For Homeowners
In Delaware, the mandate to "develop a comprehensive statewide system of recycling and resource recovery which maximizes the quantity of solid waste materials which can be recovered, reused or converted to beneficial use" rests with the Delaware Solid Waste Authority www.dswa.com under 7 Del. C. Chapter 64 7 Del. C. Chapter 64.
The Delaware Solid Waste Authority (DSWA) provides several different recycling services, including:
• Curbside pickup
• Drop-off Centers
• Electronics Recycling
• Pay-As-You-Throw Yard Waste
Depending on where you live, you may already have curbside pickup of your recyclables. If you have curbside pickup but you haven’t directly contracted for this service, then it has been arranged either by the county, municipality or civic association where you live. For those who don’t currently have curbside recycling but would like it, you can enter into a contract with the company who currently collects your household trash or with DSWA under its curbside program.
Computers
In addition to DSWA’s Electronics Recycling Program, several regional businesses and not-for-profit organizations will accept computers and other electronics for reuse or recycling.
Glass and Plastic Bottles
In addition to recycling through a DSWA or other curbside program, some glass and plastic bottles are subject to Delaware’s Bottle Bill. This bill requires a 5-cent deposit on all carbonated beverage (i.e., a soft drink) bottles that do not contain alcohol, beer, ale, or a malt beverages bottles that are either glass or plastic and under 2 quarts. Any store that sells the same type, brand, and size of the bottles you are returning must accept them and return your 5-cent deposit.
Yard Waste
Composting yard waste and kitchen scraps and using that compost to enhance gardens is better for our environment than disposing it in your household trash. If you do not have the room to compost at your home, you can take your yard waste to a yard waste drop-off site.
Recycling Resource Directory
The Recycling Resources Directory lists contacts for over 85 companies that recycle materials in Delaware. The list of recyclers is organized into the following material categories:
1. Building Materials
2. Construction & Demolition Debris
3. Electronics
4. Glass & Plastic
5. Metals & Automotive Materials
6. Paper
7. Tires, Drums & Miscellaneous Materials
8. Wood & Yard Debris
For Businesses
For items Air Bags to Solvents, check the Recyclers and Equipment Resource List.
For more information on recycling in Delaware, contact:
Rob Underwood
Program Manager
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management Branch
302.739.9403
robert.underwood@state.de.us
