Waste Removal & Recycling
Waste removal in the Borough of Oakmont is provided by Shank Waste Service.
Recycling
You are not required to use “Borough Recycling Bins” however, they must be clearly visible that they are for Recycling Materials. We are asking that you use different colored cans that are clearly marked.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 – Plastics Recycling By the Numbers
Plastic recycling is difficult. Life is complicated enough without having to remember the ways that HDPE differs from LDPE; unless, you work in the plastics recycling industry.
A product made of plastic is often stamped with a resin code, which is a number between one and seven inside a small triangle made of arrows. The presence of a resin code doesn’t necessarily mean that the product can be recycled. It’s the number inside the triangle that counts, because each number corresponds to a different type of plastic. Below is a guide to what can be and what cannot be recycled.
1: PET or PETE (Polyethylene terephthalate) PET or PETE is what’s used to make bottles for soda, water and other drinks. It’s also used to make cooking oil containers, plastic peanut butter jars and containers for other popular food items. PET/PETE products CAN be recycled.
2: HDPE (High density polyethylene) HDPE plastics are also extremely common. They’re those used to make milk jugs, shampoo bottles, cleaning product containers and detergent bottles. HDPE products CAN be recycled.
3: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) PVC is a soft, flexible plastic, so it’s used for a huge array of household products. Plastic tubing, kids’ toys, plastic trays and furniture are often made out of PVC. PVC products CANNOT be recycled.
4: LDPE (Low density polyethylene) A lot of plastic wrappings are made of LDPE plastic. It’s also used to make grocery bags and the bags that hold newspapers, sliced bread loaves and fresh produce, among other things. LDPE products CANNOT be recycled.
5: PP (Polypropylene) PP is used to make food containers used for products like yogurt, sour cream and margarine. It’s also made into straws, rope, carpet and bottle caps. PP products CAN be recycled.
6: PS (Polystyrene) Styrofoam products are made out of PS plastic, so it’s commonly used to make disposable coffee cups, packing peanuts, coolers and to-go food containers. PS products CANNOT be recycled.
7: Other Any type of plastic that doesn’t fit into one of the first six categories falls under this heading. Products stamped with a 7 are often made out of multiple plastic types or out of other types of plastic that can’t easily be recycled. #7 products CAN SOMETIMES be recycled.
Summary:
Types 1 and 2 plastics may be placed into standard recycling bins, while other plastics cannot. Empty and rinse containers. If the container is greasy, wipe out with soapy water & rinse. Hard-to-recycle plastics including Styrofoam, shrink wrap, produce and type 4 grocery store bags, require specialized handling and shouldn’t be put into recycling bins because they can get tangled in the equipment at recycling facilities. To dispose of type 4 plastics, most grocery stores near Oakmont collect these bags for proper plastics recycling.
Included in recyclable materials for curbside collections are:
- Food and Beverage cans. Rinse cans, push the lid down inside of can and crush if space is needed. Wipe out greasy containers.
- Cardboard and Paper such as newspapers, magazines, advertising inserts, and junk mail. Cardboard should be flattened or broken down in pieces no larger than 4′.
We know that plastics recycling can be confusing. We can provide guidance and solutions to all your plastics needs. As always, contact us at Shank Waste Service (724) 226-8320, or email custsvc@shankwasteservice.com . For answers to frequently asked questions use this link https://www.shankwasteservice.com/residential-customer-service . (Miller, 2019)
To support Oakmont’s Sustainability Plan, a dedicated Recycle Center is located at 3 Ann Street, where residents will find a permanent glass recycling dumpster, an aluminum can cage, a clothing bin to recycle gently used clothing (proceeds benefit the Oakmont Volunteer Fire Department), and soon a cardboard recycling dumpster. This location also accepts discarded pumpkins during the fall and Christmas trees after the holidays.
Large Item Pickup
Contact Shank Waste Service Customer Service at least 24 hours in advance to schedule. This is not something the Borough Office can authorize or arrange.
Billing
If you have questions regarding trash bills, please call PA Municipal Services (PAMS) at 412-828-0101
Electronics Recycling
Electronics & Hard to Recycle Events will be held once a year. Dates will be posted as they are determined.
Accepted Household Hazardous Waste/Chemicals: paint/workshop products, automotive products, cleaning products, lawn and garden products, pesticides, car/household batteries, lights bulbs, fluorescent tubes, flammables, & more.
Accepted Electronic/Freon Waste: TVs, computers, printers, phones, AC Units, dehumidifiers, mini fridges, microwaves, laptops, & more
PROHIBITED ITEMS: Explosives, ammunition, radioactive materials large appliances pharmaceuticals, syringes, medical waste, fire extinguishers & smoke detectors, mercury containing device, elemental mercury compressed gas, tires.