Dear Recycle Lady

Dear Recycle Lady,

I know that #1 black plastic food trays are not recyclable, but what about #1 black plastics bottles? Are they recyclable?

Hopeful

Dear Hopeful,

Neither black plastic food trays, nor black plastic bottles, are recyclable. The color black absorbs all light, so a black plastic bottle, or tray, has no information for the optical scanner to read and send to the sorting machine.  Without this information, items may not be properly sorted and then become a contaminate for other recyclables. When recyclable plastics are purchased from a recycling center, they may need to be dyed, have color, or other additives, added, to prepare them for reuse. Black plastics can only be used to make more black plastics, thus have a very low market demand.  

Dear Recycle Lady,

What do I do with all the batteries that have come out of the kids’ toys? Can they be recycled?

Drowning in Batteries

Dear Drowning in Batteries,

There are three types of batteries: alkaline (the most commonly used batteries), lithium-ion (laptops and cell phone batteries), and rechargeable batteries. There are also the big lead batteries used in most cars and lawnmowers. The batteries in your kids’ toys are probably either alkaline or rechargeable and they can be put in the trash. Both kinds of batteries are considered to be non-toxic as they no longer contain mercury. Also, the landfill now has a protective liner that makes it a safe place to dispose of batteries. The Recycle Center accepts cordless electronics batteries, laptop and cell phone batteries or any batteries that comes off an appliance, but they do not pay for them.  Car and lawnmower batteries are accepted at the Recycling Center, and they will pay you for them. Go to the aluminum can door and ring the bell. Someone will come to help you. 

Dear Recycle Lady,

I am doing some early spring cleaning and have several books that I no longer want. What should I do with them?  

Avid Reader

Dear Avid Reader,

There are several ways to give your books a new life. Used books can be donated to community libraries for their book sales, to charities, such as Goodwill, senior centers or hospice. Operation Paperback www.operationpaperback.org, accepts gently used books to be sent to our military men and women in the 30 overseas locations. Other options are the “Little Free Library” units in the area where you can donate or exchange your books.  The website, www.littlefreelibrary.org, has information about these units, as well as information for putting up one in your own neighborhood. If you can’t find a home for your old paperback books, they can be recycled with magazines at the Recycling Center. Hardback books are also accepted at the Recycling Center, if the front and back covers are removed.

Good News: Honolulu, Hawaii, has banned single-use plastics in restaurants! Plastic bags, Styrofoam takeout containers, and plastic service ware can no longer be given out at restaurants – an awesome step forward in reducing plastic waste. (fto.com)

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.