Dear Recycle Lady,
Are the small containers (3.5 inches) of flavoring for bottles of water recyclable? They are grey plastic, and the top is smaller than the bottom.
Likes Flavored Water
Dear Likes Flavored Water,
Thanks for asking and not just putting it in the recycle bin hoping that it will recycle. Although your container meets the definition of a bottle and is more than 3” tall, it is not recyclable. Look on the back label in a very small recycle triangle and you will see the number 7. Thus, it is not recyclable locally.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have recently purchased a new microwave oven. Can my old microwave oven be recycled?
Recycler
Dear Recycler,
All devices, including microwave ovens, that plug in and require the use of electricity can, and should be, recycled. Electronics are classified as electronic waste and can harm the environment if placed in the trash. You will need to take your microwave to the Recycle Center as curbside pickup won’t take it. For assistance, go to the Aluminum Door entrance and push the button. If your microwave stills works, consider donating it. There are several opportunities to do so in this area. The Caldwell Thrift Store in Caldwell and Greenbrier Better Living in Ronceverte both accept donations and make them available at very low prices. Restore in Lewisburg accepts donations for resale to benefit Habitat for Humanity, and Goodwill in Fairlea accepts donations for resale.
Dear Recycle Lady,
How do you recycle small pieces of aluminum foil, such as the tops of yogurt containers? Are they too small to be recycled? Passed Magnet Test
Dear Passed Magnet Test,
Thanks for doing the magnet test for verification. If the piece of foil is small, wrap it inside a larger piece of foil so that it doesn’t fall out during the baling process. Have you seen the large magnet that is located on the steel cans bin at the Recycling Center? Recyclers can test cans, pans, and foils. The steel will attach to the magnet, the aluminum will not. If there is any doubt as to whether or not an item is made of steel or aluminum, test it and be certain.
Dear Readers,
There’s an amazing video called Landfill harmonic, which tells the story of The Recycled Orchestra that is unbelievable! Go to https://vimeo.com/52711779. It’s the story of how kids in Paraguay living in a slum created The Recycled Orchestra by making all their instruments using trash from the landfill. The free trailer clearly shows that “The film is a testimony to the transformative power of music and the resilience of the human spirit.”
Good News: More and more people understand the importance of sustainable living and reducing one’s carbon footprint by living more mindfully. In the last 5 years, the demand for sustainable products has risen by 71%! Definitely good news! (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.
