How do I get a red Curbside Recycling container?

The city of Bedford is in charge of the Curbside Recycling program and can be contacted at (812) 279-9222.  They will explain how to get a red tub and what materials are accepted.  Recyclables are picked up every other week on the same day as your regular trash pickup.  Between pickups feel free to visit our Recycling Center at 1221 J Street.    

Why are only #1 and #2 plastics accepted?

The recycling center only accepts materials that have a stable market.  This ensures that the materials accepted will be recycled into new products.  Although most #3 to #7 plastics are recyclable, the plastics industry for these products is still in the early stages so these plastics cannot be recycled in most areas.

Why are only plastic bottles recycled?

Only bottles are recycled because of their distinctly different manufacturing process.  Bottles are manufactured differently than plastic tubs for butter, yogurt, etc.  Bottles are blown into shape while tubs are molded into shape.  Although they are made from the same type of plastic, the manufacturing processes give the products unique properties.  Because of their different properties, the items cannot be recycled together.    

Why doesn’t the Recycling Center pay for aluminum cans?

Revenue that the recycling center receives from the sale of aluminum cans is used to offset the cost of processing other recyclables.  These items include plastic, cardboard, magazines, and glass.  Recycling centers that pay for aluminum cans usually do not accept recyclables that cost money to process.

• Recycling keeps trash out of landfills and protects the environment from further destruction
• Recycling preserves our natural resources
• Recycling reduces pollution
• Recycling saves energy
• Recycled materials can be reused for many purposes once they are processed
• Recycling produces less carbon, which is a major contibutor to global climate change

How are recylced materials used after they are processed?

Steel food cans: Appliances, Auto Parts, Construction Beams

Aluminum Cans: New Soda Cans, Siding

Paper: New Paper, Building Insulation, Packaging

Plastics: Plant Pots, Plastic Lumber, Can Liners, Lawn Furniture

Glass: New Glass Packaging, Decorative Tiles, Paving Materials

Magazines: Greeting Cards, Paperboard

Oil: Marine Grade Diesel Fuel, Motor Oil

Newspaper: Cellulose Insulation for Homes

For interesting facts and benefits about recycling visit the following websites:

http://www.packnboxnow.com/library/teaching_kids_about_recycling.htm

http://www.recycling-revolution.com/recycling-facts.html

http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-recycling

http://recyclingfacts.org/

http://www.buyrecycled.com/facts.htm

http://www.all-recycling-facts.com/

http://ww http://www.benefits-of-recycling.com/w.recyclingfactsguide.com/

http://recyclingfacts.com/

http://www.recyclingsuperguide.com/

http://valuestockguide.com/recycling-saves-money/

Goodwill: All eleven Goodwill BridgePointe stores in southern Indiana are now accepting technological items for recycling. It's FREE! You can now recycle your used computers, computer equipment, cell phones, printers, scanners, cords, USB drives, fax machines and more simply by dropping the item off at the nearest participating Goodwill! For more information, including participating Goodwill BridgePointe stores, visit http://www.goodwillbps.org/dell_reconnect.htm today!

 
Bedford Recycling: They can be contacted by calling (812) 275-6883 and are located at 904 Summit & H Street. They accept salvaged metals such as aluminum, steel, copper, VCRs, Computer Processing Units (CPUs), laptop computers, stereos, printers, microwaves, fans, radios, telephones, curling irons, hair dryers, power tools, speakers, calculators, keyboards, toasters, coffee makers, and other counter-top appliances. There is a fee to recycle these items with Bedford Recycling.

Medical Waste Recycling:
  
 We are currently researching the best options for medical waste recycling and disposal.  If you know of any local options please feel free to contact us by writing a short message from our Contact Us page.

Metal Appliance Recycling:

Contact Bedford Recycling at (812) 275-6883. Most salvaged metals and electronics are accepted.

For additional information on recycling appliances and electronics, we found appliancehelp.com's Appliance and Electronics Recycling guide to be very useful!

Packing Peanut Recycling:

Contact your local UPS Store or Mail Boxes Etc. The material must be cleaned and free of debris.