Dear Recycle Lady,
What is the difference between a landfill and a dump? I always thought they were the same thing.
Dump or Landfill?
Dear Dump or Landfill,
There are several differences in landfills and dumps that exist for the protection of the public and for the environment. Landfills must meet state and federal requirements that isolate waste from the environment until the waste is safe for both humans and the environment. Landfills also must meet requirements for long-term management and restoration of the waste site. They must have controlled access and inspections of incoming trash loads. Trash must be covered as it is unloaded at a landfill and water quality is monitored around the site. (With 3,500 tons, or 7,000,000 pounds, of trash brought to the Greenbrier County Landfill every month, this is not as easy task.) Any waste site that does not meet these criteria is a dump, as dumps are totally unregulated. In the past, anybody could dump anything, anytime, anywhere in a dump. There were no protections for the quality of ground and surface water. Uncontrolled open burning in dumps was a significant cause of air pollution. Because access to dumps was uncontrolled, illegal chemicals and hazardous wastes were deposited, and trash was uncovered. Dumps were a threat to humans, communities, and the environment. Fortunately, there are not many in existence today.
The Greenbrier County Solid Waste Authority oversees the Greenbrier County Landfill and meets all the criteria for landfill management. Locally, waste is picked up by Greenbrier Valley Solid Waste and by Lusk Disposal Company. These haulers take trash to the Greenbrier County Landfill for proper disposal.
Please note, the Greenbrier COUNTY Solid Waste and the Greenbrier VALLEY Solid Waste are two distinct entities. The Greenbrier COUNTY Solid Waste Authority is a branch of the WV State Government that oversees landfills and recycling. Greenbrier VALLEY Solid Waste is a privately owned garbage service and trash pickup business.
Need trash pickup or a dumpster? The Greenbrier VALLEY Solid Waste is the one to call. Have questions about the landfill or recycling? The Greenbrier COUNTY Solid Waste AUTHORITY is the one to call.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Today I received a beautiful Thanksgiving card in an envelope with gold foil lining. Can this envelope be recycled?
Thankful for Family & Friends
Dear Thankful for Family & Friends,
Enjoy your beautiful card, but unless the gold foil lining can be removed from the paper part of the envelope it can’t be recycled.
Good News: Three Peregrine falcons were born this year in the Harpers Ferry WV National Historical Park, and they have taken flight. This is really good news as Peregrine falcons haven’t been seen in this area since the 1950s. Wildlife experts have helped falcons make this come back according to The Week Junior.
Dear Readers,
Happy Turkey Day! Wishing everyone a wonderful day with family and friends, good conversations, and good food. Here’s hoping your Thanksgiving table will be using reusable dishes, tablecloths, napkins and eating utensils, all of whichare good for the environmentand saves on landfill space. If you must use disposables, please purchase 100% recycled or compostable plates, cups, napkins, and utensils. (Kroger and Walmart both have them.) Last, but not least, be safe, enjoy the day and have a very Happy Thanksgiving.
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.
