Lorain County proclaims America Recycles Day; launches plastic-bag collection program

Lorain County commissioners on Nov. 7 proclaimed Nov. 15, 2025 as America Recycles Day and heard from Brandy Schnell, special projects manager for the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District, about county recycling services and a new plastic-bag collection initiative.

Brandy Schnell described the Lorain County Collection Center in Elyria as a year-round drive-through location where residents can drop household hazardous waste, electronics, paper for shredding and regular recyclables. She said the center’s hours are Mondays 9 a.m.–3 p.m., Wednesdays 12 p.m.–6 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m.–3 p.m., and urged residents without curbside recycling to use the service.

Schnell announced a special plastic-bag recycling program that begins Nov. 15 — America Recycles Day — and continues through the end of the year. Residents can drop plastic grocery bags at the collection center, have them tagged and weighed, and designate the school that should receive credit. "The top 3 schools who have the most plastic bags by weight will be getting a prize," Schnell said, noting prizes may include items made from plastic lumber such as benches or picnic tables that benefit students.

The board’s proclamation cited national recycling statistics and formally recognized the county’s recycling efforts. Commissioners praised solid-waste staff and called out Republic Services for paying tipping fees that help fund the collection center’s operations.

Next steps: the solid-waste district plans a press release and social-media outreach to advertise the bag collection details and the schools’ prize program.