include barriers (to prevent pests from entering a home), traps (to collect pests that have entered a home), biological controls (attracting beneficial predator and parasitic insects) and the use of non-toxic or less toxic alternatives to pesticides.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Ink and Toner Cartridges
Where are ink cartridges accepted?
- Jane’s in Hailey (788-0848),
- Copy & Print in Hailey (788-4200)
- Business as Usual in Ketchum (726-3130)
- OfficeMax in Twin Falls or Boise
Inert Construction Debris
The Building Material Thrift Store was created to help builders, developers, architects, and residents find resources to assist with commercial and residential deconstruction projects. This can result in lowering project costs by saving time and money through reuse and recycling of materials that would otherwise go the landfill.
The Store’s proceeds go directly to the Crisis Hotline.
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| Chemically-treated wood products, materials, wastes or liquids that will produce gas or leachate. |
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Junk Mail
You can now select to Opt-Out of receiving a telephone directory.Once I select to Opt-Out how long will it take for my request to be processed? It may take up to 12 weeks for the selections to be accepted by the publisher’s internal systems.Based on the schedule for the printing and delivery of that directory, you may still receive a directory this year but would not receive one the following year.Consumers should know that if they still receive a directory, the publisher did not ignore the request, it is usually a timing issue based on the directory printing and delivery schedule for that directory. Alert: Directory publishers listed on this site generally do not accept opt-out requests from third parties or websites proclaiming to submit such requests on your behalf. Please protect your personal information by using this website to work directly with the directory publishers.Directories delivered by the U.S. Postal Service: While every effort is made to honor opt-out requests, current USPS regulations may preclude opting-out of mail delivery in certain (mainly rural) areas. The industry is currently testing a possible solution with the USPS.
Kerosene
Fuels and fuel oils are petroleum products that are used in many types of engines, lamps, heaters, furnaces, stoves, and as solvents. Fuel oils come from crude petroleum and are refined to meet specifications for each use. Fuel oils are mixtures of aliphatic (open chain and cyclic compounds that are similar to open chain compounds) and aromatic (benzene and compounds similar to benzene) petroleum hydrocarbons. In addition, they may contain small amounts of nitrogen, sulfur, and other elements as additives. Fuel oils are distinguished from each other primarily by their boiling point ranges, chemical additives, and uses. Fuel oils include Kerosene, coal oil, diesel fuel, home heating oil, and gasoline. All fuels and fuel oils should be disposed of as a hazardous waste.Where does it go next? Most fuels and fuel oils are blended and used as an alternative fuel source.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Light Bulbs
Unbroken CFL Light Bulbs and Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (no fluorescent tubes) can be recycled at both Home Depot or Lowe’s in Twin Falls. At this time, these products are not accepted at the Ohio Gulch Recycle Center.
Medications
Controlled substances (prescription medications such as painkillers and tranquilizers which are regulated by the Controlled Substances Act) can be taken to local participating law enforcement agencies Controlled substances can be taken to participating Sheriff or Police Departments. Non-controlled substances (over-the-counter drugs as well as some prescriptions that are not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act) and only non-controlled substances can be taken to local participating pharmacies.
Unwanted medications are medications that are outdated or no longer needed. People often inherit prescription or over-the-counter drugs when a relative or friend has passed away. Unwanted medications can include CONTROLLED and NON-CONTROLLED substances. Controlled substances are drugs or chemicals whose manufacture, possession and use are regulated by the Controlled Substances Act which is enforced the Drug Enforcement Administration. Controlled substances may include illegal drugs or prescription medications such as painkillers and tranquilizers. Non-controlled substances include over-the-counter drugs as well as some prescriptions that are not regulated by the Controlled Substances Act. To determine if you have a CONTROLLED or NON-controlled substance, ask your doctor or pharmacist or call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
Improper disposal of unwanted medications can result in serious harm to humans, animals, and the environment. Proper drug disposal is an emerging issue in the environmental arena. All medications applied or ingested may be excreted or washed into sewage systems and discharged to the environment. The risks posed to humans by long-term consumption of minute quantities of medications in drinking water, as well as the risks to the environment by continual exposure are unknown. Flushing unwanted medications down the toilet or throwing them in the garbage just adds to the problem.
In 2002 the United States Geological Survey (USGS) published the results of a two-year study that included nationwide sampling and analysis of streams for wastewater contaminants including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and hormones. The study results indicated that many wastewater contaminants were present at detectable quantities in rivers across the nation. While the concentrations detected in the study were low, and rarely exceeded drinking water guidelines or aquatic life criteria, the USGS pointed out that standards haven’t been set for many compounds because we don’t yet know enough about them or their effect on human or environmental health.
