The Shadow
Dear Recycle Lady,
I want to recycle a large number of manila file folders. Which bin do I put them in? Cardboard or office paper? Thanks.
Organizer
Dear Organizer,
Manila file folders are recycled with cardboard. Be sure to remove any metal fasteners or plastic labels. Most Manila folders are made from an uncoated paper, which is biodegradable and recyclable. They do not contain any plastic and usually don’t have any glossy coating, which would make them non-recyclable. Be sure they are clean and dry and don’t contain any contaminants such as grease, food, liquids or an excessive amount of dirt and grime. These folders will be processed and turned into a slurry mixture that will be spread out to dry, then rolled into new sheets of paper, thus reducing the use of virgin materials and supporting a more sustainable cycle. There are several eco-friendly alternatives to the traditional Manila folders. Some are made from bamboo, and others are made entirely from post-consumer waste. Regardless of your choice, you will be supporting brands committed to sustainability.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Are there any plastics that are compostable?
Composter
Dear Composter,
The only plastic that might be compostable is #7 plastic, but it is not suitable for home composting. Number seven plastics require a modern, high-rate composting facility for composting, and there are very few of these facilities. As you know, the number in the recycle triangle symbol tells the type of chemicals that make up a particular plastic, and #7 plastics are made up of all the chemicals that don’t fit in one of the other six categories. This makes composting difficult and impossible for home composting.
Dear Recycle Lady,
Do #1 and #2 plastics need to be put in separate bags for curbside pick-up?
Separator
Dear Separator.
No, #1 and #2 plastics do not need to be put in separate bags for curbside pick-up. They can be put in the same bag. If you decide to take them to the Recycling Center, #1 plastics go in the bin labeled #1 plastics, #2 plastics that are clear (can be easily seen through and are not colored) go in the bin labeled #2 clear plastics, and #2 colored plastics go in the bin labeled #2 colored plastics. Greenbrier Recycling Center only recycles #1 and #2 plastic bottles and jugs, and they must be more than three inches high. Bottles smaller than this create problems with baling as they fall out or get stuck in the machinery. To be a bottle or a jug, the top must be smaller than the bottom. The tops of some bottles appear to be the same size as the bottom, but when the top/lid is removed, it can be seen that the top is smaller than the bottom.
Bad News: Ice in the Antarctic is melting, and this threatens the lives of Antarctic fur seals and Weddell seals. These seals need ice for nesting, breeding, and finding food. Researchers have found that the seal population has greatly decreased since 1977. (This Week Junior)
Interesting News: The whale shark has more than 3,000 tiny teeth, but it doesn’t use them to chew. It just filters plankton!
Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com.
