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Recycling & Waste Authority

Show All Answers

1. Where can I dispose of trash?

Trash should be disposed of in a permitted solid waste disposal facility. For waste disposal facilities in the region, please visit our Regional Waste Disposal Facilities Table.

2. What is composting and how do I get started?

Composting is a natural process where organic materials, such as leaves, grass, and vegetable scraps, are broken down by microorganisms, forming a rich soil-like substance called compost or humus. For more details and information about composting, please visit DEP's composting web site.

3. What can I do with old latex paint?

Unwanted latex or water-based paint can be disposed of in your normal trash if prepared properly. For more information on managing latex paint, see Tips for Managing Leftover Latex Paint.

4. How can I distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint?

There are several possible ways to distinguish latex paint from solvent-based paint. If possible, read the label. Solvent-based paint labels usually contain the words "alkyl" or "oil-based". Clean-up instructions on the label can also indicate whether a paint product is solvent-based or water-based. Typically solvent-based paints require mineral spirits or turpentine for cleaning. If cleaning can be done with soap and water, the paint is water-based. If the label is missing or unreadable, determine the paint's solubility in water. A small amount of paint in a jar mixed with water will show whether it is latex or solvent-based. Latex paint readily mixes with water. Solvent-based paint is insoluble in water - the paint and water will separate like vinegar and oil.

5. What can I put in my recycling bin?

It is best to call your hauler for specific instructions on what to place in your recycling bin.

Interstate Waste Services of PA, LLC
620 Newville Rd
Newburg, PA 17240
(717) 423-5917

Independent Environmental Services, Inc. (IESI)
PO BOX 399
Scotland, PA 17254
(717) 709-1700

Penn Waste, Inc.
PO Box 3066
York, PA 17042
(717) 767-4456

Waste Management of Central PA
4300 Industrial Park Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 232-0878

Waste Management of Greencastle
9446 Letzburg Road
Greencastle, PA 17225
1-800-433-7317

York Waste Disposal, Inc.
1110 E. Princess Street
PO Box 1401
York, PA 17405-1401
1-800-210-YORK

6. What can I do with used motor oil and other automotive products such as antifreeze, batteries and old tires?

Certain auto parts stores, service stations and automotive repair shops in Cumberland County accept used motor oil and other automotive products from citizens for free or at a nominal charge. For more information, visit our Automobile Fluids and Components Recycling Table.

7. Where can I get rid of unwanted household products such as pesticides and fertilizers, gasoline, turpentine and swimming pool chemicals?

Many common household products contain hazardous ingredients and need to be handled and disposed of safely. To permit this, CCR&WA conducts a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off program. This program provides a means for the residents of Cumberland County to properly get rid of unwanted or unused household hazardous waste they may have. Items accepted include materials such as used motor oil, gasoline, oil-based paint and paint products, pesticides, fertilizers, and pool chemicals. For further information, visit our Household Hazardous Waste Web Page.

8. Where can I get rid of old, unwanted, large appliances?

Disposing of old, unwanted appliances can be a daunting task. An examination of any illegal roadside dumpsite will confirm this, as appliances have historically been dumped in these areas. There are, however, more appropriate ways to dispose of these items. First, many appliance retailers will take away an old appliance when delivering a new one, so be sure to ask about this service when purchasing a new, replacement appliance. If the appliance is not being replaced and you just want to get rid of it, you may be able to set the appliance out with your weekly trash (in areas that have weekly trash service) as part of a weekly bulky item collection program. Call your municipality or waste hauler to see if this service is offered where you live. Usually these programs only permit the set out of appliances that do not contain a refrigerant. Appliances that contain a refrigerant include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Several retailers will take these items for a fee. Several metal recyclers will also take old appliances at no charge. The exception is the refrigerant-containing appliances, which they either will not take or will take for a fee.

9. Where can I get rid of old, unwanted computer equipment, televisions, and other consumer electronic equipment?

Several local outlets exist for this material, including Best Buy, all Staples stores, and a business in Carlisle called The Computer Barn. Additionally, Cumberland County residents can get rid of their old, unwanted electronic equipment by participating in CCR&WA's consumer electronics recycling program. For information on the program, visit our Consumer Electronics Recycling Web Page.

10. Where can I recycle my old telephone books?

CenturyLink Yellow Pages maintains a year round phone book recycling container at their office in Carlisle located at 1532 Commerce Avenue. If your have curbside recycling where you live, you can simply put your old telephone books in your curbside recycling container. Phone books are also accepted for recycling at the County drop-off recycling sites.

11. If I live in a community that does not offer a municipal trash and recycling program for residents, who can I contact for these services?

The following full service haulers are registered with the CCR&WA and can provide trash disposal and recycling services:

Interstate Waste Services of PA, LLC
620 Newville Rd
Newburg, PA 17240
(717) 423-5917

Independent Environmental Services, Inc. (IESI)
PO BOX 399
Scotland, PA 17254
(717) 709-1700

Penn Waste, Inc.
PO Box 3066
York, PA 17042
(717) 767-4456

Waste Management of Central PA
4300 Industrial Park Road
Camp Hill, PA 17011
(717) 232-0878

Waste Management of Greencastle
9446 Letzburg Road
Greencastle, PA 17225
1-800-433-7317

York Waste Disposal, Inc.
1110 E. Princess Street
PO Box 1401
York, PA 17405-1401
1-800-210-YORK