Foam Recycling Program Comes To Delaware

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) and Dart Container Corporation (Dart) are pleased to provide two drop off location for the recycling of polystyrene foam, also known as foam #6. Drop-off Containers can be found at the following DSWA facilities:

Delaware Recycling Center, 1101 Lambsons Lane, New Castle. Material is accepted Monday-Friday 7am-3pm.

Milford Transfer Station, 1170 S. Dupont Boulevard, Milford. Starting February 1, material will be accepted Monday-Saturday 7am-3pm.

Commonly referred to as “Styrofoam”, a registered trademark of the Dow Chemical Company, foam #6 is recyclable and is used in a wide range of products, from foam cups and foodservice containers, to the large molded blocks used to package electronics.

Residents and businesses will be able to drop off their clean foam #6, such as foam cups, foam plates, foam egg cartons, take out containers, as well as foam protective packaging typically used to protect consumer goods and electronics. Dart will provide bags onsite for residents dropping off foam #6 to use. Residents and businesses will be asked to bag their material and then place it into the bin. Packing peanuts are not accepted within this program. Once collection bins are full, Dart will pick up and transport the contents to its plant for processing. It is then sold to other manufacturers that use the material to create a variety of new products, including picture frames, crown molding and nursery plant containers.

For more information about Dart Container Corporation, visit www.dart.biz/recycle or call (800) 248-5960.

For more information about the DSWA’s recycling programs, please call 1-800- 404-7080 or visit the www.dswa.com.

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Plastic Recycling Efforts Expanded

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) is pleased to announce that it will expand its plastic recycling efforts. Starting immediately Delaware Residents can begin recycling #1, #2, #4, #5 and #7 plastics. These numbers, known as the resin identification code, are located on the inside of an arrow-shaped triangle found at the bottom of each container. Some examples of new items that can be placed in Recycling Drop-Off Centers and curbside recycling programs include; ketchup bottles, yogurt cups, fruit and vegetable containers, margarine tubs and lids, cream cheese tubs and lids, lunchbox-size pudding and gelatin cups, sour cream tubs. Growth in the recycling market has lead to the ability to accept these new items into Delaware’s recycling stream. DSWA has also partnered with the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to create a “How to Recycle Guide” for Delaware residents. With the changes in recycling that have occurred over the past year, DSWA and DNREC felt that a booklet explaining where and how various materials could be recycled or properly disposed of in Delaware was necessary. The booklet will be provided in digital form here How To Recycle at dswa.com or by requesting a hard copy by calling DSWA’s Citizens’ Response line at 1-800-404-7080. For more information on DSWA, its facilities or programs please call the Citizens’ Response Line at 1-800-404-7080 or visit www.dswa.com

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DSWA's 2012 Kids Poster Contest!

Trash Can Dan and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) would like to invite Delaware students grades K-5 to participate in the 11th Annual Poster Contest. Each year DSWA picks a theme that places emphasis on a current environmental topic for the poster contest. This year students are asked to draw a picture showing this year’s theme, “Show Us How You Can Keep Delaware Beautiful” The best posters from grades K-5 will be featured on the DSWA webpage and at the Annual DSWA Earth Day Festival. Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place at each grade level. First Place will receive a Fuji Film FinePix Digital Camera plus memory card and a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Second Place will receive a $50 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Third Place will receive a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card. Winners will be notified prior to DSWA’s Earth Day Festival on April 21, 2012 and will be invited to attend a recognition ceremony. For a full list of rules about the poster contest click here. If you would like more information on this contest or other DSWA programs and facilities please call the Citizens’ Response Line at 1-800-404-7080.

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DSWA EXTENDS WEEKLY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION IN CHESWOLD

The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) is excited to announce that because of the success of its initial pilot program the every Friday collection of Household Hazardous Waste at the Cheswold Collection Station will be extended until December 2012. This program offers residents the chance to dispose of Household Hazardous Waste every Friday, between the hours of 9am-3pm starting January 1, 2012.

Household Hazardous Waste can include items such as household cleaners, garden pesticides, oil-based paints only (no latex paint will be accepted), nail polish, fluorescent bulbs, or antifreeze. During the event DSWA will not be able to accept any ammunition, prescription medication or sharps (needles). This event is restricted to Delaware residents only; no commercial services will be accepted. The event will be held rain or shine.

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