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1. My garbage/recycling was missed this week. What should I do?

There are three ways to report a missed trash and/or recycling pick-up: 

1. Use the Report a Collection Problem form
2. Email Public Works
3. Call 216-491-1490 

Contact the Public Works Dept. within 24 hours of your regular pick-up day to request collection the next day. Reporting a trash/recycling miss more than 24 hours after your regular day results in pick-up the following week.

2. How do I recycle in Shaker Heights?

Recycling in Shaker Heights is easy. 

1. Calling Public Works at 216-491-1490 for your free recycling buckets.

2. Follow the current recycling guidelines.

3. Check out our annual recycling events, like the Household Hazardous Waste Roundup or Computer Roundup.

3. What kind of garbage can should I use?

• Containers must be galvanized or plastic weather-resistant, not to exceed 32 gallons in capacity or 40 pounds filled weight.

4. How do I request recycling buckets?

Email Public Works or call 216-491-1490 to request free green recycling buckets. Remember: Do not bag recyclables—leave them loose in recycling buckets.

5. Why does it seem that lately more and more materials are not recyclable?

Until recently, most plastics recycled in the United States were sent to China. But as of January 2018, China began enforcing its "National Sword" policy, which bans 24 types of solid waste, including mixed plastics and mixed papers. It also sets a much tougher standard for contamination levels for the materials China does still accept. This has left communities across the United States in a bind, as the market for certain recyclables has been constricted considerably. Unfortunately, that's meant more plastics - including some that were once recyclable - must go in the trash.

It's also meant that recycling facilities - including those that process recyclables from Cuyahoga County - are cracking down on contamination. Communities throughout the County, including Shaker Heights, must lower contamination levels or risk fines and/or their recyclables being sent to the landfill.

This article helps explain the current crisis.

6. Why do plastics have numbers inside recycling symbols if they’re not recyclable?

A number inside a recycling symbol does not mean an item should be tossed into your recycling bucket. The numbers on plastic containers are resin codes used by the plastics industry to identify the type of plastic used to make the container. Unfortunately, given the current problems in the recycling market not all plastics with the 1 through 7 symbol are recyclable at this time. As of August 2018, residents should only recycle plastic bottles and jugs. If it has an opening or a neck that's more narrow than the body, it can be placed in recycling.

7. Can some materials not allowed in a residential recycling bucket be recycled elsewhere?

In some cases, yes. For example, area stores - including Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, and Target - accept plastic bags and plastic film for recycling. View our community recycling events for opportunities to recycle computer equipment and shredded paper. TerraCycle is another way to recycle many items not allowed in your in-home recycling container.

Check the "What do I do with ... " database at CuyahogaRecycles.org for up-to-date information on where materials can be recycled.

8. How can I keep up with changes to recycling?

Visit Cuyahoga Recycles for detailed information about how to recycle in our County, including here in Shaker Heights. We also recommend following the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste District on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for ongoing advice and information about recycling in our region. 

9. What are the hours and location of the Service Center?

The Service Center (Recycling Center) is located at 15600 Chagrin Blvd.

Hours:

Saturdays & Sundays, 8 am-4 pm

Please note: Residents may bring recyclables to the Service Center on both Saturdays and Sundays. Large item drop off is Saturdays only.