If you live downtown, you might have a hard time figuring out how to properly recycle.

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA) is responsible for curbside recycling in the State College area. Its mission is to “provide environmentally sound and economically efficient integrated waste management, reduction and recycling services; to work cooperatively with the private sector and to provide educational services with the intent of enhancing the quality of life in Centre County.”

There are more than 25,000 curbside bins, 125 drop-off recycling bins, and 1,000 commercial establishments throughout the Centre County to provide more sustainability in the area. Here are some helpful tips on how to recycle properly.

Curbside Recycling

Since April, Centre County is asking residents to hold their recycling at home for one week before placing it at the curb if someone in their household has been sick, quarantined, tested positive for the coronavirus.

Residents should have recycling bins and trash containers set out by 7 a.m. on the day of pickup. Curbside recycling collection is done weekly and occurs on the same day as the trash.

Although you might think everything you throw away can be recycled, Centre County has a helpful guide that helps differentiate the red bins from the landfill.

Drop-Off Recycling

State College has two recycling drop-off locations for residents to recycle six different categories of materials.

The first, Hamilton Square, is located on South Atherton Street five minutes southwest of downtown. The other, Westerly Parkway Mall, is just on the other side of Atherton Street from Hamilton Square. Each drop-off location is open at all times.

Both locations take plastic bottles, jugs/jars, metal cans, mixed paper, brown/green/blue/clear glass, and corrugated cardboard. The Hamilton Square bin also takes miscellaneous plastics.

There are also 41 locations that only take corrugated cardboard. Remember to flatten your cardboard and do not recycle it if it is wet. Cereal boxes, paper board, plastic inserts, or packaging peanuts do not count as corrugated cardboard.

Others

Some batteries, bulbs, electronics, scrap metal/appliances, tires, vinyl, and wood can be recycled, but not at a drop-off or curbside bin. Each material has its own drop-off location and requirements before being tossed.

If you have any questions or concerns about your recycling needs, contact a board member of the CCRRA.