CHILLICOTHE— The city of Chillicothe recently announced that only 8.5% of the waste generated in the city is going to recycling bins.

In 2021 Chillicothe trashed over 8,500 tons and recycled only a little over 800 tons.

When a recyclable item is thrown away it ends up in a landfill, when it is recycled it is able to be turned into something new. Recycling also helps to reduce pollution, conserve resources and save energy.

The city offers recycling pickup for citizens living within the city. People wishing to participate will receive a free 95-gallon recycling bin that they can put out with their garbage bin every other week. Citizens who receive city water and city trash pickup are already paying for the program. Anyone receiving these services that does not have a bin and would like to start recycling can call the recycling department to receive one for free.

"There is no question we could be recycling more," said Clint Boggs from the mayor's office. "We are well below the average, sadly."

The city's recycling program was founded in 2018 and since then has helped to remove tons of recyclable materials from trashcans and into recycling bins. They are continuing to work to educate people about the importance of recycling and why they should be recycling materials instead of throwing them out.

"We want people to know how much recycling helps," said Mar Howell from the mayor's office. "Something simple for them could make such a big difference for the world."

Boggs also reminds people that by recycling you are not only helping the environment you are also helping keep jobs in the area. These jobs come both from the city and from Rumpke, where the materials are taken to be sorted.

The following is a reminder of some of the items you can and can't recycle.

Can recycle:

• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Cut up cardboard
• Plastic bottles
• Clean pizza boxes

Can't recycle:

• Napkins
• Clothes
• Styrofoam
• Batteries
• Molded plastic

To learn more about recycling within the Chillicothe city limits you can visit the Chillicothe city website or call the recycling department at 740-773-9711. Those living outside the city can visit the RPHF Solid Waste District website to find drop-off locations in their area.