When the recycling bins get contaminated, though, the items end up in the landfill instead of the recycling center, McMahon said.

Currently, the area is open 24 hours a day. McMahon said one option is to gate it and put hours on it, but he said then trash could be left at the gate, which would make it Miami County’s responsibility to remove.

The first step McMahon would like to take is to install surveillance cameras at the site. He also plans to speak with Deffenbaugh officials about installing better signage so county residents know what is acceptable.