Recycling - Spring Recycle Days

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Spring Recycle Days: April 16 - 19, 2013

This curbside collection event is limited to single family residents with City of Olympia garbage service. 

Curbside Collection Event

Scrap metal, large metal appliances, tires, porcelain and extra cardboard are the items that will be accepted during Spring Recycle Days, April 16 - 19, 2013. Public Works crews will come by your home on your regular recycle day to pick up your items that are eligible for Spring Recycle Days.

Quick Overview:

  • During recycle week: April 16 - 19

  • Free collection event occurs on your normal recycle day.

  • Have items out by 6:00 a.m.

  • Place items near your regular pick-up spot.

What We CAN Accept

Metals | Appliances | Porcelain | Tires | Cardboard 

Click the [+] to expand lists for specific items we accept during Spring Recycle Days.

Metals (All Types)

We will take steel, aluminum, cast iron, copper, brass, and tin. There is a size limit - maximum length is 8 feet.

  • Please remove as many non-metal parts as possible. If it has too much plastic or wood, we will not take it.
  • We do not have a specified weight limit, we use equipment to lift the heavy items. 

Examples of metal items we accept for Spring Recycle Days include:

  • Axles (no oil)
  • Barbecues (gas or charcoal)
  • Bathtubs (metal or cast iron)
  • Bicycles
  • Car parts (fenders, doors, hoods, etc.)
  • Copper wire without insulation
  • Engine blocks (no oil)
  • Exercise equipment (remove plastic parts)
  • Fencing
  • Lawn chairs (metal only - remove webbing)
  • Lawnmowers; riding or push type (remove gas and oil)
  • Metal appliances (non-refrigerated)
  • Metal car parts
  • Metal sinks
  • Pipe
  • Pots and pans
  • Propane tanks; valve must be removed

Appliances (Metal, Non-refrigerated Only)

There is a limit of 3 per household for the following items. Please remove as many non-metal parts as possible. Note: Many newer appliances may not have enough metal in them to recycle. 

  • Dryers
  • Hot water heaters
  • Stoves
  • Washers

Porcelain Toilets and Sinks

Please remove all metal and plastic parts before setting items at the curb.

Tires (Off Rim)

Limit 4 per household. We take car, pick-up truck, motorcycle, and bicycle tires only. Please remove tires from rims. There must be no metal (rims) or plastic (like valve stem caps) left on the tires.

Cardboard

We encourage you to put cardboard in your cart if there is room. If you have too much, you may place it outside of the cart; but only during Spring Recycle Days. After Spring Recycle Days, you will need to have it back inside your cart. Remember to prepare your cardboard:

  • Corrugated boxes only (boxes with the "waffle" in the middle)
  • Flatten all boxes
  • Maximum size limit: 3 feet by 3 feet
  • Remove all metal (staples, etc.) and plastic from the cardboard

Can't Find An Item? If your items are not listed above, be sure to check the "What We CANNOT Accept" list below, or email us at publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us and we will tell you if it is eligible for pick up during Spring Recycle Days. Also, find answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions. 

 

What We CANNOT Accept

We DO NOT take these items as part of Spring Recycle Days:

  • Concrete
  • Electronic Waste (tvs, computers, printers) - Visit www.ecyclewashington.org for e-waste recycling locations near you.
  • Extra paper, bottles, glass, and cans outside of the cart
  • Flower pots (plastic, pottery, or ceramic)
  • Furniture (chairs, sofas, etc.)
  • Garbage
  • Garden hoses
  • Household hazardous waste - Visit Thurston County HazoHouse to learn more. 
  • Lawn umbrellas or plastic lawn furniture
  • Microwaves
  • Pallets
  • Plastic items
  • Plastic lawn furniture
  • Plastic toasters or toaster ovens
  • Refrigerated appliances (see below)
  • TVs
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Window glass
  • Wood products

 

Safely Dispose of Freezers, Refrigerators or Air Conditioners

The Clean Air Act prohibits the improper disposal of appliances with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). For safe disposal of CFC units go to www.wheredoitakemy.org to find companies with pick up service or specific drop off locations for refrigerated appliances.

*Note: PSE offers free pick up and rebates for customers who recycle old refrigerators and freezers, learn more. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

When will you pick-up at my house?

On your regular recycle pick-up day only, during the week of April 16 through 19. Please have your items out by 6:00 a.m.
 

Will you take extra recycling if I place it alongside my recycle cart?

No. Your regular recyclables will need to be inside of the cart as normal. Olympia residents can bring cardboard and extra recycling to the Saturday Drop-Off Site at no charge.
  

Why didn't they pick up all my items?

Please be patient. Different trucks will pick up different items throughout the day. You may also want to check to make sure the item is one we can accept. Keep in mind that crews generally work later than normal during Spring Recycle Days.
 

Where should I put my items for pick up?

Near your regular pick-up spot. Please make sure items are clearly visible and not blocking our automated trucks access to your cart.
 

What if I set my items out late or miss my day?

You will miss your chance for free pick up. It is important to have your items out on time on your day. Customers requesting a return trip will be charged regular pick-up fees.

 

Self-Haul Options Available

If you missed your Spring Recycle Days pick-up day, here are a few options:

  • Bring metals and extra cardboard to Olympia's Saturday Drop-Off Site,
  • Visit www.wheredoitakemy.org for options on where to take miscellaneous items, or
  • Call the Thurston County WasteLine for more information, 360.754.5494.

 

Is Your Item Reusable?

If you have items that could be used again? Consider donating or reselling gently used items before throwing them away.

Local Donation Locations

Donate items in good condition.

Online Resources

 

Contact Information 

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