How can I safely dispose of unwanted medications?
Prior to transporting your unwanted medications, be sure that:
- They are in the original container with the name of the medicine visible.
- Liquids are not accepted.
- All patient information has either been removed or obscured.
- Return unwanted NON-CONTROLLED substances to your physician. Ask your physician if he/she will take your unwanted medications for safe disposal.
- Take NON-CONTROLLED substances to a Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or collection event.
- Controlled substances can be taken to the Blaine County Sheriffs Department in Hailey or the Ketchum Police Department.
- Always call before transporting unwanted medications. Not all medications can be taken to every disposal site. Some medications must be taken to special sites for proper disposal.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist or call the National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222 to find out if your unwanted medications are controlled or non-controlled substances.
Metals Lids
Lids that come on drink bottles or glass jars can be included in aluminum/tin recycling. Please be sure to remove lids from their bottles, and recycle the bottles separately.
Metals
All metals are recyclable. Some can be taken to The Building Material Thrift Store.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Milk/Soy Milk Containers
Aseptic Containers: Milk and Soy Milk Cartons and Juice Boxes
These cartons have a film/wax that makes them waterproof therefore they cannot be processed with mixed paper. Aseptic processing is the process by which a sterile (aseptic) product (typically food or pharmaceutical) is packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains sterility. Unfortunately, they can’t be processed with the mixed paper and must be thrown out. In order to collect a product, the county must have an end user or broker. Currently, we do not have a market for milk/soy cartons. We are not aware of any opportunity for recycling them locally. Hopefully, an option will develop in the future.
Mixed Paper
Currently, the county collects mixed paper curbside.
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Fixed Collection Facilities
- Residential Curbside
- Sun Valley City Hall
- Smiley Creek
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Mixed Construction & Demolition Waste
Debris from a demolition or construction project that is likely to produce litter, gases, or leachate during its decomposition process. Household items that are not physically attached to the structure being demolished are considered mixed construction and demolition waste. This material is not suitable to be deposited in the Inert/construction & demolition area.
Motor Oil – Bottles Empty
Not Recyclable. Empty motor oil bottles are difficult to recycle because of the oily residue that is left inside the bottle. When plastic bottles are processed they go over a series of conveyor belts. The oil residue gets into the gears and can foul the system. Bttles should be properly drained and discarded in the trash.
Motor Oil – Used
One gallon of used oil can ruin a million gallons of fresh water; a year’s supply of water for 50 people. Used oil should never be dumped in your yard (such as on blackberry brambles), down a storm drain, or in your garbage can. If you plan to haul the oil to a recycling drop-off site yourself, pour the used oil into a container with a secure lid for safe transporting to the drop-off site. Retail shops sell convenient reusable oil containers for this purpose. Never mix oil with other vehicle fluids, such as gasoline, solvents or antifreeze. Since oil only gets dirty and never breaks down, it can be cleaned and reused at refineries or it can be blended and used as an alternative fuel source.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- O’Reilly’s Auto Parts (960 South 4th Ave., Hailey)
Newspaper and Inserts
Newspaper, by design, is a very absorbent product, because it has to absorb ink. But that also means it is equipped to absorb all sorts of moisture, including moisture and the resulting odors found in shoes and vegetable drawers,” says Chris Morrissey, vice president of marketing for Sun Chemical, in Northlake, Illinois, the world’s largest printing-ink manufacturer.
- Deodorize food containers. Stuff a balled-up piece of newspaper into a lunch box or thermos, seal it, and let sit overnight.
- Ripen tomatoes. Wrap them individually and leave them out at room temperature.
- Pack delicate items.Wrap frames and figurines with several pieces of newspaper, then crumple the remaining sections to fill extra space in the box.
- Wipe away tough streaks on glass.Use newspaper with cleaning fluid to clean mirrors and windows.
- Preserve antique glass. Some older frames have finishes on the glass that can be damaged by cleaning solutions. Remove smudges by rubbing with newspaper dipped in a solution of one part white vinegar and one part warm water. Let air-dry.
- Dry shoes. Place crumpled paper in them overnight.
- Wrap gifts. Use the comics to wrap a child’s birthday gift, or try the wedding announcements for an engagement gift.
- Create a home for slushy snow boots. During the winter, keep a pile of newspaper near the entryway. When your little snowmen and -women come home, they can toss their winter wear onto the newspaper instead of creating puddles on the floor.
