City of Urbana Recycling
AUTOMATED CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM
The city's recycling contractor, Rumpke converted the city's curbside recycling program to a fully automated program in September of 2017, and this program utilizes 65 gallon carts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvpElHKTBHY. If you require a second cart, there is a $3.00 monthly rental fee for this cart. Please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
In August of 2017, Rumpke branded, 65 gallon carts were delivered to all city addresses. These carts were assigned to the specific address where the cart was delivered, and the cart shall remain at that address. If your address does not currently have a cart available for program use, please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
Under the city's contract with Rumpke, the monthly cost for curbside recycling service is $4.50 per month (effective with the September 2022 utility bill).
Through the city's contract with Rumpke, the city may be able to accommodate curbside recycling for businesses or multiple family residences. However, per city ordinance, recycling for businesses or multiple family residences is not required. In order to participate, the business or multiple family residence must receive a city utility bill. In addition, service has to be provided from the curbside and is limited to what can be accommodated with 65 gallon carts. For more information, contact the Utility Billing Office at (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected]. The city will determine on a case by case basis if service is able to be provided.
The city's recycling contractor, Rumpke converted the city's curbside recycling program to a fully automated program in September of 2017, and this program utilizes 65 gallon carts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvpElHKTBHY. If you require a second cart, there is a $3.00 monthly rental fee for this cart. Please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
In August of 2017, Rumpke branded, 65 gallon carts were delivered to all city addresses. These carts were assigned to the specific address where the cart was delivered, and the cart shall remain at that address. If your address does not currently have a cart available for program use, please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
Under the city's contract with Rumpke, the monthly cost for curbside recycling service is $4.50 per month (effective with the September 2022 utility bill).
Through the city's contract with Rumpke, the city may be able to accommodate curbside recycling for businesses or multiple family residences. However, per city ordinance, recycling for businesses or multiple family residences is not required. In order to participate, the business or multiple family residence must receive a city utility bill. In addition, service has to be provided from the curbside and is limited to what can be accommodated with 65 gallon carts. For more information, contact the Utility Billing Office at (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected]. The city will determine on a case by case basis if service is able to be provided.
2024-2025 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE-CURBSIDE RECYCLING PROGRAM
All curbside recycling service will be provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Friday unless otherwise noted. If a holiday that is observed by Rumpke occurs, then curbside recycling service will be provided on the following business day for that holiday week. See the complete schedule below:
Memorial Day-Monday, May 27, 2024
-Tuesday service will be moved to Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, May 30, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, May 31, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Independence Day-Thursday, July 4, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed as normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be performed as normal schedule.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, July 5, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Labor Day-Monday, September 2, 2024
-Tuesday service will be moved to Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, September 5, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, September 6, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Thanksgiving Day-Thursday, November 28, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, November 29, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Christmas Day-Wednesday, December 25, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, December 26, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, December 27, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, December 28, 2024.
New Year’s Day-Wednesday, January 1, 2025
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, January 2, 2025.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, January 3, 2025.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2011 can be found in the 2011 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2012 can be found in the 2012 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2013 can be found in the 2013 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2014 can be found in the 2014 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2015 can be found in the 2015 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2016 can be found in the 2016 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2017 can be found in the 2017 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2018 can be found in the 2018 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2019 can be found in the 2019 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2020 can be found in the 2020 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2021 can be found in the 2021 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2022 can be found in the 2022 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2023 can be found in the 2023 Recycling Report.
All curbside recycling service will be provided on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Friday unless otherwise noted. If a holiday that is observed by Rumpke occurs, then curbside recycling service will be provided on the following business day for that holiday week. See the complete schedule below:
Memorial Day-Monday, May 27, 2024
-Tuesday service will be moved to Wednesday, May 29, 2024.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, May 30, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, May 31, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, June 1, 2024.
Independence Day-Thursday, July 4, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed as normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be performed as normal schedule.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, July 5, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, July 6, 2024.
Labor Day-Monday, September 2, 2024
-Tuesday service will be moved to Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, September 5, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, September 6, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Thanksgiving Day-Thursday, November 28, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, November 29, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, November 30, 2024.
Christmas Day-Wednesday, December 25, 2024
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, December 26, 2024.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, December 27, 2024.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, December 28, 2024.
New Year’s Day-Wednesday, January 1, 2025
-Tuesday service will be performed on the normal schedule.
-Wednesday service will be moved to Thursday, January 2, 2025.
-Thursday service will be moved to Friday, January 3, 2025.
-Friday service will be moved to Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2011 can be found in the 2011 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2012 can be found in the 2012 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2013 can be found in the 2013 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2014 can be found in the 2014 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2015 can be found in the 2015 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2016 can be found in the 2016 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2017 can be found in the 2017 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2018 can be found in the 2018 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2019 can be found in the 2019 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2020 can be found in the 2020 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2021 can be found in the 2021 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2022 can be found in the 2022 Recycling Report.
