Summer Party Garbage and Recycling Guide

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time for graduation parties, holiday BBQs, and family reunions! These events all include some waste, so we’re back with a summer garbage and recycling guide to what goes where!

Party Preparations

Waste can be created when getting your space party-ready! Propane tanks, pool chemicals, and lawn care items can all be disposed of at our Household Hazardous Material Facility.

Make recycling as easy as possible for your guests by placing recycling and garbage by placing your garbage and recycling carts next to each other or by making a reservation to use our event recyclers. Through our environmental outreach program, iLivehere, we loan portable recycling containers to use at events.

Reduce waste by decorating with reusable items like pots of flowers instead of single-use items like streamers or balloons.

Party Cleanup

Disposables make party cleanup easier, but they create a lot of waste! Paper plates, plastic silverware, straws, chip bags, and juice pouches all belong in the garbage.

Toss plastic cups, aluminum cans, water/pop bottles, and juice boxes into your recycling cart!

Planning a show for your 4th of July BBQ? Please soak fireworks casings, packaging, and wrappers in water, then throw them in the garbage. (And please be sure to follow your local guidelines and stay safe!)

Any Questions?

Did we miss something in this summer party garbage and recycling guide? We’d love to answer your questions! Use the “How do I Dispose of…” search tool located on our homepage. Just select your community and type the item. You could also leave a comment on our Facebook posts about summer-y garbage and recycling or fill out our Contact Us form!

Happy Earth Day!

In celebration of Earth Day (and Earth Month) we’re sharing a bit about our iLivehere program and how you can get involved. Created in April 2008, iLivehere is the Waste Commission of Scott County’s environmental outreach program. As a Keep America Beautiful Affiliate, iLivehere empowers you to be a steward of our environment.

The program has a few different components:

  1. Provide free cleanup supplies – iLivehere provides supplies such as bags, gloves, and litter tongs to those helping to make the Quad-Cities a cleaner place to live, work, and play. If your neighborhood group, church group, environmental club, business, or family is planning a cleanup, we’re here to help! 
  2. Loan event recycling containers – iLivehere loans portable recycling containers for use at area events and festivals at no charge!
  3. Coordinate MAKE it YOURS – our adoption program – See a place in your community (within Scott County only) that needs a little TLC? Groups can MAKE it YOURS by agreeing to care for it at least twice per year. We’ll provide cleanup supplies and even post a sign recognizing your efforts!

Click here to learn more about the iLivehere program and have a Happy Earth Day!