Frequently Asked Questions

A common misconception is that if a package says "recyclable" or contains the "chasing arrows" recycling logo, it is recyclable everywhere. The number stamped on the bottom of the packaging designates what type of plastic was used to manufacture it. For example, most plastic beverage bottles are stamped with the number one, representing PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Because plastic bottles, plastic containers, and other plastic materials are different types, they do not all melt at the same temperature, meaning they can not be recycled together or used for the same kind of recycled product.

Most companies seeking plastic supplies only want plastic bottles. While there are markets for plastic containers and other plastic packaging and materials, they are few, and it can be difficult to find businesses that need this type of material.

The type of plastic accepted can vary from one community to another, so it is essential to check and find out what your recycling program accepts.

The Wood County Solid Waste Management District promotes everyday solutions for disposal needs. We maintain a list of Wood County businesses that accept various items for disposal daily. The list of companies and accepted items covers all materials typically received at a collection event.

Some businesses charge a small fee, but many accept items for free. This allows residents an immediate solution while cleaning a basement or garage and discourages the storage of unsafe materials.

Please select our viewable/printable copy of the Household Recycling Guide or contact our office at (419) 354-9297 for a paper copy.

First, try to buy only what you will need for the project you are working on. If you have purchased too much, try donating it to a local school, club, or organization that can use it.

Habitat for Humanity's Restore will recycle latex paint for a fee of $2 per gallon. Do not mix paint colors.

Environmental Recycling, located at 527 E Woodland Circle, Bowling Green, will accept latex, non-latex, and old and new paint for proper disposal. This business charges a disposal fee, so you may want to call first for rates. The contact number is 800-284-9107. Visit their Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off page for more information.

Or, you can dry latex paint with kitty litter and dispose of it with your garbage. Please make sure it is dry before disposing of it! Liquid paint can leak out trash containers and find its way into storm drains, polluting local waterways.

Look for keywords on the label: If it is latex, it will have the words "latex," "water-based," or "acrylic" on the can.

Non-latex will say "oil-based" or "alkyd."

Check the label for clean-up instructions: You can clean latex paint with soap and water. Oil-based paint requires paint thinner, turpentine, mineral spirits, or solvent.

As more and more people are prescribed medication, the concern is growing as the need for safe disposal increases. Experts have expressed concerns about trace amounts of medications entering local waterways, potentially harming fish and other wildlife, escaping water treatment plants untreated, and ending up in the hands of drug abusers. People are now discouraged from flushing any drugs down the toilet. Instead, residents should seek proper disposal facilities or collection events.

Several agencies in Wood County offer safe disposal locations for residents. Anyone may drop off unwanted, unused prescription drugs at these locations.

Please note: The following cannot be accepted at these locations: liquids, plastics, glass, bio-hazards, radioactive waste, syringes, drug paraphernalia or other medical waste.

Please see our Proper Prescription Medication Disposal brochure (PDF).

Residents may also take medication to Environmental Recycling, located at 527 E Woodland Circle, Bowling Green, to be appropriately disposed of. This business charges a disposal fee, so you may want to call first for rates. The contact number is 800-284-9107. Visit their Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off page for more information.

Be sure to read the label carefully before applying! Only apply the necessary amount for the treated or cleaned area and follow all precautions. When used in excess or improperly, chemicals used in landscaping/gardening or cleaning can harm pets and small children, reduce the number of beneficial insects or plants in your yard, and wash into local storm drains, polluting local waterways.

Consider an organic approach and limit the amount of chemicals you use. Several commercial businesses are offering organic options for their products. Look for these items at local greenhouses, box stores, or online. Be sure to read the label to see what the product includes. The terms "organic" and "natural" can often be a little misleading.

Download a copy of our Living with Hazardous Waste brochure (PDF) for alternatives and home recipes.

Only purchase what you need! Properly disposing of chemicals can be costly. If you cannot use all of a product, consider sharing it with a neighbor or friend. Try not to store leftovers for too long.

Please visit our Household Recycling Page for a list of businesses that will properly dispose of this type of material.

Do not pour leftover chemicals into storm sewers! Storm sewers lead directly to rivers and streams, not the water treatment plant!