Recycling Program Statistics from 2023 can be found in the 2023 Recycling Report.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE?
Recycling reduces the amount of waste in the landfill so that landfills last longer. Landfills are increasingly difficult and costly to site and construct. By preserving landfill space, recycling keeps the cost of trash disposal down. Another reason to recycle is to preserve the earth for future generations.
WHERE SHOULD I SET MY CART?
Set your cart at the street curbside, not in the alley. Place carts out before 6:00AM on your service day. In addition, for cart placement, follow these steps:
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CART IS MISSED?
Carts shall be placed curbside by 6:00AM. If the cart was placed at the curb by 6:00AM and it wasn't picked up, please call the City of Urbana Utility Office at (937-652-4315) as soon as you realize the cart was missed.
IS THERE A LIST OF WHAT CAN BE PUT IN THE CART?
Click here for a list.
WHAT IF SOMETHING IS LEFT IN MY CART?
If something is left in your cart, it is not recyclable. Put it in the trash. In order for recyclable items to be collected, the items are required to fit inside the cart. Items placed outside the cart will not be picked up.
I AM ON CITY UTILITIES BUT NOT IN THE CITY LIMITS. WILL I BE CHARGED FOR RECYCLING?
No, you will not be charged for recycling. In addition, you will not be provided with curbside recycling pickup unless you contract with a trash hauler for this service directly.
I LIVE IN A 1-FAMILY OR 2-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DID NOT RECEIVE A CART OR A CART IS NO LONGER AT MY RESIDENCE. HOW DO I GET ONE?
Call (937) 652-4315 and give us your address so we can check our records.
WHAT IF I NEED ADDITIONAL CARTS FOR RECYCLING?
The first cart is provided by Rumpke at no charge. Additional carts may be requested for a rental charge of $3.00 per month per cart. This rental charge will be reflected on your monthly city utility bill. To request an additional cart, please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
WHAT IF I LOSE MY CART OR IT IS DAMAGED?
Please contact the City of Urbana Utility Office (937-652-4315).
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE CART WHEN I MOVE?
Leave the cart for the next resident. The carts are the property of Rumpke, and they are assigned to a specific address.
WHAT IF THE PREVIOUS RESIDENT DID NOT LEAVE THE CART?
Please contact the City of Urbana Utility Office (937-652-4315).
WHEN AND HOW OFTEN WILL RECYCLING BE COLLECTED?
Recycling will be collected every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (depending on your location within the city) with the exception of holiday weeks. If New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day occurs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, pickup will be delayed by one day.
WHEN SHOULD I SET OUT MY CART?
In order to be sure that the cart will be picked up, the cart should be placed curbside by 6:00AM on collection day. Please don't set out the cart earlier than 6:00PM on the day prior to collection. Also, please remove your cart from the curb after collection. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
WILL I BE CHARGED A RECYCLING FEE WHEN I LEAVE?
The curbside recycling fee of $4.50 per month per residence (dwelling) will be on every monthly water bill. Shut-off bills will not contain a recycling fee.
WHAT IF I LEAVE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD?
If you shut off your water, which is recommended to prevent possible leak damage while you are gone, you will not be billed for recycling. If you leave the water turned on, you will also be billed for recycling.
If you don't live in a condominium, simply call the Utilities Office at (937) 652-4315 a few days in advance of leaving and a few days in advance of returning. If you do live in a condominium, we can't turn your water off since the turnoff is on private property. You may come in and sign an exemption certificate before leaving, and we will not bill you for water as long as there is no usage. We offer these services free of charge.
DO I NEED TO SORT MY RECYCLING?
No, Rumpke uses single stream recycling and no sorting is required. Combine recyclables unbagged in the recycling cart. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
DOES CARDBOARD NEED TO BE BROKEN DOWN?
Cardboard, including boxes, should be broken down to fit inside the cart. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
CAN I RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS?
Not through the curbside recycling program. Kroger and Wal-Mart both accept plastic bags for recycling. Reusing is another option.
WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC NUMBERS CAN I RECYCLE?
The recycling arrow with a number on an item is a clue that the item may be recyclable. However, the arrow and number does not mean that the item is accepted for recycling. For a detailed list of recyclables accepted by Rumpke, please check this list. Also, containers used for paint, insecticides, pesticides, and automotive products should be discarded in the trash (not recycled) after being properly rinsed/emptied.
CAN I RECYCLE PLASTIC TUBS, PLASTIC LIDS, YOGURT CUPS, OR FRUIT CUPS?
