Dear Recycle Lady,
Are extension cords and power cords recyclable at the Recycling Center?
Too Many Cords
Dear Too Many Cords,
The Recycling Center is an e-waste recycler, so they accept both extension cords and power cords. According to Earth 911.com, most power cords contain wires made from copper or aluminum that are surrounded by a layer of insulation made of plastic or rubber. The insulation isn’t recyclable, but the metal inside has value. When you bring your cords to the Recycling Center ring the bell on the door marked Aluminum Cans and someone will come help you. The Recycling Center pays for the copper or aluminum contained in the cords or you may donate them to help support the Recycling Center. Not only are extension cords and power cords recyclable, but so are old cell phone chargers and any appliance with a cord attached to it. Just bring the appliance to the Recycling Center and place it in the green box that is outside on the porch leading to the Aluminum Cans door.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Where can I recycle empty printer cartridges? I have several of them.
Recycler
Dear Recycler,
The Recycling Center in Ronceverte accepts all used ink cartridges, which are both recyclable and reusable. When you take them to the Recycling Center ring the bell on the Aluminum Cans door and someone will come assist you. There are also several retailers, such as Staples, Office Depot, Best Buy, and Target that recycle cartridges. According to Earth911.com, over 500 million printer cartridges are sold each year and some 375 million of these cartridges end up in landfills. Have you considered refilling your ink cartridges? Ink cartridges can be refilled several times, reducing the amount of oil used to make the plastic as well as reducing the ink used by 50%. Refilled ink cartridges generally last longer than some new ones, if they are refilled to the top. There are refill kits specially designed to help you fill your cartridges yourself.
The website http://cartridgeworldusa.com/blog/how-to-refill-ink-cartridges has refill kits available and step-by-step instructions are given on the Earth911 website. Cartridges can’t be reused indefinitely, so be sure to recycle them when they can no longer be used.
Dear Recycle Lady,
What is green methanol?
Want to Know
Dear Want to Know,
According to freetheocean.com, green methanol is a cutting-edge fuel extracted from food waste in landfills. This process is similar to the one at the Raleigh County Recycling Center that captures methane from their landfill and generates enough electricity to heat 2,400 homes in the Beckley area. The shipping giant Maersk embarked last summer on its first voyage from South Korea to Denmark powered by green methanol. This eco-friendly fuel can reduce emissions from the ship by 65 – 70%. Kudos to Maersk for having 25 of their current vessels retrofitted to run on green methanol. Globally, shipping companies are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce air pollution in ports as they emit approximately a billion tons of carbon dioxide (C02) annually. Green methanol is one way they can reduce their carbon footprint.
Kudos to St. James Episcopal Church for taking on the Trex challenge – sending 1000 pounds of sorted plastic film to Trex and receiving a Trex bench. Hopefully, there will soon be another youth or community group who will also accept this challenge. Many thanks to all those in the area who are placing their plastic film in the Trex boxes. Keep it coming!
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
