What We Don’t Take

Since we are working to fill the gaps in curbside recycling services, we do not accept items that can go into your curbside recycling bin.

For a curbside refresher, check out the first half of our Mini-Hub training video to learn what is accepted in your curbside recycling bin in Cincinnati. For those without access to curbside recycling at your residence, various drop-off locations are located around Cincinnati for your use.

We accept many different items for recycling and reuse at the Hub, but we can’t accept everything.

The list below includes commonly rejected items at the Hub, but check our resource list to find if there’s an organization who accepts your materials.

  • Building Materials and household fixtures

  • Carpet or carpet padding

  • Baby Cribs

  • Household Furniture

  • Home Exercise Equipment

  • Mattresses and box springs

  • Pianos and Organs

  • Paint, lacquer, thinners

  • Gas/Oil based products

  • Gel Ice Packs (check instructions as some allow disposal of interior contents and exterior packaging is usually recyclable).

  • Sharps (Needles)

  • Medications

  • Artificial Trees

  • Bicycles 

  • Cornstarch packing peanuts and cornstarch packing materials

  • Jewelry

  • Silica Packets

  • Stuffed Animals (new or used)

  • Trophies, Medals, Plaques

  • Books in any condition 

  • Encyclopedias

  • Magazines and newspapers

  • Packaging and boxes

  • Concrete

  • EVA Foam (yoga mat materials)

  • Rubber

  • Silicone

  • Vinyl 

  • Wood

  • Sheets, Blankets, and Towels 

  • Pillows 

  • Clothing (new or used)