Trash Piles Up at O'Fallon's Recycling Bins

Illegal dumping of trash in and around O’Fallon’s recycle bins is becoming a problem.

The blue, industrial-sized recycling containers are located at in the west parking lot at , and Monticello Plaza in the 3700 block of Highway K. The bins are free and opent to the public to recycle materials.

According to a news release from the , the trash is causing concern for the reycling program.

Jim Wenzara, O’Fallon’s director of environmental services, said in a news release, that while recycling participation is on the rise, so is illegal drop-offs.

“Many non-recyclable and trash items are being left outside these containers, and at times the wind blows the trash around the parking lots," he said." Business-owners at Monticello Plaza are especially concerned about the situation. No items of any kind should be left outside the containers.”

Items to drop off at the recycling bin:

• Paper products (newspapers, magazines, phone books, paperbacks)
• Boxes (cardboard, beverage cartons, cereal and shoeboxes)
• Plastic bottles and food containers (except for Styrofoam)
• Glass bottles (unbroken)
• Metal cans
• Aluminum foil

Items that should NOT be placed in bins: 

• Plastic bags
• Garden hose
• Coat hangers
• Furniture
• Carpeting
• Building materials
• Styrofoam items
• Diapers
• Light bulbs
• Car items or waste oil
• Electronics
• Household cleaners
• Paint
• Pesticide or other chemical containers

O'Fallon offers curbside collection of large items

O’Fallon residents can arrange to have large items picked up at the curb year round.

To schedule a pick up, email staff at ofallonrecycles@ofallon.mo.us or call Environmental Services at 636-272-0477.

Cost of the service is $20 per truck hopper for curbside collection. Up-to-date information about O’Fallon’s refuse collection is available online.