RECYCLING

The city of Valparaiso is proud of its recycling effortS (CLICK HERE to view the city's recycling map). Since 2005 Valparaiso has made many enhancements to the recycling program. As a result of these efforts, the city currently has a 49% diversion rate -meaning nearly half of the city , s curbside waste is diverted from a landfill and into recycling. While these efforts are impressive, Mayor Jon Costas hopes to encourage the city to recycle even more. "We'd definitely like to be a city that recycles more than it throws away. We're challenging ourselves to increase recycling to 70% by 2011," he said.

In 2007, the city introduced "Brighten Up" recycling to further encourage recycling. Under the program, participating homes receive a large (96-gallon) wheeled recycling container which is identified by a bright yellow lid. Response was so positive that the city quickly gave away all available "Brighten Up" containers. The city has since secured a grant from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to help purchase over 1,900 additional "Brighten Up" containers. Although we no longer have the wheeled containers available, we will happily provide 18-gallon blue bins or pick up your recyclables in your own containers. If you would like to receive a “Recycling Only” sticker to mark your own container please call 462-4612 or e-mail us at publicworks@valpo.us. Thank you for making the “Brighten Up” recycling program such a success!

The city of Valparaiso accepts the following items:
1. Clear, brown or green glass. These should be rinsed, and lids should be removed. Labels do not need to be removed. Note that steel jar lids are also recyclable.
2. Aluminum, steel, and tin cans, provided they are clean. Lids are accepted.
3. Plastic containers labeled #1 through #5 (for example: milk, detergent, pop), provided they are rinsed. Please remove lids and flatten containers when possible. Labels may be left on containers. We do accept motor oil containers if they are thoroughly drained.
NOTE that recyclables that are labeled #I and #2 are the most efficient to recycle --requiring the least amount of energy. Where possible, choose these containers when making purchase decisions.
4. Newspapers, inserts, catalogs, magazines, and cardboard (including corrugated cardboard and chipboard, such as cereal boxes). Please flatten boxes and bundle, bag, or otherwise secure paper items to keep them from blowing. Consider that 14% of landfill space is filled by newspapers alone!
5. Scrap metal, appliances, and electronics. You may call us at 462-4612 so that we can plan for a pick up of these items. For the sake of efficiency, we ask that you place scrap metal, appliances, and electronics out on your regularly scheduled trash day (not before) and that you alert us to the need for a pick up.
6. Batteries, such as automobile type, and bags or boxes of household batteries. Please contact us at 462-4612 or by e-mail at publicworks@.valpo.us to schedule a special pick-up.

We do not accept:
Plate glass, automotive windows, drinking glasses, ceramics, styrofoam or plastic bags.

Please note that recyclables are no longer accepted at our facility. Residents may drop off recyclable materials at the Illiana transfer station, 3101 Bertholet Blvd. or at drop-off locations provided by Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County. Visit www.itmeanstheworld.org for locations.