Dear Recycle Lady, When I was at the Recycling Center putting #1 and #2 plastics in the proper bins, I saw several #3 – #7 plastics in the same bins. What happens to these #3 – #7 plastics that are put in with #1 – #2 plastics items? Are they recycled with the #1 and #2 plastics? — Plastic Recycler
Dear Plastic Recycler, Unfortunately, the Center is unable to recycle #3 – #7 plastics. If anyone brings #3 – #7 plastics to the Center, they will end up in the landfill because our buyer does not accept them. The big problem with putting the #3 – #7 plastics in the #1 and #2 plastics bins is that some of them are missed when sorted and end up being baled with the #1 and #2 plastics. They then become a contaminate for the entire bale, which may be sent to the landfill. Whoever put the #3 – #7 plastics in the #1 and #2 plastics bins is doing something called Wish-cycling. Wish-cycling is defined as putting something in a recycling bin, hoping that it will be recycled.
Dear Recycle Lady, I just read that disposable diapers are made with plastic. Can this be true? — New Mom
Dear New Mom, Yes, this is true. According to https://goodbabydiapers.com/what-are-disposable-diapers-made-of-common-stuff, the top layer of disposable diapers are made of specially modified plastic known as nonwoven fabric. You probably know this as polyester, which is basically a form of plastic.
The diaper top sheets are not made of polyester, but are usually made of another form of nonwoven fabric, a plastic known as polypropylene. A concern with polypropylene is that it may contain some toxic chemicals. Each year, an estimated 20 billion (20,000,000,000) disposable diapers are used, which results in 2.5 million tons (5,000,0000,000 pounds!) of waste ending up in landfills and taking hundreds of years to break down. As with many of today’s products, there are now plenty of eco-friendly, plant-based, disposable diapers on the market, many of which are made of bamboo. See https://www.treehugger.com/best-biodegradable-diapers-5097916 for more information.
Dear Recycle Lady, Several weeks ago you discussed plant-based cleaners and plant-based products. Today I heard there is also a plant-based diet. What kind of a diet is plant-based? — Likes to Eat
Dear Likes to Eat, Plant-based diets, according to https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/plant-based-diet-guide, are diets composed of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds with few or no animal products, such as meat, eggs and dairy. It is similar to a vegan diet, but doesn’t eliminate the use of animal products, such as leather shoes or wool coats.
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.
