In This Guide
Lake County residents want to do the right thing with their waste, but figuring out what can actually be recycled versus what needs to go to a landfill or special facility is confusing. Rules change, different materials have different requirements, and some items that seem recyclable are not accepted by local programs. This guide gives you a clear breakdown of recycling rules in Lake County, Ohio, so you can sort your items correctly and keep as much as possible out of the landfill.
What Does Lake County Accept for Curbside Recycling?
Lake County Solid Waste District operates curbside recycling programs throughout the county. Accepted curbside materials include clean cardboard, paper, newspaper, magazines, aluminum cans, steel and tin cans, plastic bottles and jugs numbered 1 and 2, and glass bottles and jars. All items must be clean, dry, and loose in the bin. Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags, as this contaminates the entire load and can shut down sorting equipment at the processing facility.Accepted Curbside Items
- Paper and cardboard: Newspaper, office paper, magazines, cereal boxes, corrugated cardboard (flattened)
- Plastics #1 and #2: Water bottles, milk jugs, detergent bottles, shampoo bottles
- Metals: Aluminum cans, steel food cans, tin cans
- Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars
Not Accepted Curbside
- Plastic bags and film wrap
- Styrofoam and packing peanuts
- Ceramics and pottery
- Mirrors and window glass
- Food-contaminated paper and cardboard
- Electronics of any kind
- Clothing and textiles
Where Can You Recycle Electronics in Lake County?
Electronics contain valuable materials and hazardous components that make them unsuitable for regular trash or recycling bins. Lake County residents can recycle electronics through the Lake County Solid Waste District's collection events and permanent drop-off locations. Accepted electronics typically include computers, monitors, televisions, printers, cell phones, and small appliances. Many retailers like Best Buy and Staples also accept electronics for recycling year-round at no charge for most items.Common Electronics and Where They Go
- TVs and monitors: Solid Waste District events or Best Buy (fees may apply for large units)
- Computers and laptops: Most electronics retailers accept these free
- Cell phones and tablets: Carrier stores, Best Buy, or Solid Waste District
- Printers and scanners: Best Buy drop-off or Solid Waste District events
- Small kitchen appliances: Solid Waste District or junk removal service
What About Appliances and Large Items?
Large appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers contain metals that are highly recyclable but cannot go in your curbside bin. Many scrap metal dealers in Lake County will pick up large appliances for free because the metal has value. Refrigerators and air conditioners require special handling because they contain refrigerants that must be professionally recovered before recycling. A junk removal service like Evergreen Removal handles appliance recycling and ensures refrigerants are properly captured.Appliance Disposal Options
| Appliance | Curbside? | Scrap Yard? | Junk Removal? | |-----------|-----------|-------------|---------------| | Refrigerator | No | Yes (after refrigerant removal) | Yes | | Washer/Dryer | No | Yes | Yes | | Dishwasher | No | Yes | Yes | | Water heater | No | Yes | Yes | | Microwave | No | Some accept | Yes | | Window AC unit | No | Yes (after refrigerant removal) | Yes |How Should You Handle Yard Waste in Lake County?
Yard waste including grass clippings, leaves, branches, and garden debris should never go in your regular trash or recycling. Many Lake County communities offer seasonal yard waste collection with specific pickup schedules. Branches typically need to be bundled and cut to four-foot lengths. Leaves and grass clippings go in paper yard waste bags or designated containers. Large yard cleanout projects that exceed what curbside collection can handle are best handled by a junk removal service that can take everything in one trip.What Items Require Special Disposal?
Certain household items are classified as hazardous waste and cannot go in regular trash, recycling, or even most junk removal loads without advance notice. Lake County holds household hazardous waste collection events throughout the year where residents can safely dispose of these materials at no cost.Hazardous Items Requiring Special Disposal
- Paint: Latex and oil-based paint, stains, and solvents
- Chemicals: Pesticides, herbicides, pool chemicals, antifreeze
- Batteries: Car batteries, lithium batteries, rechargeable batteries
- Fluorescent bulbs: Contain mercury and require special handling
- Motor oil and filters: Many auto parts stores accept these free
- Propane tanks: Cannot go in trash; exchange programs available
- Medications: Lake County Sheriff's Department has permanent drop-off locations
Can Furniture Be Recycled?
Most furniture cannot be recycled through traditional recycling programs, but it does not all need to go to the landfill either. Wood furniture in decent condition can be donated to Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Goodwill, or Salvation Army. Metal furniture frames often have scrap value. Upholstered furniture with stains, tears, or pest damage typically needs to go to the landfill. A professional junk removal service sorts furniture and donates usable pieces rather than sending everything to the dump.What About Mattresses?
Mattresses are one of the trickiest disposal items in Lake County. They cannot go in curbside recycling, most charities will not accept used mattresses due to hygiene regulations, and they take up enormous space in landfills. Some specialized recycling facilities break mattresses down into component materials including steel springs, foam, cotton, and wood. Professional junk removal services handle mattress removal and work with recycling partners when possible.How Do Construction and Renovation Materials Get Disposed Of?
Home renovation projects generate materials that require different disposal approaches. Drywall, lumber, roofing materials, concrete, and tile each have different recycling potential. Clean wood and metal can often be recycled. Concrete and brick can be crushed and reused as aggregate. Drywall can sometimes be recycled depending on contamination level. Mixed construction debris typically goes to a construction and demolition landfill, which charges lower rates than municipal landfills.Construction Material Breakdown
- Clean wood: Recyclable or reusable
- Metal (copper, steel, aluminum): Highly recyclable with scrap value
- Concrete and brick: Crushable for reuse as fill material
- Drywall: Limited recycling options in Lake County
- Roofing shingles: Some facilities accept for recycling into road material
- Mixed debris: C&D landfill disposal
When Should You Call a Junk Removal Service?
Call a professional junk removal service when you have a mix of items that would require multiple trips to different facilities, when items are too large or heavy to transport yourself, or when you simply do not have the time to sort, haul, and dispose of everything properly. A reputable service like Evergreen Removal sorts your items and sends recyclables to recycling, donatable goods to charities, and only the true junk to the landfill. This single-call approach saves you time and ensures the maximum amount of material stays out of the landfill.Lake County Recycling Resources
- Lake County Solid Waste District: Manages recycling programs, collection events, and education
- Lake County Transfer Station: Accepts household waste and some recyclables
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: Accepts furniture, building materials, and appliances in working condition
- Local scrap yards: Accept metals, appliances, and vehicles
Need Help With This?
Evergreen Removal handles all junk removal and cleanouts in Lake County. Let us do the heavy lifting while you relax.