Kiowa County residents are doing an amazing job recycling!

In the last year we recycled 68,000 pounds of cardboard. We have collected a huge amount of plastic and have started baling it to be recycled.  

Any space we save in our landfill will increase the life of the landfill which will save Kiowa County considerable funds.   

Please keep in mind that we can only recycle clean, dry cardboard.  If it has oil or grease on it

please throw it in the trash dumpster.  Also, please do not leave packing materials in the boxes. 

As we have started processing plastic, we have found that people are disposing of medical waste such as sharps containers with used needles. This waste is not to be recycled and must be disposed of safely. Used medical supplies are a hazard to our employees and volunteers so please dispose of them properly.  

Remember we can only recycle #1, #2 and #5 plastics that are clean, so we ask that you rinse containers thoroughly before recycling. A recycling symbol at the bottom, top or side of each plastic object. This recycling symbol looks like a triangle of chasing pointers with a number from 1 to 7 inside it.

• Plastic #1 is usually clear in color and it is not intended for multiple uses. 
• #1 is most frequently used in: 

• water and beverages bottles
• food jars and containers   
• salad dressing and oil bottles 
• clothes fiber 
• mouthwash bottles 

• Plastic #2 is one of the safest sorts of plastic. Also called HDPE (high-density polyethylene), it has got a high strength-to-density ratio which results in superb wear resistance. HDPE products withstand heating and freezing so they can be used in various weather conditions. Plastic #2 can be reused without any harm. The durability and reliability of HDPE 2 make it efficient to use in the manufacture of various items like:
  • Sturdy bottles for cosmetics and household cleaner
  • Stools, chairs, sunbeds for outdoor use
  • Toys and playground equipment
  • Some plastic bags
  • Flexible pipes
  • Bottle crates
  • Rope
  • Plastic envelopes
  • Water, juice and milk jugs

• Plastic #5 or PP plastic (polypropylene) is the second-most widely produced plastic. Being light, heat resistant and sturdy, PP is applied to various packaging. Today plastic #5 is commonly used in:
  • Yogurt containers
  • Liner in cereals boxes
  • Disposable diapers
  • Plastic bottles tops
  • Kitchenware
  • Disposable plates, cups, cutlery

Thank you all for the great efforts made in 2020 and we hope that 2021 brings you all health and prosperity!