Dear Recycle Lady

Dear Recycle Lady,

When we unwrapped our Christmas presents on Christmas morning, I saved all the paper for recycling. Plus, I purchased recyclable wrapping paper this year. Today a friend told me wrapping paper can’t be recycled. Surely, she isn’t correct.

Ardent Recycler

Dear Ardent Recycler,

Unfortunately, your friend is correct. The Recycling Center doesn’t have the equipment to distinguish between recyclable wrapping paper and non-recyclable wrapping paper. Thanks for being an ardent recycler. Purchasing recyclable paper was an excellent choice.

Dear Recycle Lady,

What about Christmas cards? Can they be recycled? 

I  Love Christmas Cards

Dear I Love Christmas Cards,

Yes, Christmas cards can be recycled, but some decisions must be made first. Any glitter, ribbons, foil, or felt must be removed as these items will not recycle. Glossy cards go in the magazine/slicks bin and plain paper cards go in the office paper bin. There are also some options to recycling that you might consider. Two websites, https://earthfriendlytips.com/epic-ideas-to-recycle-christmas-cardsand https://www.shelterness.com/ideas-to-recycle-christmas-cardshave some wonderful ideas for repurposing/recycling Christmas cards. St. Jude’s Ranch for Children accepts the fronts of Christmas cards, and other occasion cards, to be used as craft projects for the children. Due to copyright laws, St. Jude’s cannot accept Hallmark, American Greetings or Disney cards. All other cards are acceptable. 

When choosing cards for next year, consider using seeded Christmas cards that have wildflower seeds embedded in 100% recycled paper. The cards can be soaked in water, torn up and planted in a thin layer of soil. A great start for summer wildflowers! These seeded cards are eco-friendly, zero waste Christmas cards and can be purchased at www.FTO.com.Other eco-friendly cards made from recycled paper are available.

Dear Readers,

Please remember to remove all Styrofoam, peanuts, bubble wrap and plastic wrappings before you recycle the boxes as they are contaminants and will not recycle. Thanks for helping out with this. The Recycling Center greatly appreciates the many recyclers who clean, sort, and bag for pick up or deposit items in the correct bins.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year.

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.