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1. How much is the charge for a contaminated recycle bin?

$63.32. It is charged out as the time for removal from the truck (climbing into the hopper and removing the contaminated material back into the recycle bin), a garbage truck call out and the dump of a 65-gallon garbage rollcart.

2. I have a dumpster, how do I sign up for commercial recycling?

Fill out the Commercial Recycling Request Form (PDF) and send to Utilities or call 360-279-4530.

3. I just moved in, what can I do with all this cardboard?

There are a few recycle drop-off sites on the island. Visit the Island County Solid Waste website for operation times and locations.

4. What time does that recycle place at the end of Oak Harbor road open?

Visit the Island County Solid Waste website for more information.

5. Where can I recycle my florescent light bulbs?

The CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp) bulbs which are the small spiral type that replace the incandescent bulbs can be recycled at City Hall, Senior Center, Library, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, and the Island County Recycle Station (3151 Oak Harbor Road). The tube-type fluorescent bulbs can be recycled at the Island County Recycle station as well.

6. Why am I being charged for a contaminated recycle bin?

A recycle bin containing non-recyclables can contaminate a whole load. If contamination is found, the truck is stopped and we will enter the hopper and remove the tainted material back into your rollcart. In most cases, you will be warned numerous times. If the recycle rollcart contains yard waste, feces, putrid garbage, or a full bin of non-recyclables you will not be warned and your tag will indicate so. Documentation will be made.

7. Why can't I have glass in my recycle bin?

We currently have a co-mingle recycle system. All recycle is in one container and dumped into the truck. When glass is introduced it will break into small shards and impregnate the other recyclables rendering them un-recyclable. The recyclables are transported and sorted into separate commodities by a private company if they are contaminated in any way they will be considered garbage. So all the time and effort used to recycle will be for nothing. We have three locations for you to dump your glass. One is in the Safeway parking lot, one is in the OfficeMax parking lot, and the last is in the Oak Harbor Marina parking lot.

8. Why can't I stack recyclables next to the recycle rollcart?

The recycle truck has a mechanical arm that lifts the can 11 feet into the hopper of the truck. Most loose recyclables do not make that trip well unless they are secured. We have made this a fully automated system to achieve maximum efficiency. If the drivers have to exit the truck numerous times it becomes inefficient. Make sure that all the cardboard in the rollcart is cut up and you're using all the space in the bin. If you still have extra cardboard make sure it is cut down to 4 by 4 sheets and binding would be nice. The only things that should be next to your bin is motor oil and small amounts of scrap metal.

9. Why was my recycle not picked up?

Was it behind a car or obstructed in some way? Did you have your rollcart out after 7 am? Yes? Check across the street if they haven't been picked up run it across for pick up. If they have, call the City of Oak Harbor Utilities office at 360-279-4530. Is there a tag on the bin? Usually, depending on the situation your bin might have been left due to contamination. Read the lid and resolve the situation or view our Recycling Program Material List (PDF) for a list of acceptable items.