- Prepare a garden. In the fall, mow a patch of lawn to make room for a dedicated bed. Cover it with four layers of newspaper, then a four-inch layer of shredded leaves or bark mulch. Hose it down. Come spring, the compost blanket will have smothered the grass roots, and the bed will be primed for planting.
- Keep the refrigerator vegetable drawer dry and free of smells. Line the bottom with newspaper.
Source: Real Simple Magazine
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Sun Valley City Hall
- Smiley Creek
- Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Oil
See motor oil.
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Paint
We accept both oil and latex paint at the Blaine County Recycle Center. This is limited to residential households and Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators (CESOG). The limit for paint is 5 gallons per day and no more than 25 gallons per month. Additional latex paint cans may be dried out and taken to the Ohio Gulch Transfer Station.
Paper
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Fixed Collection Facilities
Residential Curbside
Sun Valley City Hall
Smiley Creek
Blaine County Recycle Center (110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1)
Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Photocopiers
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. By donating your photocopiers or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting. Photocopiers in used condition can be donated to Wood River Middle School – Tech department,Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1 )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
Plastics Number 1 to 5
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Plastic Film & Bags
Plastic bags are made out of “film”, or thin flexible sheets of plastic. Plastic film is typically defined as any plastic less than 10 mm thick. The most plastic films are made from polyethylene resin and are readily recyclable if the material is clean, dry, and not pigmented black.
Pallet wrap is made from polyethylene plastic and is mechanically stretched around a product. It is designed to adhere to itself (no adhesive is used though).
Shrink wrap is made from polyolefin plastic and is applied loosely around an item and then it is heated all over causing the wrap to shrink tightly around the product.
Where are bags accepted?
- Atkinsons’ in Ketchum
- The ERC
- Bellevue Country Store
- Blaine County Annex
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Printers
Most electronic waste contain toxins such as lead, cadmium and mercury. By donating your printers or other electronics, these toxins are kept out of our landfills. Please donate electronics to a non-profit organization if they are in good working condition. Always call the non-profit before transporting. Printers in good condition:Wood River Middle School – Tech department, Barkin’ Basement, or the Gold Mine.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Recycle Center ( 110 Ohio Gulch Road–Bldg 1 )
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Best Buy in Twin Falls
Tires
Illegally disposed tires cause an unsightly mess and can lead to fires, pollution and insect breeding problems. Tires are banned from modern landfills since they tend to “migrate” when buried—they just keep popping up! Types: passenger vehicles, trucks (semi-truck/implements only at transfer station), NO solid wheels (lawnmower).
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Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
- Les Schwab Tire Centers
Tyvek
Hilex Poly, a plastic bag manufacturer based out of Jerome, has expanded their plastic bag recycling program to include lots of great new items! They ask that bags be clean and dry, and not have any items or garbage in the bags (remember to take those receipts out of your grocery store bags!) Bags are accepted locally at all Atkinsons Markets, LL Greens Hardware, Kings, The Community School, and the Blaine County Annex building. Hilex Poly DOES NOT accept food or cling wrap, prepackaged food bags (i.e. frozen food bags or pre-washed salad bags), film that has been painted or has excessive glue, or bio-based/compostable plastic bags.
Vehicles
Donating cars is a great way to raise money for your favorite charity. Many people end up contributing more to charity through their car donations than they would otherwise be able to by giving cash. Cars 4 Causes® is America’s 1st vehicle donation charity and has raised over $100 million through vehicle donations. They have shared proceeds with other charities like Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Doctors Without Borders, and SPCA. They have also helped smaller charities and non-profit organizations such as schools, libraries and religious organizations.
Fixed Collection Facilities
All vehicles must have title or registration and must be drained of fluids.
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)
Wood Waste
Yard Waste including tree trunks, limbs, bark, bushes, shrubs and Christmas trees with NO lights, decorations, tinsel, stands (Clean trees). Untreated Wood Waste including untreated dimensional lumber, untreated wood fencing, untreated wood pallets, untreated wood poles.
Fixed Collection Facilities
- Blaine County Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Wynn's Compost (Ohio Gulch Road)
Yard Waste
Yard debris is a valuable resource. Although most yard debris can be added to a home compost system, sometimes homeowners generate more organic waste than they can handle. In this case, you can opt for curbside yard debris pickup.
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Fixed Collection Facilities
- Ohio Gulch Transfer Station (110 Ohio Gulch Road)
- Carey Transfer Satiation (1675 South 1800 East, Carey)