Recycling program adds cooking oil, batteries, bulbs

The Johnson City Public Works – Solid Waste Services Division is pleased to announce more opportunities for citizens to recycle. Used cooking oil, household batteries and fluorescent bulbs will be accepted starting Monday, Jan. 23.

Used cooking oil will be accepted via curbside bins. Residents are asked strain food particles from the oil and place it in a clear gallon container with a screw-on lid. Lard, shortening and tallow will not be accepted. While used motor oils (no kerosene, gasoline, brake or transmission fluids, paint thinner, etc.) are also accepted, they should not be mixed with cooking oils.

Household batteries, both rechargeable and non-rechargeable, will be accepted in person at the Solid Waste Services Complex and in curbside bins. Both battery terminals must be taped securely. Batteries must be placed in a plastic sandwich/storage bag with a zipper seal. If depositing batteries via curbside bins, please place baggies on top of other recyclables in the bin.

Fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) will be accepted in person only. Tubes and bulbs should be placed in original packaging or wrapped in newspaper. Only four tubes will be accepted per visit; there is no limit on CFLs. Tubes longer than 4 feet will not be accepted. Residents are advised in the event of breakage: open a window or door, keep away pets and children, wear rubber gloves and pick up fragments/shards. Collect powder with a wet disposable towel. Place all items in a sealable bag, double bag and wash hands thoroughly. Place in regular trash.

Recyclables that are accepted in person must be delivered to the Solid Waste Services Complex at 91 New St., Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Curbside customers are reminded that the following items are accepted in bins: cardboard and paper; aluminum cans; clear, brown and green glass; plastic with a 1 or 2 on the bottom; automobile and household batteries; used cooking and motor oils.

For more information about Johnson City’s recycling program, please call 975-2792.