Dear Recycle Lady

Dear Recycle Lady,

I am in the process of gathering information for filing taxes and have collected a large pile of paper that must be shredded before disposal. Is the Recycling Center a safe place to take confidential papers for shredding? 

Hates Tax Prep

Dear Hates Tax Prep,  

Yes, the Recycling Center is absolutely a safe place to take confidential papers for shredding. They have a totally enclosed room with a locked door in which to store material until it is shredded. Then, when it is shredded, it is mixed with other papers that have been shredded so there is no chance of them being put back together.

Dear Recycle Lady,

Last week you said that black plastics were not recyclable. Are there any other plastics that are not recyclable?

Big Recycler

Dear Big Recycler,

Generally, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 plastics are not recyclable due to the lack of a market for them. Some larger cities have the capacity to recycle these plastics, but the Recycling Center is unable to do so. Fortunately, there are folks that are still working to finds ways to recycle #3 – 7 plastics. For the sake of the environment, let’s hope they are successful in their endeavors. 

Dear Recycle Lady,

What exactly do the numbers on the bottom of a plastic container mean? Why do they put the recycle symbol on the bottom of a plastic container if it is not recyclable?

Just Curious

Dear Just Curious,

The recycle symbol, which is a triangle formed by three chasing arrows with a number inside, has become the symbol of recycling. However, this was not the original use of the symbol. When created, the intent of the symbol was to indicate the type of chemicals used to make the plastic. This is why products that carry the recycle symbol may not actually be recyclable. Perhaps we need a new symbol that would indicate a non-recyclable plastic.

Dear Recycle Lady,

Since large batteries, such as car, boat and lawn mower batteries, are banned from the landfill, how can large lead batteries be disposed of safely?

Need Information

Dear Need Information,

Large batteries can be taken to Recycling Center, Belchers’ in Caldwell, or Clendenen’s in Caldwell. They will all dispose of these batteries properly.

Dear Readers,

Did you know there are now chlorine-free ice melting products that are safe for your dog’s paws? There are now several brands that are not only safe for your dog, but also better for the environment than salt-based products. Lowe’s, Chewy, and PetCo all have these chlorine-free ice-melting products.

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.