Thanks to a grant from The Recycling Partnership, Rumpke is now able to accept and process plastic tubs that are empty, clean, and dry. These plastic tubs originally contained food products such as whipped topping, butter, cottage cheese, specialty dips, and sour cream. The lids for these tubs are also recyclable by placing the lid back on the original plastic tub after the tub has been emptied, cleaned, and dried. In addition, yogurt, gelatin dessert, and pudding cups/containers are also now recyclable. Lastly, fruit cups that originally contained apple sauce, diced fruit, etc. can also now be recycled. These items are the only #5 polypropylene plastics being accepted. Plastic items such as clam shells, to-go containers, and coffee pods are not accepted by Rumpke’s recycling program. For more information about Rumpke’s acceptance of these items, please see this graphic.
CAN I RECYCLE STYROFOAM?
The curbside recycling program does not accept styrofoam of any kind. There are places that recycle polystyrene, like rigid packing foam. Mailing retailers will often accept packing "peanuts".
CAN I RECYCLE CANNING JARS?
Yes, all food jars can be recycled.
CAN I RECYCLE YARD WASTE?
In the fall, Urbana offers free leaf pickup. At other times of the year, Urbana residents may take leaves to the City of Urbana Compost Facility at 1261 Muzzy Road for free. At this facility, brush or garden waste can be disposed for a fee. Call (937) 508-6405 first for hours.
WHERE CAN I RECYCLE COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS?
Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
WHERE CAN I RECYCLE AUTO PARTS?
Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH PAINT, INSECTICIDES, ETC.?
Champaign County no longer holds a Household Hazardous Waste day each year However, proper disposal options are available. Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
MY RESIDENCE IS A 3-FAMILY OR 4-FAMILY RESIDENCE BUT I AM BEING BILLED FOR CURBSIDE RECYCLING. WHAT DO I DO?
Please call (937) 652-4315 and give us all the post office addresses for your structure. We will check into it. If your residence is not a 1-Family or 2-Family structure, we will remove recycling charges.
WHY CAN'T OUR CHURCH OR BUSINESS RECYCLE?
Churches or businesses are not mandated by city ordinance to recycle. However, the City of Urbana is now able to offer recycling services for churches or businesses. Interested parties are asked to contact the Utility Billing Office at (937) 652-4315 or [email protected]. Some restrictions may apply to the availability of this program.
WHY SHOULD I RECYCLE?
Recycling reduces the amount of waste in the landfill so that landfills last longer. Landfills are increasingly difficult and costly to site and construct. By preserving landfill space, recycling keeps the cost of trash disposal down. Another reason to recycle is to preserve the earth for future generations.
WHERE SHOULD I SET MY CART?
Set your cart at the street curbside, not in the alley. Place carts out before 6:00AM on your service day. In addition, for cart placement, follow these steps:
- Place items inside the cart and close the lid.
- Face the opening toward the street (face handle away).
- Place cart within 3 ft. of the street and 3 ft. from objects.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CART IS MISSED?
Carts shall be placed curbside by 6:00AM. If the cart was placed at the curb by 6:00AM and it wasn't picked up, please call the City of Urbana Utility Office at (937-652-4315) as soon as you realize the cart was missed.
IS THERE A LIST OF WHAT CAN BE PUT IN THE CART?
Click here for a list.
WHAT IF SOMETHING IS LEFT IN MY CART?
If something is left in your cart, it is not recyclable. Put it in the trash. In order for recyclable items to be collected, the items are required to fit inside the cart. Items placed outside the cart will not be picked up.
I AM ON CITY UTILITIES BUT NOT IN THE CITY LIMITS. WILL I BE CHARGED FOR RECYCLING?
No, you will not be charged for recycling. In addition, you will not be provided with curbside recycling pickup unless you contract with a trash hauler for this service directly.
I LIVE IN A 1-FAMILY OR 2-FAMILY RESIDENCE AND DID NOT RECEIVE A CART OR A CART IS NO LONGER AT MY RESIDENCE. HOW DO I GET ONE?
Call (937) 652-4315 and give us your address so we can check our records.
WHAT IF I NEED ADDITIONAL CARTS FOR RECYCLING?
The first cart is provided by Rumpke at no charge. Additional carts may be requested for a rental charge of $3.00 per month per cart. This rental charge will be reflected on your monthly city utility bill. To request an additional cart, please contact the Utility Billing Office by calling (937) 652-4315 or email: [email protected].
WHAT IF I LOSE MY CART OR IT IS DAMAGED?
Please contact the City of Urbana Utility Office (937-652-4315).
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH THE CART WHEN I MOVE?
Leave the cart for the next resident. The carts are the property of Rumpke, and they are assigned to a specific address.
WHAT IF THE PREVIOUS RESIDENT DID NOT LEAVE THE CART?
Please contact the City of Urbana Utility Office (937-652-4315).
