What kinds of paper can be put in the compost? Composter
Dear Composter,
Shredded paper and newspapers are both excellent additions to your compost. Before you add newspapers to the compost, tear them into strips and crunch them up a bit. This will help to aerate the compost pile and to break down the newspapers. They should not be put in the compost in layers, as they will become too dense and difficult for bacteria or worms to break down the paper. Cardboard, paper-based egg cartons, and greasy pizza boxes torn into pieces, can also be added. They will take longer to compost, but they will add carbon to the compost. Napkins and paper towels with dirt, water, or plant-based food are considered a carbon rich material and are also perfectly acceptable in your compost bin. Do not add paper towels that have been used for cleaning as there may be cleaning product chemicals on them that are harmful to your compost’s bacteria.
Dear Recycle Lady,
I have a #1 dark green hand soap bottle with a black plastic pump. Is this bottle recyclable? Recycler
Dear Recycler,
If your #1 dark green bottle is not a dark, almost solid color, it is recyclable with #1 plastic bottles and jugs. Check to see if you can see light through the bottle. If you can see light, it is recyclable. The black pump, however, goes to the trash. The more bottles and jugs that are recycled, the fewer there are that end up in landfills. A large variety of products are made from recycled bottles and jugs. For example, new bottles, carpeting, tennis balls, insulation for jackets, t-shirts, and paint brushes are some of the items made from recycled bottles and jugs.
Dear Recycle Lady.
Is the Greenbrier Valley Solid Waste Company part of the Greenbrier County Solid Waste Authority? Their names are so similar. I always thought they were the same until a friend said they were not. Confused
Dear Confused,
Your friend is correct, although the two businesses are often confused. Greenbrier VALLEY Solid Waste, Inc., located in Williamsburg, WV, is a privately-owned corporation that hauls trash for Greenbrier County. Greenbrier COUNTY Solid Waste Authority, located in Ronceverte, WV, is an agency of the state of WV, governed by a Board of Directors. The Board meets every third Tuesday at the Recycling Center in Ronceverte and welcomes guests.
Good News: After being pushed to the brink of extinction, puffin populations are increasing off the coast of Maine. The National Audubon Society’s Project Puffin has been working hard to restore puffin populations and their efforts are paying off. (FTO.com) Hurrah for the Puffins! For some interesting, and entertaining, information on these comical little birds, go to the Audubon website projectpuffin.audubon.org. There are links to three puffin live cams and the “Puffin Burrow cam” is currently running a recap of the year’s nesting highlights.
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.
