The Shadow
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have purchased a new computer, so what do I do with my old one? Is it recyclable?
Recycler
Dear Recycler,
Your old computer is completely recyclable. This includes the storage devices, keyboard, mouse, printers and the monitor, if it is a flat screen monitor. However, there are several steps you should take to preserve your data and protect your privacy before you recycle your old computer. Be sure to back up your personal files to another location, deactivate and remove any licensed software you may have and be sure to wipe the hard drive clean, thus removing all your personal data.
Computers are made up of many raw materials that can be reused in making new products. Metals removed from old computers can help cut the costs of new computers, these include copper, steel, aluminum and rare earth metals. In addition to the Recycling Center, several stores in the area accept old computers for recycling, including Best Buy and Staples. Goodwill partners with Dell to accept all computers, just drop them off at any Goodwill location. Using recycled components enables companies to offer refurbished devices at lower prices and helps to conserve the environment. Computers and other electronics that are not recycled but are sent to the landfill are considered toxic waste, and all the reusable parts are lost.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have a large metal flashlight that no longer works. Can it be recycled with metal cans?
In The Dark
Dear In The Dark,
Your metal flashlight can be recycled, but not with metal cans. It recycles with scrap metal. Be sure to take the batteries out before recycling it.
Have you considered dedicating a container for the collection of small metal items such as your flashlight? Other items that could be added to this container are metal lids that come on jars, canning lids and old doorknobs. When you have accumulated several items and are headed to the Recycling Center, take these items with you. Ring the bell on the aluminum can door, and one of the employees will come to help you. Metal coat hangers can be taken to the Greenbrier Valley Cleaners in Fairlea on Route 219 across from Greenbrier Motors.
Dear Recycle Lady,
The packaging for a chocolate rabbit I purchased for my grandson for Easter has an inset of plastic on the front of the box that makes the chocolate rabbit inside the box visible. Must this plastic window be removed before putting the box in with cardboard?
Chocolate Lover
Dear Chocolate Lover,
Good catch. Unlike the plastic film windows in envelopes, the plastic windows in cardboard boxes must be removed before recycling with cardboard. Envelopes go through a glue-removing process that dissolves any plastic windows, so they do not need to be removed. However, cardboard does not go through this process, thus, the plastic windows on cardboard boxes must be removed before recycling the box. Sadly, the colored aluminum foil that wraps the Easter eggs and rabbits is no longer recyclable.
Good/Bad News: The bald eagle, a symbol of American strength and freedom, has made a remarkable recovery. However, these majestic birds now face a serious threat from lead poisoning. Fishing weights and hunting bullets contaminate the environment, and eagles consume the lead as they eat animal and fish carcasses. This exposes eagles to toxic lead poisoning, which jeopardizes their health and survival.
Conservation campaigns are urging hunters and anglers to switch to non-toxic alternatives like tungsten, bismuth, or steel. Individuals can also help by properly disposing of fishing gear and reporting any sick or dead eagles to the authorities. (fto.com)
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.
