Dear Recycle Lady,
Are 12-volt batteries recyclable?
Hopeful Recycler
Dear Hopeful Recycler,
Yes, the Greenbrier Recycling Center does recycle 12-volt batteries, as does the S.S. Belcher Co. in Caldwell. Both places recycle any lead-acid batteries. This includes car, truck, and lawn mower batteries, but not small non-rechargeable batteries.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I just took a big bag of shredded paper to the Recycling Center. What happens to all the shredded paper that is brought to the Recycling Center? Is it recycled? Are the bags and boxes that the shredded paper is brought in also recycled?
Shredder
Dear Shredder,
Yes, all shredded paper that comes to the Recycle Center is recycled. Before it is baled and sent to the processor, shredded paper in the bin is combined with shredded confidential materials. Mixing both sources together makes it impossible for documents to be pieced together. To answer your second question, if shredded paper is brought in boxes, they are recycled. If it is brought in a bag that is recyclable, it is recycled. If it is brought in black plastic bags, there is no recourse but to put them in the trash.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Inadvertently, I have ruined my best pizza pan. I put some slightly damp Miracle Grow in the pan and set it outside to dry in the sun. As has happen lately, the rains came and got the Miracle Grow really wet. Then it dried and the Miracle Grow caused deep pockmarks in the pan. Can my pan be recycled?
Sadder, But Wiser
Dear Sadder, But Wiser,
Yes, your pockmarked pan can be recycled. Just bring it to the Recycle Center and it will be recycled with metal. All metal pans, regardless of shape, size, or condition, are acceptable.
Great news for bees. According to Environment America, Maine just passed the strongest safeguards against bee-killing pesticides, especially the neonicotinoid or “neonic” pesticides. Massachusetts, Maryland, Vermont, and Connecticut have already enacted strong neonic restrictions. Other state legislators are addressing the issue and introducing legislation to protect bees. Hopefully, West Virginia’s legislature is also addressing the issue.
NOTE: The Recycling Center will be closed for West Virginia’s Birthday on Monday, June 20.
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.