Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive. If you have any additional questions, please contact us at (570) 278-3589.

Q. What can I do with my plastic grocery bags?

A. We can’t recycle plastic grocery bags because we would need to collect and store 40,000 pounds of bags. We do not have that much storage space. However, many local retail stores provide containers for plastic bags near the entrance of their stores. Those stores are able to recycle plastic bags in smaller quantities. If your grocery store offers paper bags, those can be recycled at our facility with your other mixed paper.

Q. Why can’t I recycle plastics such as butter tubs and other food containers?

A. Containers that do not take the form of a bottle were created through a process called injection molding. They melt differently than blow-molded plastics (bottles.) Therefore, they are considered a contaminant to our loads.

Q. What can I do with Styrofoam packing peanuts and bubble wrap?

A. Although we do not take Styrofoam here, there are places that take and reuse Styrofoam for packaging. Please call or e-mail us for information

Q. Do I have to remove labels from tin cans and glass bottles?

A. No, that is not necessary.

Q. Should I rinse my cans & bottles before recycling?

A. Yes, Items containing food residue must be disposed of in the trash.  We can only place clean items into our loads.  When items are brought to the recycling center with food residue (or dirt,) we have no choice but to place those items into the trash.  In the unfortunate situation that the contaminated item is placed in one of the glass bins, the item will likely be broken by others placing their glass on top or during the unloading process. Once the bin containing food is broken, the entire bin of glass must be disposed of in the trash, and the bin must be cleaned before being placed back in the drop-off.  

Q. What can I do with an empty propane tank?

A. We cannot accept propane tanks at the recycling center.

Q. How can I get rid of an old car battery?

A. Car and tractor batteries may be taken to most Auto Parts stores that sell vehicle batteries.

Q. Can I recycle my flashlight (alkaline) batteries at the Recycling Center?

A. No, we cannot accept alkaline batteries. We can only accept rechargeable batteries (under 2 pounds,) including ones found in cell phones and power tools.

Q. When I bring paper to the Recycling Center, should it be tied (bundled)?

A. Please, leave shredded paper in the bag.  All other clean, dry paper can be dumped loose into the mixed paper bins.

Q. Can I put books in with the mixed paper?

A. Soft covered books, phonebooks, and magazines are ok. However, hard covered books are not.

Q. Where can I bring my televisions, computers, monitors, laptops and printers?

A. Due to an issue with the state law, the Susquehanna County Recycling Center does not accept electronics.  

• The retail store Staples recycles many types of electronics.  The list of items Staples will accept can be found at Staple Recycling
• Best Buy also accepts electronics, although stores in Pennsylvania charge a fee for some items.  Best Buy’s electronics recycling information can be found at Best Buy Recycling
• We always suggest calling the store you intend to visit first to make sure you have the most up to date information

Q. What about scrap metal?

A. We accept metal items Monday through Friday between 8am and 4pm excluding County Holidays.  Please, leave your scrap metal items in your vehicle and come in the office to find a staff person to check your metal items & help unload.   There are fees for refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and dehumidifiers.