Environmental Recycling, located at 527 E Woodland Circle, Bowling Green, will accept this material for proper disposal. This business charges a disposal fee, so you may want to call first for rates. The contact number is 800-284-9107. Visit their Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off page for more information.

Wrap the empty container in a plastic bag and place it with household garbage for collection. This applies to household materials only! Containers and chemicals from business and farming operations must be handled as commercial waste and disposed of properly at an approved facility.

Consumers purchase and use billions of different types of batteries throughout the year. Some batteries are more accessible to recycle, and some pose a greater environmental risk than others. Below are some guidelines for common types of batteries.

• Rechargeable Batteries - Rechargeable batteries should be recycled or disposed of properly to prevent toxic heavy metals from leaching into the environment. Several programs are in place to recycle rechargeable batteries. For a list of Wood County businesses accepting rechargeable batteries for recycling, download a copy of our Household Recycling Guide or contact our office for a paper copy.
• Lead-acid Batteries - Lead-acid batteries should be recycled or disposed of properly to prevent toxic heavy metals from leaching into the environment. Almost any retailer that sells lead-acid batteries collects used lead-acid batteries for recycling. For a list of Wood County businesses accepting lead-acid batteries for recycling, download a copy of our Household Recycling Guide or contact our office for a paper copy.
• Alkaline Batteries -
  • Dispose in Trash? Alkaline Batteries are costly to recycle, so many companies will not accept them for disposal. Since 1993, most battery manufacturers have eliminated all the added mercury from alkaline batteries, reducing the health and environmental risks they once posed. Some experts suggest it is safe to dispose of them with regular garbage.
  • Recycle? ERG Environmental Services at 527 E Woodland Circle, Bowling Green, will accept alkaline batteries for proper disposal. This business charges a disposal fee, so you may want to call first for rates. The contact number is 800-284-9107. Also, mail-in programs are available for those wishing to collect batteries at home or in their business.

For rates and more information, please visit the following websites:

• Battery Solutions Inc.
• Big Green Box
• Think Green From Home

The Planning Commission Office assigns addresses for all parcels in the unincorporated area of the county. The Planning Commission also assigns location addresses to all platted subdivisions in Wood County.

If you are unsure who issues the address, contact our office at 419-354-9128. Please also note that we can only assign addresses to the person or entity that is the record owner of the parcel.

Yes, the meetings are open to the public, and the public is encouraged to attend.If you have questions regarding a particular item on our agenda, or need to find out meeting locations, dates, and times, please contact our Office at 419-354-9128 and we will be glad to provide you with this information.

The Planning Commission Office is the local office in charge of storing and compiling all United States Census Data regarding Wood County. Please contact our Office at 419-354-9128 for this information.

In matters of zoning, the Township has the ultimate decision regarding zoning matters. Statutorily, the Planning Commission may only recommend to a Township whether or not to approve or deny a zoning action.

In matters regarding traditional platted subdivisions, the Planning Commission and by extension, Wood County has control over all issues regarding the construction of platted subdivisions. This authority pertains to design standards, density, and minimum improvements.

If the land in question is located within a Township, the Planning Commission Office can provide you with the zoning classification of the land.

For more detailed zoning information such as permitted uses, the Zoning Inspector of that particular Township needs to be contacted. View a list of all Zoning Inspector's in Wood County.

The Planning Commission Office can provide that information. View a list of all Zoning Inspector's in Wood County.

Yes. Our Office can provide information regarding the number of parcel splits available to a particular piece of property, and also explain the process of subdividing. Read more about our parcel split policy.

Yes. We can determine not only if a piece of land contains a special flood hazard area on it, but also the particular zone that the floodplain is classified as. This information may be obtained by calling our Office at 419-354-9128.

Poggemeyer Design Group administers the CHIP Program for Wood County. Specific information can be obtained by contacting their Bowling Green Office at 419-352-7537.

Yes. The Planning Commission Office serves as the main Office involved in Fair Housing matters. We will asses these issues on a case by case basis, and forward the complaints to the proper agencies.

The Planning Commission Office handles the reporting and procedural end of tax incentives in Wood County. For information regarding available sites, and incentive programs, please contact the Wood County Economic Development Office.