The horticulture industry uses plastic in many forms such as pots, trays, labels, irrigation equipment, colored rolls of plastic for pest and weed suppression, packaging and more.  Most of the current plastics used in the horticultural industry used are polypropylene (#5PP), polystyrene (#6PS) and high-density polyethylene (#2HDPE), which are typically not able to be curbside recycled within most metropolitan recycling facilities.  Some local nurseries and box stores in Campbell County are implementing reuse programs to help reduce plastics in the landfill.

This year, Campbell County Extension and a group of NKY Master Gardeners hosted collection days for people to bring in unwanted plastic pots and trays.   Our volunteers sorted the pots and got them ready for transport to the Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub.  “The Hub” as it is commonly known, recycles many products that curbside recycling will not accept including nursery pots and trays.  Before items are sent for repurposing, The Hub offers items for free to people for re-use. Items left after a period of time are then processed into other goods to make plastic benches, plastic lumber, diesel fuel, industrial wax and materials to make lesser grade plastics.

As a result, our first collection was a success with 128 pounds of plastic pots, plant labels and trays collected that otherwise would have ended up in the landfill.  Campbell County Extension and volunteers will host another collection in the Fall of 2024. We will also continue to work with local nurseries and producers to implement reuse programs.

To learn more about Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub, visit https://www.cincinnatirecyclingandreusehub.org/