NEW – Single-Sort Recycling
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Single-Sort recycling? Does this mean that I don't have
to separate ANYTHING? Single-Sort allows all of your recyclables to be mixed
together in your recycling cart. It means that you only have to make one sort –
separating all the recyclables from your trash. You no longer have to sort
papers and containers separately. However, it does NOT mean that garbage and
recyclables may be mixed together.
When will Single-Sort recycling take effect? Now! You can
immediately take advantage of the convenience of Single-Sort recycling in your
home. Since there is no longer a need for keeping papers separate from the
plastic, metal and glass, new recycling carts will not contain dividers. Over
time, crews will remove the existing dividers from carts and recycle them.
Do I have to do anything differently in order to participate?
No, you will automatically become a part of the new program. Simply review what
new materials you can add to the list of things that you place in your cart!
This sounds like a major change. Will you need different
equipment to collect recyclables? While different equipment processes the
recyclables now, no new collection equipment is needed for this change. We will
still be able to use the same carts and trucks that we have now to collect
recyclables.
Do I need to prepare my recyclables differently since they are
all going in the same container? Just as before, empty and rinse food and
beverage containers and flatten boxes. Shredded paper may now be placed in
either clear plastic bags (tied off) or in paper bags and stapled shut.
Won't my papers get wet? Doesn't that make them non-recyclable?
Only place dry cardboard and paper in your cart. A small amount of moisture from
containers that have been rinsed out won't affect the recyclability of your
papers.
Will I have a different collection schedule under the new
program? No. Pickup schedules will continue to switch from guaranteed
collection dates from April through November to non-guaranteed dates during
winter months.
It says that I can recycle bulky plastics like buckets and
laundry baskets – how do I recycle these items? Bulky #2 plastics may be set
next to your cart for collection by recycling crews if they do not fit in your
cart.
Are pill bottles accepted? Yes, they are made from #5
plastic and may be recycled as a part of the new program. Peel off the label to
protect your privacy.
NEW ACCEPTED MATERIALS –
Cartons
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is a carton? Cartons are a type of packaging
for food and beverage products. They are easy to recognize and are available in
two types: shelf-stable and refrigerated. Cartons are mainly made from paper in
the form of paperboard, as well as thin layers of polyethylene (plastic) and/or
aluminum.
Is there a waxy coating on cartons? Isn't that why they are
difficult to recycle? What you may see as wax on a carton is actually a thin
layer of polyethylene (plastic). Cartons are not difficult to recycle as long as
the right systems are in place to do so.
What happens to cartons after they are collected? They are
taken to a recycling facility to be sorted and baled. The bales are then shipped
to paper mills, where cartons are mixed with water in a gigantic blender to
extract all the paper fiber from the plastic and aluminum. The paper fiber is
then ready to be used in making new recycled paper products.
What happens to the aluminum and plastic left over after the
carton recycling process in a paper mill? Some mills are using the material
for generating energy; others sell it to plastic manufacturers that use them for
lumber board-like materials. Still in some cases the material ends up in a
landfill. The Carton Council is working with paper mills to find a better
solution for leftover aluminum and plastic.
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