Responsible Recycling
By Anne Mitchell Sentinel Guest Writer

Make sure your recyclable goes into the correct bin. We can all work together to become a Responsible Recycler.

Hey, what's this? I already recycle. What else is there? Well, there's a good way, and there's a better way. As we work to make our recycling more effective and reduce the amount of recyclable material going into the transfer station, here are a few hints to help.

Plastics; Bins are located in the recycling shed for #1 and #2 recyclable containers. #1 containers are clear, meaning you can see through them, and include water bottles, soft drink containers (even green ones!), catsup and mustard bottles, clear plastic lettuce and egg containers. The number is located on the BOTTOM of the container. Take a peek!

#2 containers are generally opaque, meaning you cannot see through them. They include bleach bottles, laundry detergent and milk bottles and some medicine bottles. Again, the number is located on the bottom of the bottle or container.

All others should be left in your household garbage. (For a period of time, there will be containers available in the shed to put the unmarked, #5 and #6 containers until we've had a chance to sort them out in our minds and get in the habit of checking out the numbers). #5 and #6 containers include cottage cheese and sour cream containers, butter tubs and the like. They are not recyclable.

Containers that have held chemicals, like pesticides or motor oil are NOT recyclable and should be left in your household garbage.

Give your recyclables a quick rinse. It helps keep down odor and insects and reduces health hazards for folks who handle them. Toss the lids of the recyclable containers in the bin provided. For whatever wierd reason, they are not recyclable.

Soon, we will have samples of all these containers prominately displayed over the collection bins. Thank you for being a Responsible Recycler.

Next week: Papers, cardboard and hazardous liquids.