GAYLORD – Spring in Otsego County includes cleaning homes, garages, sheds, pole barns and other areas. The Otsego Conservation District reminds everyone that there are many materials that can be recycled and some that cannot be reused.
Since the hoses are made from vinyl, rubber, or polyurethane, they are not materials for the recycling program. Additionally, telephone cords, cords, and other long cables could end up getting tangled in the machines, possibly jamming the single-stream recycling sorting machine.
This machine sorts all recyclables in Otsego County. If you are curious about how sorting machining works, go online for otsegocd.org and click on the recycling tab, scroll down to the single stream recycling machine video at the bottom of the page. GFL Environmental/American Waste offers guided tours to see the machine in action. To schedule one, please call (231) 943-8088.
Another item to avoid recycling at county recycling sites are household batteries, especially lithium batteries (like AAA, AA, C, D, and 9V). They are extremely dangerous, if the conditions are met, they could start fires or explode. It is important not to put potentially harmful materials in the recycling bins. Otsego County Household Hazardous Waste Day takes place from 3-5 p.m. on June 3 and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 4 and is an opportunity to get rid of household batteries. Businesses can call the Otsego Conservation District, (989) 732-4021 to schedule an appointment.
The bulbs are recyclable, but they cannot be recycled at any of the county’s five recycling sites. However, there is a current Otsego County 2022 Recycling Guide that can be found at recycling site kiosks and at the Otsego County Library. This guide can be very helpful in knowing where items can be taken, what can be recycled, and how to prepare items for recycling. You can find all this information online at otsegocd.orgor call the district at (989) 732-4021 if you have any questions.
When cleaning, remember that if the object is too big to put in the recycling bins, it does not belong in the trash and you must find another way to dispose of it. Do not leave it at recycling sites. It’s considered dumping and it’s illegal.
Last year, the county increased the average tonnage of recyclables per month from 112 tons to 128 tons.
Here are the five recycling locations in Otsego County:
- West: 71 Hayes Tower Road, behind Hayes Town Hall.
- North: 621 Garfield Street, northeast of Vanderbilt Town Hall
- Central: 931 S. Otsego Ave., near the Merchandise Outlet
- South: 247 Old State Road, across from Otsego Lake Township Cemetery
- East: 2932 Rock Road, at the Charlton-Chester-Dover transfer station.