Dear Recycle Lady,
What are orphan wells and why are they a concern?
Learning About the Environment
Dear Learning,
Orphan wells are oil or gas wells that have been abandoned by the industries that extracted the oil or gas. These wells have no known legal owner responsible for their care and closure, and they are polluting the air with climate-warming methane and contaminating groundwater. They also can leak benzene and other cancer-causing toxic chemicals into the air, surface water and ground water. They are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to Wikipedia, the Interior Department has documented the existence of 130,000 orphaned wells nationwide and an EPA study estimated that there are as many as two to three million orphan wells nationwide. The nation’s first commercial oil well was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859. The Department of Environmental Protection has used old paper coal-mine and farm maps in their attempt to locate these orphan wells. They have been found in 27 states under schools, homes, retirement communities and convention centers. Currently, drones are being launched in northwest Pennsylvania to hunt for these wells. The drones are outfitted with magnetic sensors that can detect metal underground, and special detectors to identify leaking methane emissions. However, according to planetizen.com, finding them is “just the beginning of a costly and urgent cleanup effort.”
Dear Recycle Lady,
Several nonprofit organizations are sending coins glued to their letters requesting donations. After removing the coins there are globs of glue left on the letter. Must this glue be removed before recycling the letter?
Avid Recycler
Dear Avid Recycler,
Yes, the glue dots that hold the coins on the letter must be removed as the glue can cause problems for the paper shredding machine during the bailing process. After the glue dots are removed put the letter in with office paper or magazines. Most glue dots can be removed simply by rubbing your thumb over them, or they can be cut out.
Dear Recycle Lady,
This isn’t about recycling, but I thought it was good information for readers, especially dog owners. Kentucky-based veterinarian, Dr. Matt McGlasson, has cautioned that there are potentially fatal consequences if dogs eat sugar-free foods such as candy, gum, baked goods, pudding snacks and peanut butter as they contain a sugar substitute called xylitol.
Dog Lover
Dear Dog Lover,
Thanks for alerting readers to the dangers of xylitol. According to https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs, when dogs eat xylitol, the xylitol is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and can cause a profound drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Higher doses can cause seizures and liver failure. Call Pet Poison Helpline 800-213-6680 immediately if xylitol has been ingested by your dog.
Happy Coral Reef Awareness Week! Coral is a living marine animal made up of tiny creatures called polyps that lives in bustling underwater neighborhoods called reefs. These polyps build hard exoskeletons of calcium carbonate, creating the vibrant, colorful structures we know as coral reefs. They provide habitat for fish and other marine species, and they produce large amounts of oxygen.
Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
