SUNBURY — With Earth Day approaching, the Porter Township website has some recycling tips for area residents doing their spring cleaning.

Residents are reminded to contact their local trash service to see what bulk items they might pick up, and how to handle specific items.

“For example, old mattresses and box springs can be picked up curbside, if you have them in mattress bags,” the Porter site (www.portertwp.org) said. The mattress bags can be bought at local hardware stores.

Porter Township offers free recycling for its residents at its Township Maintenance Building on Olive Green Road. Other county residents can check with their municipalities to see if they offer similar services. Many, but not all, do. Also, some businesses in Delaware County will take old appliances, scrap metal, tires, yard waste and old motor oil — but check with them before visiting.

In Genoa Township, “Spring cleaning dumpsters will be in place for use by residents only April 22-30,” said its website (genoatwp.com). “Proof of residency will be required to dispose of general trash, yard waste, and scrap metal in separated containers.”

Meanwhile, Orange Township will have paper shredding events on May 12-13 for its residents. See www.orangetwp.org for details.

The Delaware Public Health District has issued a Recycling Guide that can be downloaded from its website (www.delawarehealth.org). The handout lists recycling locations by items, how to prepare items for recycling, and charities accepting donations.

Different jurisdictions have open burn ordinances and restrictions. Berkshire Township notes that Ohio Revised Code “prohibits open burning statewide in unincorporated areas during the months of March, April, May, October and November between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. The ban includes burning of yard waste, trash and debris even with a proper burn barrel.”

April is also when many gardeners get their plots ready, and some begin planting frost-resistant crops. The City of Sunbury’s Facebook page noted that April is Ohio Native Plant Month. Among the benefits of native plants are they attract beneficial insects, and they’re more adapted to the soil and climate.

Berkshire’s Spring Newsletter said Earth Day is celebrated on April 22. It began in 1970. This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet.” For more information, visit www.earthday.org.

Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].