Dear Recycle Lady,
Last week you said that any scotch tape on plastic film had to be cut off before recycling the film. What about paper that has scotch tape on it? Must it be removed before recycling the paper?
Curious
Dear Curious,
Yes, any clear plastic tape, better known as Scotch tape, that is stuck on paper should be removed before putting the paper in the recycling bin. In fact, scotch tape should be removed from any item to be recycled as there are chemicals in the adhesive on the scotch tape that prevent it from being recycled. There are many kinds of tape in use today. Some of these tapes are recyclable, such as the paper tape on cardboard shipping boxes, and some are not. The much-used Duct Tape is not recyclable due to its strong adhesive and polyethylene waterproof backing. Interestingly, Masking Tape is already a recycled product as it is made of recycled paper pulp. It is not biodegradable nor compostable due to the glue on the back of the tape, and locally, it is not recyclable. However, there are recycling centers in large cities that accept Masking Tape for recycling with the glue removed.
Did you know that adhesives date back to 4,000 B.C.E. when tree sap was used to mend earthenware pots? Later the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks created an adhesive made with animal blood, bones, hide and egg whites. Surgical tape was created in 1845. It was made using gauze, cloth-backed tape and covered with crinoline, a fabric used to make underskirts and dress linings. Painter’s tape was invented in 1925 when painters struggled to paint straight lines. At that time, 3M only made sandpaper, but with the invention of painter’s tape, scotch tape was born, and 3M added it to its line of tapes. The aforementioned Duct Tape was created in 1942 and was used by the US Military to fix equipment, uniforms and even wounds. Today there are many eco-friendly sustainable tapes available that are made from biodegradable ingredients. For a complete list of new tapes go to www.treehugger.com/best-eco-friendly-tapes-5191708. According to Treehugger, the Life Without Plastic Kraft Gummed Paper Tape is the best overall non-plastic tape. It is made with a natural latex glue adhesive and paper that becomes sticky when wet. Made from paper, it is 100% recyclable and compostable. It also lists a decorative gift-wrapping recycled paper Washi tape that is made with a non-toxic natural rubber adhesive, as well as several other eco-friendly adhesive alternatives to the conventional tapes made from plastic.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have used the landfill for disposing of household trash for several years and now I see some recycling bins there. I used to take my recyclables to Ronceverte, but as I live in Frankford, recycling at the landfill is more convenient. What is acceptable at the landfill for recycling? Do you accept eligible materials sorted or mixed? If sorted, how do you categorize and sort by type?
Returning to Recycling
Dear Returning to Recycling,
Welcome back to recycling. The Recycle Center is still located in Ronceverte, and there is also recycling now available at the landfill. Regardless of the location, all items must be separated and placed in the proper bins. We do not accept mixed bags as we do not have the equipment for separating the different kinds of recyclables. Both the Ronceverte location and the landfill location have nine bins for your convenience: aluminum cans, steel cans, #1 plastics, #2 clear plastics, #2 colored plastics, newspapers, office paper, magazines, and cardboard.
Good News: The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act has just been reintroduced in congress – it’s the most comprehensive plastic pollution bill ever and if passed, would be game-changing for the health of people, animals, and the planet. Research this proposed legislation and contact your Congressmen about your thoughts and support.(www.merkley.senate.gov › wp-content › uploads)
Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to recyclelady@greenbrier-swa.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.