KCSWA is your recycling resource

How do I prepare my recyclables?
You should always check with your preferred drop-off location to find out their requirements, as each may be different. At the Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority facility in Charleston, each type of recyclable must be separated and placed in to its’ perspective bin (as indicated by signage). NO BAGS are allowed in the bins!

How do I recycle plastics?
The Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority's facility in Charleston accepts plastics labeled #1 and #2 that are either bottles or jugs. Plastic food containers such as strawberry or grape containers, plastics cups, lids and straws, coat hangers, rigids (tote bins, trash cans, storage containers) are all NOT ACCEPTED with the plastics. These need to be disposed of with your garbage. Curbside programs in Charleston and South Charleston and the drop-off program in St. Albans only collect #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs as well.

Are aluminum/tin/steel cans that are lined (such as cat food cans) recyclable?
Yes, these types of cans are recyclable at the Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority's facility. Aluminum beverage cans must be empty and are the only thing to be placed in the aluminum bin. Steel/tin cans, along with aluminum foil and pie pans are acceptable as long as they are empty and rinsed. These items need to be placed in the steel (bimetal) can bin.

Where can I recycle electronics?
Starting July 1, 2016, the landfill ban on electronics was repealed due to the passage of House Bill 4540. It is now legal for residents to properly dispose of electronics in their local landfills.

There are are also several locations within Kanawha County that recycle specific electronics, plus they can also be taken to the spring and fall cleanups held by the Kanawha County Commission each year.

Are pizza boxes recyclable?
Yes, empty pizza boxes may be recycled even if they have grease on them.

Must I remove staples, paperclips, rubber bands before recycling paper?
No, but please conserve paperclips and rubber bands as much as possible. Paper should be removed from folders and binders.

Can envelopes with windows be recycled? What about Post-it notes?
Yes, both of these can be recycled with mixed paper.

How do I recycle shredded paper?
Shredded paper is accepted in the mixed paper bins at the Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority's facility. It is requested that the paper be DUMPED out of the bags right in to the bins. Shredded paper can also be composted or used for animal bedding.

Can I recycle Styrofoam?
Polystyrene foam plastic can be recycled, but it is not currently being accepted for recycling in Kanawha County at this time. Before discarding polystyrene foam plastic peanuts, consider taking them to your local mail and packaging store for reuse, typically without charge.

Where do I recycle plastic bags/films?
Most plastic bags and films are considered #2 and #4 plastics. The Kanawha County Solid Waste Authority’s facility in Charleston, now accepts these items. Items must be dry and free from additional contaminates such as paper, balls of tape or food waste. Items considered acceptable include:

• Shopping bags
• Produce bags
• Bread bags (with crumbs shaken out)
• Plastic newspaper sleeves
• Salt & ice bags
• Cereal bags
• Ziploc & other reclosable food storage bags
• Dry cleaning bags
• Wood pellet bags (shaken out)
• Bubble wrap / plastic mailing envelopes with bubble wrap lining
• Water bottle case plastic wrap

There are also several grocery stores within the county that already have collection programs too.

What can I do with paint?
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Charleston has developed a latex paint recycling program where leftover latex paint can now be remixed and resold! However; the Habitat ReStore can only accept LATEX paint. The ReStore can NOT accept oil-based paint, stains, epoxy, chemicals, unmarked containers, thinners or any other liquid. If your paint says Oil, Oil-based, Alkyd, Flammable, “Keep away from open flame” or “Clean with mineral spirits”, the ReStore can NOT accept it. Please visit their website for more information about the program.

If you are stuck with paint that the ReStore cannot accept, you do have options for proper disposal. You can completely dry the paint to a solid form using cat litter and then have your waste hauler pick it up on your regularly scheduled day. In some cases, you can also contact the store where you bought the paint and ask them to dispose of the leftovers.

What do I do with special disposal of hazardous waste?
To find out how to dispose of different household hazardous wastes, contact the DEP Hazardous Waste Disposal at (304) 926-0499, ext. 1315. You could also visit their website for a list of different Hazardous Waste Services in the state.

Why do I not have curbside service in the county?
Only municipalities with more than 10,000 residents are mandated by the state to recycle. Smaller municipalities  may have recycling programs on a volunteer basis, or on subscription basis through the local waste hauler. Contact your local municipality to find out your options.

Who do I contact about a septic tank?
Please call the Kanawha Charleston Health Department at (304) 344-5243.

Who do I contact to report an open dump?
Please call the Kanawha County Litter Control Officer at (304) 357-0570.

Who do I contact to pick up white goods, such as refrigerators, washing machines, etc?
Many municipalities that offer curbside service will also pick up white goods. Contact your local municipality to find out if they provide these services. If you do not have this service in your community please contact your local waster hauler, or find recycling drop-off locations in your area.