Recycle Rutherford

Recycle Rutherford is dedicated to promoting public participation in programs and activities which conserve resources through waste reduction and the reuse and recycling of materials.Our success depends on the involvement of community members like you!

Recycle Rutherford does not own or operate any of the recycling locations. Be an advocate for environmentally-responsible federal, state, and local public policies.The organization's function is to coordinate the creative ideas, energy, and resources of its members and of the citizens of Rutherford County to further the goals of waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. Its programs provide Information dissemination through publications, meetings, media outreach, and other avenues; advocacy of environmentally responsible federal, state, and local public policies; facilitation of events and activities at which materials are collected for reuse and recycling; and coordination of efforts with related organizations and with appropriate businesses and public agencies.

Electronics

Fluorescent tubes and most electronics are accepted from Rutherford County residents only at no charge. Except televisions and computer monitors because of the hazardous materials in televisions and computer monitors, the County is accessed a fee per pound by the vendor, therefore this fee is passed on to all customers. All other electronic devices are disposed of free-of-charge for Rutherford County residents. Citizens from other counties may not use this facility in order to control costs.The current fee for televisions and monitors is $0.25 per pound payable by cash or check. (No credit cards accepted.)

Safe Disposal of Paint

If the quantity is large and the paint has not been allowed to freeze, a reuse center may accept it.  If the quantity is small, determine whether the paint is latex or oil based.  Wet latex paint is a nuisance waste and cannot be thrown directly into the trash.  Latex paint should be disposed of properly to prevent it from contaminating the ground water when taken to the landfill. The most common way to dispose of it is to solidify the paint so that it does not leak from the can once it is dumped. 
Please do one of the following to solidify the remainder of your latex paint:

• Allow the paint to dry by removing the lid and allowing liquids to evaporate in a well-ventilated area. This works well for small quantities of paint (an inch or two in the bottom of the can) and can take several days.
• Latex paint can also be solidified by mixing in an equal amount of an absorbent material, then allowing to dry. Use cat litter, sawdust, plaster of Paris, oil dry, or vermiculite.
• Pour thin layers (about 1' of paint) into a cardboard box lined with plastic. Allow the paint to dry one layer at a time until all paint has hardened.

When thoroughly dry, the remaining hardened paint should be discarded with your regular trash. Please take the empty paint can to a local recycling center and place it with steel and tin.Taking the time to dispose of paint properly is taking a major step in cleaning up our environment and ensuring a cleaner, safer future. Even recycling a single can makes a difference. Please give back to the beauty around you.