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1. Why can’t I recycle plastic bags in my recycling cart?

Staff who sort recyclables at the Materials Recovery Facility in Fort Wayne could miss the plastic bags as they sort the non-recyclable items on the fast-moving conveyor belt line. When the plastic bags get caught in the equipment, staff must shut down the line to have somebody go in and cut them out. This is time-consuming, costly, and dangerous.

Look for a plastic bag container at the entrance of your local grocery storefront to recycle plastic bags. Find a drop-off location and review the guidelines in advance on the Plastic Film Recycling website.

Review City of Fort Wayne recycling guidelines on the One Cart Recycling Program website. For more information, contact the City of Fort Wayne's Solid Waste Department at 311 or email the Soild Waste Department.

Review Allen County Department of Environmental Management's Community Recycling Drop-off Site guidelines on our Community Recycling Drop-off Sites website.

2. Where can I donate items for re-use?

Several charity organizations benefiting people and animals will accept gently used items to further their missions. See our Reuse page.

3. Where can I get items repaired to give them a new life?

Tailors, cobblers, and electronics stores are able to fix many things to save them from the landfill. You can also borrow tools and get assistance fixing your own items in some locations.

See our listings.

4. Where can I donate items I no longer want?

Many clothing, shoes, and other household items can be donated to a variety of agencies. There is an alternative to throwing away almost everything. Post for free/sale online, give to a local charity, or call us to let us help you with the details. Call 260-449-7878.