Recycling

Recycling is a key to waste diversion. The old adage of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" continues to be a basic premise of the integrated solid waste system in Kootenai County. Convenience is a major factor in the success of a recycling program. All members of the general and commercial public are encouraged, but not required, to recycle. However, there are a few recycling commodities which cannot be accepted from commercial sources: used motor oil, automobile batteries and household batteries.

Recycle Reduce Reuse
  1. 1
  2. 2

Transfer Stations

Both transfer stations have easily accessible green bins and designated areas for each type of recycling available to the public. Recycling collection areas are centrally located within each station and accessible before and after disposal of general refuse.

Recycling Commodities

We offer recycling of these commodities:

  • Aluminum Cans
  • Batteries - Automobile and rechargeable household
  • Corrugated Cardboard 
  • Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL)
  • Mixed Paper - No plastic or wax coated papers or wrapping paper.  No paper that has been contaminated by food (pizza boxes, take out containers, paper towels). No shredded paper.  Acceptable examples include:
    • Beer and Soft Drink Pressed Paper Boxes
    • Cereal Boxes
    • Junk Mail
    • Magazines
    • Office Paper
    • Paper Egg Cartons
    • Paper Tubes
    • Phone Books
    • Scrap Paper
  • Mixed Plastics - Only #1 & #2 plastic beverage containers.  Plastics should be clean, dry and empty with lids removed.  Plastics should be loose, not bagged.  Acceptable items include: 
    • Soda Bottles
    • Water Bottles
    • Plastic Milk Jugs
  • Newspaper - No shredded newspaper.
  • Plastic Bags (grocery bags) - Collected and contained; not recycled.
  • Steel and Tin Cans - Cans should be rinsed and clean; loose, not bagged.
  • Clothing and Textiles - Includes shoes, handbags and belts.
  • Used Motor Oil - Residential Customers Only; limit 10 gallons per day.
  • Tires - Up to 8 passenger tires; fees charged for oversized and rimmed tires.
  • Propane Tanks
  • Fire Extinguishers

Prepared Recyclables

We ask that all recyclables are properly prepared before being brought to transfer stations. Please rinse all plastic beverage containers, remove packing and flatten boxes, remove labels and rinse cans, and only donate clean clothing and textiles.  If any questions or concerns arise, please ask an employee onsite or call the administration office.

Additional Information

  • If you are interested in recycling available at our rural collection systems, please see Rural or Community Recycling.
  • If you are interested in curbside recycling, please call the garbage hauler who services your area.