Welcome to SWACO
SWACO is the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. We believe today’s throwaways are the foundation for tomorrow. In doing so, we act as a catalyst to bring about innovative waste reduction and recycling projects. Now open is SWACO’s Green Energy Center which converts landfill gas to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to fuel SWACO cars and trucks as well as other CNG vehicles.
SWACO is one of the 52 solid waste districts created by the Ohio General Assembly in 1989. These districts were established with the mission of reducing our reliance on landfills. Acting upon that mission, SWACO provides consumers recycling opportunities around Franklin County (Ohio) at 212 recycling drop off-locations. SWACO also offers leadership and advice for businesses wishing to begin recycling and waste reduction programs. To help residents dispose of their Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) in an environmentally safe manner we have located a permanent HHW collection site at 1249 Essex Ave. in Columbus. We also schedule multiple mobile collections for HHW during the spring, summer and fall throughout Franklin County. For trash that cannot be recycled, we operate the 3,300 ton per day Franklin County Landfill and three transfer stations.
Central Ohio sports fans back recycling at many of the local arenas and stadiums. The SWACO message is delivered during games of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew, and the International Baseball League’s Columbus Clippers. SWACO recycling containers dot the concourses, while fans are encouraged to recycle via message boards and public address announcements. Displaying how old landfills can see new use, the former Franklin County landfill just south of Columbus has been turned into the 19-hole Phoenix Golf Links by SWACO. Our community outreach and partnerships in Central Ohio also include exhibits at the world renown Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, COSI (The Center for Science and Industry), and The Martin Luther King Arts Complex.
Our tours of SWACO’s Franklin County Landfill continue to be a big hit with students of all ages. Thousands of students annually see firsthand the results of our throwaway society. Other firsthand lessons on recycling are provided by SWACO as we encourage and assist school district wide recycling programs. There is also a SWACO lending library for teachers and students.
Our Smart Communities program works with towns and villages in SWACO neighborhoods that do recycle but need a little help to keep residents on board. Here SWACO provides assistance with marketing, contracts, and other needs to keep recycling in the forefront.
There is much more about today's SWACO that we would be glad to share with you. Please contact us at 614-871-5100 for more information.