Columbia County recycling manager outlines what’s accepted, warns some plastics can’t be processed locally

Columbia County recycling manager Jenny Verner gave a plain-language overview of the county's recycling operations, listing what residents can bring, where materials go, why some items aren't accepted and how to avoid damaging processing equipment.

"Our recycling program is what's called a source separated program," Verner said, and added that the county accepts number one and number two plastics, non-waxed cardboard, paper such as junk mail, aluminum and other metal cans, and glass in green, brown and clear. She said electronics and appliances are accepted but that the county charges for some items such as flat-screen televisions.

Verner warned that some commonly brought items, including Styrofoam and higher-number plastics…