COLUMBUS, Ohio — As Earth Day 2025 approaches, Rumpke Waste & Recycling is highlighting what happens after residents roll their recycling carts to the curb—a journey that keeps more than 80% of materials right here in Ohio, fueling the circular economy.
For more than 80 years, Rumpke has committed to sustainability through recycling. This Earth Day, the company is breaking down the path of recyclables, showcasing how simple household items are transformed into new products—and what residents can do to help the process run smoothly.
The Journey: From Your Driveway to a New Product
Step 1: Collection
It all begins with properly sorting recyclables—like a rinsed salsa jar and its metal lid—before placing them loosely into the bin. Once collected by a Rumpke truck, materials are transported to a nearby recycling facility or a transfer station for further processing.
Step 2: Tipping & Sorting
At the recycling center, materials are unloaded onto a massive tipping floor, where they’re pushed into piles, fed into metering bins, and moved along conveyor belts. Advanced machinery separates glass, metals, plastics, paper, and cardboard with precision.
Step 3: Baling & Shipment
Once sorted, recyclables are compressed into bales and shipped to end-users who turn them into new products. Glass, for instance, is sent to Rumpke’s specialized glass processing plant in Dayton.
The company emphasizes its strong partnerships with local manufacturers, keeping most recycled materials in-state. This not only supports Ohio’s economy but also reduces carbon emissions from transportation.
What Not to Recycle
While Rumpke encourages robust recycling, some items should never be placed in curbside bins:
- Batteries and electronics – Can spark dangerous fires.
- Plastic bags and wrap – Tangle machinery and contaminate the stream.
- Hazardous materials – Pose serious safety risks.
For specialty items, residents are encouraged to consult their local solid waste district for drop-off sites.
Tours and Tips
Curious about what happens after pickup? Rumpke invites the public to tour their Columbus-based Recycling & Resource Center—one of the most advanced in North America. Free tours are available for groups of 10 to 30 (ages 10+). Visit www.rumpke.com to learn more or schedule a tour.
As of Friday morning, 420 Circleville residents have signed up for curbside recycling—a number Rumpke hopes to grow as Earth Day nears.
“Recycling is more than a bin—it’s a way to protect the planet and invest in our future,” the company said. “From our family to yours, we wish everyone a clean and green Earth Day 2025!”
Learn More
For tips on how to recycle right, or to sign up for curbside recycling, visit: www.rumpke.com.
