Recycle Lady: Paper Shredding, Ink, Sponges and More

Dear Recycle Lady,

I read that sponges contain microplastics that are hazardous to humans. What about cellulose sponges? Are they safe to use, and are they recyclable? Uses Cellulose Sponges

Dear Uses Cellulose Sponges,

Congratulations on your choice to use cellulose sponges instead of plastic sponges. Since cellulose sponges are made of coniferous wood and cotton fibers, they are safe to use. Also, cellulose sponges are more durable than other kinds of sponges. Although they are not recyclable, cellulose sponges are 100% biodegradable and sustainable.

One word of caution: sponges should not be used to wipe up raw egg, raw meat or other substances that might contain bacteria. Cellulose sponges can be cleaned with an antibacterial soap or by putting them in the microwave or dishwasher.

Dear Recycle Lady,

What is single stream recycling? Is it used at the Recycling Center in Ronceverte? Puzzled Recycler

Dear Puzzled Recycler,

Single stream recycling, also called comingled recycling, was introduced in the mid-1990s as a way to put all recyclables in a single bag, with no sorting required. In other words, all paper, metals, plastics, aluminum, cardboard, junk mail and any other recyclables were all put in the same bag and taken to a recycling center.

Large cities have dedicated equipment that sorts all these recyclables and places them in the proper bins. However, our Recycling Center doesn’t have this equipment. Thus, any bags of mixed recyclables that are left at the Center must be sent to the landfill as the Center just doesn’t have enough employees to sort mixed recyclables.

Dear Recycle Lady,

My printer uses long cartridges that must be changed when one runs out of ink. Is it possible to recycle these cartridges? Printer

Dear Printer,

Recycling printer cartridges is not only possible, it is important, as ink and toner cartridges are made of materials that can be harmful to the health of humans and to the environment.

When bringing ink cartridges to the Recycling Center, put them in the yellow container that is on the porch that has the aluminum cans sign. Several retailers recycle toner cartridges, and others will pay you for them. Staples, Office Depot, Walmart and Best Buy all participate in a free drop-off program. HP has a recycling team that can be reached through the HP recycling page or 1-800-340-2445, Monday-Friday, to request free boxes or envelopes for returning the cartridges to HP.

Dear Recycle Lady,

I have four or more boxes of old tax and bank type papers that need to be shredded. Do you still do this? Need Safe Disposal

Dear Need Safe Disposal,

Yes, the Recycling Center provides this service free of charge to everyone. When you take your papers to the Recycling Center, go to the aluminum cans door and push the button. Someone will come to help you. Your boxes will be immediately taken to a locked room with no windows to wait until they begin shredding paper. Your shredded documents will then be mixed with other shredded paper, so it would be impossible for anyone to reassemble them.

Have questions about recycling or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com. Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.