Recycling district says not everything is trash
Also, Kokomo Police investigating New Year's Eve shootings
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A new year is here, and after Christmas it's time to get rid of those old electronics, clean up household chemicals, and throw away those old light bulbs. The question is, what do you do with them?
The Howard County Recycling District has the answers, and it wants to help county residents educate themselves on what is trash, what is recyclable, and what is considered hazardous waste.
Tracy Williams, Education Coordinator for the Howard County Recycling District, noted that there are a lot of things that cannot be recycled, and some things we might think should be recycled actually can go into the regular trash.
"Oil based paints and stains are flammable and should always come to the District and never go in landfills," Williams said. "Dried or hardened latex paint should go in your trash. If you have a can of liquid paint you can bring it to the District for recycling, or you can just mix it with kitty litter and put it in the trash.”
There is a company in Ohio that takes latex paint from the District and re-mixes it to use as a cheaper alternative in public housing projects.
When it comes to household cleaners and chemicals, Williams said "We test everything that comes in here, whether it's an acid or a base. And they get shipped out; separated that way."
Williams stated that aerosol cans should never be put in the regular trash. The district will accept them, empty or full. Pesticides and plant foods are both considered toxic as well and can be disposed of at the district office.
Particularly after Christmas, there are many televisions and computer monitors sitting in front of houses or in alleys around the county, assuming they will be picked up. The City of Kokomo, however, will not pick up televisions, monitors, or electronics. Independent haulers also should not pick up electronics. They must be taken to the Recycling District office to be disposed of.
"We take every kind of TV,” said Williams. “TVs and computer monitors are the only thing that we charge for, because they are so expensive to get rid of. The district board had to make a decision on raising taxes or charging a user fee.” But no matter if it is a TV or other electronic device, “If it comes in, and has a battery, and isn't a major appliance we will take it here.”
The district charges $10 for each TV or monitor brought in. If residents have a TV sitting in the alley or on the street, the city’s street department will leave them a note, telling them that item needs taken to the district office.
Pizza boxes or any container that has had food or cooking oils on it should not go in the recycle bins. Williams also noted that plastic grocery bags have a specialized type of recycling process and should not go into city or county recycling bins.
All of these rules and procedures may sound confusing. Throwing some things into the recycling stream might do more harm than good. Some people might just give up on recycling. The key to successful recycling is education.
"The unfortunate part of our curbside recycling program here is that there are people who misuse it," lamented Williams. “Even people who want to recycle, who are trying earnestly to recycle, sometimes they don't realize they are recycling incorrectly.”
Howard County residents with questions about recycling or what can be disposed of in normal trash can call the district office at 765-456-2274, or text to 765-454-0517. The Howard County Recycling District website is www.countyrecycling.org.
This article has been updated on 1/5/2024 for errors misidentifying Tracy Williams, her position at the District, and various Howard County Recycling District procedures involving paint and electronics recycling. The Kokomo Lantern apologises for the previous errors.
Kokomo Police investigating NYE shootings
On Dec. 31, 2023, at approximately 4:35 a.m., officers of the Kokomo Police Department responded to the report of a shooting near Locke and Madison streets. While at the scene, officers located a 42-year-old male with a gunshot wound to his leg. Officers provided medical assistance to the male until medics arrived. This victim was subsequently transported to a local hospital. The victim was next transferred to an Indianapolis hospital for additional treatment.
While at the hospital, a 32-year-old female arrived with gunshot wound to the upper body. It was determined she was at the same party as the first victim on Locke Street. Her injuries were non-life threatening. A third victim arrived at a separate hospital with a gunshot wound to his right arm. This 30-year-old male was at the same party as the other two victims.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for 711 N. Locke St. and located three people inside. This location was determined to be the “Bar None MC” clubhouse. Officers located several rifles and handguns concealed inside the building as well as evidence related to this shooting.
This case remains active for investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Eric Fogg at 765-456-7369, email: efogg@cityofkokomo.org, or the Kokomo Police Department Hotline at 765-456-7017.
You may qualify for a cash reward by calling Central Indiana Crime Stoppers at 1-800- 262-TIPS with your anonymous tip. Tips can also be submitted by utilizing the Tip411 app, or you can always report tips anonymously by downloading the "Kokomo PD" mobile app from the iOS or Google Play stores. You can also text a tip to us by texting TIPKPD, then a space, then your tip, and send it to 847411.
Remember, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.