We occasionally get a call from a resident telling us that a driver is tossing recyclables into what appears to be a garbage truck. We always fully investigate these observations; however, time and time again we have found these calls are more accurately a case of mistaken identity.

Let me explain…

In the early 2000s, Rumpke began upgrading the technology at its recycling facilities to make recycling easier for residents and businesses alike. The move to single stream sorting technology allowed residents to combine all recyclables into one container and allowed Rumpke to stop the time-consuming task of separating recyclables at the curb. This has allowed us to upgrade to a rear load truck to collect recyclables. These trucks offer more capacity and a compaction system, ensuring greater routing efficiencies and cost effective services for our customers. These are the same types of trucks we use to collect trash; however, I assure you, we send one truck to collect recyclables and a different one to collect garbage.

While the change in trucks may cause some temporary confusion, the truck upgrade also enables us to offer residents larger recycling containers. These containers offer many benefits including a lid to prevent littering, wheels for easy mobility and additional capacity for residents to recycle more. As we continue to upgrade our truck fleet to these rear load trucks, more residents will have the opportunity to upgrade to these larger containers and increase their recycling efforts.

If you are curious about what happens to your recyclables once they leave the curb – join us for a tour of a Rumpke material recovery facility. Contact us today to schedule your visit.

About the author: Molly Yeager is a corporate communications coordinator for Rumpke