WHEN AND HOW OFTEN WILL RECYCLING BE COLLECTED?
Recycling will be collected every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday (depending on your location within the city) with the exception of holiday weeks. If New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas Day occurs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, pickup will be delayed by one day.
WHEN SHOULD I SET OUT MY CART?
In order to be sure that the cart will be picked up, the cart should be placed curbside by 6:00AM on collection day. Please don't set out the cart earlier than 6:00PM on the day prior to collection. Also, please remove your cart from the curb after collection. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
WILL I BE CHARGED A RECYCLING FEE WHEN I LEAVE?
The curbside recycling fee of $4.50 per month per residence (dwelling) will be on every monthly water bill. Shut-off bills will not contain a recycling fee.
WHAT IF I LEAVE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD?
If you shut off your water, which is recommended to prevent possible leak damage while you are gone, you will not be billed for recycling. If you leave the water turned on, you will also be billed for recycling.
If you don't live in a condominium, simply call the Utilities Office at (937) 652-4315 a few days in advance of leaving and a few days in advance of returning. If you do live in a condominium, we can't turn your water off since the turnoff is on private property. You may come in and sign an exemption certificate before leaving, and we will not bill you for water as long as there is no usage. We offer these services free of charge.
DO I NEED TO SORT MY RECYCLING?
No, Rumpke uses single stream recycling and no sorting is required. Combine recyclables unbagged in the recycling cart. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
DOES CARDBOARD NEED TO BE BROKEN DOWN?
Cardboard, including boxes, should be broken down to fit inside the cart. All recyclable items shall be inside the cart to ensure collection. No recyclable items placed outside the cart will be collected.
CAN I RECYCLE PLASTIC BAGS?
Not through the curbside recycling program. Kroger and Wal-Mart both accept plastic bags for recycling. Reusing is another option.
WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC NUMBERS CAN I RECYCLE?
The recycling arrow with a number on an item is a clue that the item may be recyclable. However, the arrow and number does not mean that the item is accepted for recycling. For a detailed list of recyclables accepted by Rumpke, please check this list. Also, containers used for paint, insecticides, pesticides, and automotive products should be discarded in the trash (not recycled) after being properly rinsed/emptied.
CAN I RECYCLE PLASTIC TUBS, PLASTIC LIDS, YOGURT CUPS, OR FRUIT CUPS?
Thanks to a grant from The Recycling Partnership, Rumpke is now able to accept and process plastic tubs that are empty, clean, and dry. These plastic tubs originally contained food products such as whipped topping, butter, cottage cheese, specialty dips, and sour cream. The lids for these tubs are also recyclable by placing the lid back on the original plastic tub after the tub has been emptied, cleaned, and dried. In addition, yogurt, gelatin dessert, and pudding cups/containers are also now recyclable. Lastly, fruit cups that originally contained apple sauce, diced fruit, etc. can also now be recycled. These items are the only #5 polypropylene plastics being accepted. Plastic items such as clam shells, to-go containers, and coffee pods are not accepted by Rumpke’s recycling program. For more information about Rumpke’s acceptance of these items, please see this graphic.
CAN I RECYCLE STYROFOAM?
The curbside recycling program does not accept styrofoam of any kind. There are places that recycle polystyrene, like rigid packing foam. Mailing retailers will often accept packing "peanuts".
CAN I RECYCLE CANNING JARS?
Yes, all food jars can be recycled.
CAN I RECYCLE YARD WASTE?
In the fall, Urbana offers free leaf pickup. At other times of the year, Urbana residents may take leaves to the City of Urbana Compost Facility at 1261 Muzzy Road for free. At this facility, brush or garden waste can be disposed for a fee. Call (937) 508-6405 first for hours.
WHERE CAN I RECYCLE COMPUTERS AND OTHER ELECTRONICS?
Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
WHERE CAN I RECYCLE AUTO PARTS?
Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH PAINT, INSECTICIDES, ETC.?
Champaign County no longer holds a Household Hazardous Waste day each year However, proper disposal options are available. Visit www.ncowaste.org for more information.
MY RESIDENCE IS A 3-FAMILY OR 4-FAMILY RESIDENCE BUT I AM BEING BILLED FOR CURBSIDE RECYCLING. WHAT DO I DO?
Please call (937) 652-4315 and give us all the post office addresses for your structure. We will check into it. If your residence is not a 1-Family or 2-Family structure, we will remove recycling charges.
WHY CAN'T OUR CHURCH OR BUSINESS RECYCLE?
Churches or businesses are not mandated by city ordinance to recycle. However, the City of Urbana is now able to offer recycling services for churches or businesses. Interested parties are asked to contact the Utility Billing Office at (937) 652-4315 or [email protected]. Some restrictions may apply to the availability of this program.