Teton County, Idaho County Commissioners recently approved new Recycling Accepted Materials (for traditional recyclables – curbside and self-haul) based on current available end markets and storage space for sorted materials at the Transfer Station. These changes will take effect immediately, with RAD Curbside customers seeing the largest change, as self-haulers were eased into the new standards over the past 12 months since new collection bins and signs were placed at the Transfer Station. Teton County will continue searching for recycling end markets in this difficult economy and with the help of RAD and TVCR will continue efforts to keep the waste diversion rate high by reducing construction and demolition waste and encouraging reuse of waste material.

RAD Curbside customers will be receiving additional information on how the changes affect their curbside set up. Expect to have more items rejected at pick up as RAD staff re-train you on the new recycling standards. If your household can follow the posted instructions from RAD, it will make the transition much smoother as RAD brings in a significant volume of recycling to the County Recycling Center.

Key changes you will notice:
– Magazines and catalogs are no longer recyclable in our county (but can be brought to Jackson.)
– All plastic bottles must be RINSED and be CLEAN ENOUGH THAT YOU’D DRINK OUT OF IT. Food and detergent residue is a common contaminant. Always rinse your plastic bottles or the county risks rejected loads that cost you, the taxpayer. (#1 and #2 bottle shape only with no lids, as always)
– Paper – separate newspapers from office paper;
Newspaper can be recycled with any inserts that come in the paper.
Office paper should be clean and free of plastic windows, glossy stuff, and metals (staples, paper clips.) Throw sticky notes and receipts in the trash (or better yet, avoid using them). Junk mail with plastic goes in the trash (or recycle bin at the Post Office which is recycled out of county)

Consider having a separate recycling box to bring items to recycle in Jackson that can’t be recycled in our county. These include aluminum foil and pie plates, plastic bags, and magazines/catalogs. These items are accepted at all satellite recycling bins in Jackson open 24/7.