Lucas County Solid Waste Management District operates three recycling programs that homeowners can utilize as they do their cleaning: the Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off program, the Yard Waste Drop-Off Program, and the Recycling Drop-Off Program. Each program offers an opportunity to properly dispose and recycle materials a homeowner may traditionally throw in the garbage.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off

Lucas County residents may properly dispose and recycle items including paint; paint-related items, such as brush cleaner, turpentine and mineral spirits; pesticides, insecticides and herbicides; chemical cleaners and auto fluids, such as gasoline and motor oil.

First, take an inventory of the type and amount of each material, and then contact the Lucas County Solid Waste Management District at (419) 213-2230. Workers will pre-register the material and schedule a time to drop it off at a designated site. The HHW site operates from Thursday through Saturday and appointments are scheduled between 8:15 am and 4:15 pm. The program is open to Lucas County residents only. Federal EPA regulations prohibit the collection of products classified as hazardous from small-quantity generators such as businesses, schools, apartments and churches.

Many of the products collected through this program are recycled into materials that provide a beneficial use. Paint and paint products are transformed into reblended paint products or as an alternative fuel source for such places as cement kilns. Lead from lead acid batteries is extracted and reused. Ethylene glycol from used antifreeze is recovered to produce new antifreeze. Empty paint and aerosol cans are recycled into various steel products.

During your cleaning, check all storage areas for unused materials. Basements, attics, sheds, sink cabinets, automobile trunks, and garage storage areas are all likely places where old or expired products may be found.

Yard Waste Drop-off Program

The Lucas County Solid Waste Management District also provides a year-round drop-off program for yard debris, including tree limbs, leaves, grass, and bush trimmings. Branches must be less than six feet in length, and tree trunks must be smaller than ten inches in diameter. Yard waste stored in plastic bags is not accepted.

Lucas County residents may dispose of their own lawn and yard debris at no charge. Yard waste from rental and commercial properties, haulers, landscape and lawn care companies are assessed a fee. No appointment is necessary, but proof of Lucas County residency must be provided.

The closest yard waste drop-off site for Monclova Township residents is Clean Wood Recycling, located at 6505 W. Bancroft Street in Toledo. The drop-off facility operates 8:30 am-7:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:30 am-5:00 pm on weekends.*

Residential Recycling Drop-off Program

While some communities operate curbside recycling programs, only limited types of recyclables are accepted. The Lucas County Solid Waste District operates 21 recycling drop-off centers in convenient locations throughout the county. Monclova Township has a recycling center behind the Administrative Offices at 4335 Albon Road in the Community Park. Other drop-off centers are located at grocery stores like Foodtown and Kroger stores and at the Metroparks. These centers accept containers made of aluminum; tin; #1 and #2 plastics; glass bottles and jars; newspapers, magazines, and phone books; and cardboard packaging and corrugated cardboard.

There are specific items that none of the current recycling programs can accept, such as certain types of plastic cleaning bottles. Check the bottom of the bottle to make sure it indicates "1" or "2" type plastic. ANY OTHER TYPE OF PLASTIC SHOULD BE PLACED WITH YOUR REGULAR GARBAGE.

For more information regarding and other District recycling programs contact the Solid Waste District information line at 419-213-2230 or visit the Lucas County website at http://www.co.lucas.oh.us/lcswmd