Volume 2 Number 1 - April 2006 Colrain, Massachusetts
IMPORTANT RECYCLING INFO
As an environmentalist I am concerned that many Colrain residents are often confused by the guidelines for recycling. It is not surprising to me that residents accidentally throw things into the recycling containers that do not belong there, due to confusion or forgetfulness. This is a serious matter because since our trash is INCINERATED we are personally responsible for poisoning our atmosphere whenever we throw recyclable plastics and other toxic materials into the trash. This spring new signs at the recycling bins and new information sheets will be sent to residents. In the meantime here are some helpful recycling hints:
METAL CANS that contained food or beverage, foil, pie pans whether steel or aluminum are all recyclable. Labels do not have to be removed, but you need to empty and rinse the cans. (If you are busy it is easiest to rinse out or fill cans with water to soak immediately - before the food residues dry onto the surfaces!).
GLASS food and beverage containers are also simple to rinse and recycle, even if they are broken. BUT aerosol spray cans, dishware, windows, mirrors, and such other glass items are not recyclable.
PAPER PRODUCTS, flattened cardboard, newspapers, magazines, and junk mail are usually recyclable with these exceptions: Paper and cardboard with food residues or other contamination or with coatings such as plastic and wax (e.g. soda and beer carton, cups, pizza boxes, egg cartons, frozen juice and food containers, take out containers, padded or tyvek envelopes, used paper towels and tissues, butter and margarine boxes, sticker sheeting, hard covers of books, blue prints, and plastic clips are NOT recyclable.) Staples and windows in envelopes are OK.
PLASTICS are the most confusing: Plastic food and beverage containers and personal care and dish and laundry product containers less than 2 gallons in size are usually recyclable, especially if they are labeled 1 or 2. Some exceptions are: very small containers and lids, Styrofoam or brittle plastic peanuts, food trays, insulation, and cups and plates; plastic bags (and wrap of any color or clear and sheeting), cellophane food bags, light plastic trays, liners, tarps, microwave food containers, large items and containers that held motor oil or anything even slightly toxic are NOT recyclable.
MILK, JUICE, AND SOY or rice milk containers and aseptic juice containers (if they are not foil wrapped pouches) should be opened at the seam, rinsed and flattened and put with the containers for recycling. Caps or straws are not recyclable.
SCRAP METAL items (except wire) no matter how large are recyclable in a special bin.
APPLIANCES ( refrigerators, etc), water heaters, furniture, tires, and batteries (of all kinds) should be put in special bulk bins or other designated areas and may have a small charge attached, so if you can have them taken by the store that brings your new appliance or item, take advantage of this offer. Many large and useful items, such as clothes, antiques and books can be donated to the Salvation Army or sold at Rainville’s or rummage sales to benefit our local community. If you notice that many items that you have been using are not recyclable, try using something that is. (For example there are new biodegradable “plastic ware”, dishes, cups, and packing materials now made out of corn or paper so you can stop using Styrofoam and plastic which is very toxic both to produce and to incinerate.) Reusing your own shopping bags, finding a second use for plastic bags or containers and avoiding throw away items, can help us keep our environment clean.
COMPOSTING: All your vegetable wastes, coffee grounds, leaves, and lawn and garden clippings can save you the time and effort of hauling these things to the town compost pile.
HAZARDOUS WASTES: Since the trash portion of our garbage is incinerated it is extremely important NOT to throw toxic materials into the trash. Carefully and sparingly use chemicals for pools, cars, cleaning, remodeling and hobbies. There is almost never a real need to use herbicides, pesticides, and chemicals to have healthy gardens, lawns, and homes. Since the containers that store these materials can’t be recycled, they should go to the hazardous waste pick-up site rather than into the trash. You can save yourself time and money by buying non-toxic (or the least toxic) materials you can find. This will improve your health and safety and keep our air and water cleaner too! If you do have questions and concerns-particularly about hazardous wastes or composting, you can call Franklin County Solid Waste Management at 413-772-2438. The people who are in charge of our recycling program are very helpful and hard working
Submitted by Emma Stamas
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