What We Don’t Accept…
When we say we accept paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic containers, and glass, that means we ONLY accept those items.
Anything else that is left at the WWRA is Illegal Dumping. Illegal Dumping is when someone dumps unrecyclable items in or outside of the WWRA's recycling bins. Common items include furniture, construction waste, tanglers (plastic bags or bagged recyclables, rope, chains), and foam. This can be done by someone who hopes other bin users will take the items or by someone who does not want to dispose of waste correctly.
Regardless of the intention of the illegal dumper, this activity comes at a high cost our nonprofit.
Damage can be done to WWRA bins, vehicles, and sorting equipment when improper items are added to the stream. Damage isn't limited to equipment, however. Illegal dumping poses a massive risk to our WWRA drivers and sorters. Flammable materials, like the ones pictured below, are the #1 cause of workplace injury and death in refuse workers.
Illegal dumping is never okay. Please click here for alternative disposal and donation centers. Do not leave items outside of WWRA bins as a means of "donation." Instead, donate or give away the item on Facebook.
If an item is not on the "Accepted" list, that means it is NOT accepted. If you ever have a question about a specific item, reach out to us on social media or at wwraeduoutreach@gmail.com.
Thank you to our recyclers for sharing some of these photos of dangerous illegal dumping in our community.