Dear Recycle Lady,
When I receive my prescriptions in the store or delivered, they are packaged in a white paper bag. Are these bags recyclable with office paper?
Shopper
Dear Shopper,
I am happy to say that today most every kind of single-use bag is recyclable. Your white paper bags are recyclable with office paper, a brown paper bags are recyclable with cardboard and single-use plastic bags are recyclable at Kroger or Wal-Mart. Have you considered taking your own bags when shopping, especially at the grocery store? Many sizes and shapes are available that are environmentally friendly. It takes a while to get into the habit of taking your own bags, but it is worth the effort.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have purchased a new washing machine and must find a home for my old one. It still works well, but sometimes it leaves rust spots on sheets or clothing. Do you know of someone who could use this machine (free)? If not, are there any recyclable parts in it that the Recycling Center accepts?
Washer Woman
Dear Washer Woman,
The Recycling Center will take your washer and recycle as much as possible. I don’t know of anyone who can use the older washer, but if anyone would like to have it, they can email me, and I will let you know.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Are masks becoming a problem for the environment?
Concerned Environmentalist
Dear Concerned Environmentalist,
Yes, masks are definitely becoming a problem as they are being tossed out and often find their way into our forests, streams, rivers and oceans. Plus, according to Charlotte Green from waste company TradeWaste.co.uk, 53 million masks are sent to landfills every day. Plus, wildlife and marine life are getting tangle up in the ear loops, which can be fatal. Everyone can help by simply cutting the ear loops, then disposing of the mask properly. Reusable, washable masks can help reduce the number of disposal masks.
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.