The Valparaiso compost site, 2150 W. Lincolnway, will begin Saturday off-season hours Jan. 9, for Porter County residents to dispose of their once live Christmas trees, wreaths and other organic holiday decorations.
The 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday hours will continue through March 26. The site may close at any time due to inclement weather. The site will open for the season on March 28.
Ornaments and lights must be removed from trees before recycling. Other organic materials accepted at this site include yard waste, leaves, garden clippings, household plants, brush, limbs, logs and firewood. No grass, lumber or treated wood will be accepted.
Residents who received new electronics for Christmas can recycle their unwanted electronics at the compost site. Accepted items include: computers, monitors, televisions, typewriters, copiers, VCRs, fax machines, microwaves, scanners, gaming machines, and anything with an electrical cord or batteries. Christmas lights are also accepted, but they must be separated from trees and wreaths prior to recycling.
While the compost site operates on limited hours, residents may find local Best Buy stores convenient resources for recycling electronics. Residents should contact the store to learn more or visit the Best Buy website for electronics recycling guidelines.
Besides electronics and organic materials, residents can recycle other items at the Valparaiso compost site, including household batteries and fluorescent light bulbs (tubes and CFLs).
The compost site is owned by the City of Valparaiso and operates with assistance from the Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County.
The Boone Groove compost site, 546 S. 400 W, will remain closed through March 28, when it will open for the season. The site is owned and operated by the District.
Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter County is an agency dedicated to improving the environment and quality of life by providing services and educational programs which help residents reduce, reuse, and recycle.
For more information on the public compost sites, visit the District’s website, www.itmeanstheworld.org, or call 219-465-3694