Frequently Asked Questions
How can I start recycling at my house?
It is easy to start recycling at your home. All of the cities in Johnson County manage their waste differently. Some cities contract for recycling, and other cities leave it up to the individual home owner or association to contract for recycling. Check with your city or homeowners association to see if they offer recycling and ask how to sign up. If you contract independently for waste, ask your waste hauler to start you on their recycling program. Click here for a list of Johnson County city recycling web pages.
How can I start recycling at my apartment?
Multi-family dwellings have options for recycling programs. If you live in a rented apartment, the first thing to do would be to approach the manager of the building and request recycling services. Recycling usually gets started when there is a general interest from the residents. Deffenbaugh Industries has a co-mingled recycling program for apartment complexes called One Planet, One Chance. Abitibi-Bowater has a recycling program for apartments called Eco-Rewards.
What can go in my curbside recycling container?
Almost all curbside recycling programs in the county accept the same materials, but check with your hauler to be precise:
The Trash Pros
Why can’t I put plastic bags in my recycling container and where can I recycle them?
Thin, flimsy plastics such as plastic grocery bags, bread bags and films are not accepted in curbside recycling programs. The machines that sort your co-mingled recyclables at the Materials Recovery Facility are not compatible with these plastics. They are still recyclable. Many grocery stores in the region will have a collection barrel at the entrance to collect these plastic bags for recycling.
Do I need to take off the lid on plastic containers before recycling them?
Yes, caps and lids need to be removed from plastic containers. The lids go in the trash. You do not need to remove any labels from containers. The reason that the lids need to be removed is because they are a different grade of plastic and they will lower the value of the plastic. If you leave the lids on, however, the containers will still be recycled.
Why can’t I put glass in my curbside bin and where can I take it for recycling?
Glass is not accepted in curbside collection programs because broken glass is a hazard to workers and it contaminates the other recyclable materials you put out in your bin. Broken glass on our sidewalks and streets is also a hazard for our community.
There is a new recycling company in Kansas City called Ripple Glass Company and glass recycling drop off locations should be popping up all around our community soon. In the mean time, you can drop off your glass at the Community Recycling Drop-off Centers where accepted.
Where can I recycle cell phones and computers and other electronics?
Johnson County Environmental Department collects electronic waste the second Saturday of each month (May through October). Click here for details. Many cities around the county host annual e-waste recycling events. Check your city's website to see if there is an event scheduled for your community.
Can I recycle egg cartons?
There are three different types of egg cartons: Styrofoam, plastic, and cardboard. The only type that can go into your curbside recycling bin is the plastic cartons. Styrofoam cannot go in your curbside bin. Many farmers at your local farmers markets will gladly accept your egg cartons for reuse.
What is a Volume Based Rate Structure?
Volume based rate structure is also referred to as Pay-As-You-Throw and means that customers pay for the amount of waste that they generate. There is a base service which includes a prescribed volume of the waste containers or bags for your regular collection cycle and unlimited recycling. Any waste generated beyond the base rate will cost the customer extra. This is a clear incentive for recycling.