Plastic Recycling Misconceptions

I came across these today, points that are so valid. So I wanted to post it .

Misconception #1: Any plastic container you put in your blue bin will be recycled. This is ABSOLUTELY not the case in Monroe County. For example, the only #1 and #2 plastics recycled are those that have a long neck, bottles that is. Any other shaped #1 or #2 and all #3, #4, #5, #6,and #7 plastics will be separated at the recycling center and diverted to the landfill

Misconception # 2: Plastics that go into a curbside bin get recycled. Not necessarily. Collecting plastic containers at curbside fosters the belief that, like aluminum and glass, the recovered material is converted into new containers. Many are made into new secondary products such as textiles, parking lot bumpers, or plastic lumber – all unrecyclable products.

Misconception # 3: Curbside collection will reduce the amount of plastic landfilled. Not necessarily. If collection makes plastic seem more environmentally friendly, people may feel comfortable buying more.

Misconception # 4: A chasing arrows symbol means a plastic container is recyclable. The arrows are meaningless. Every plastic container is marked with the chasing arrows symbol.

Misconception # 5: Our choice is limited to recycling or wasting. Reducing our purchases of plastic is preferable and isn’t difficult. Opportunities include using refillable containers, buying in bulk, buying things that don’t need much packaging, and buying things in recyclable and recycled packages.

This is excerpted from http://www.ecologycenter.org/ptf/misconceptions.html

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb (CFL) Safety!

One of the simplest ways to make your home more green and energy efficient is to replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They can last 10 times longer and use 70% less energy.

It is important, however, to be aware that these bulbs contain mercury vapor. While no mercury is released when they are in use, it is vital to know how to dispose of them properly and the steps to take if one breaks.


What to do with your burned-out CFLs

Since CFLs do contain mercury, it is important that you do not throw them in your garbage can! Place it in a sealed plastic bag and then…
If you live near an IKEA store, bring it there
Check earth911.org for local disposal options
Place the sealed plastic bag in the trash


How to respond when there is a broken CFL

EPA recommends the following clean-up and disposal guidelines (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#flourescent):

In brief, open a window and leave the area for 15 minutes. Them carefully pack themup in a jar. Dispose of the jar with a metal lid, put this in a plastic bag and dispose outside. Wash your hands.

Before Clean-up: Ventilate the Room
1. Have people and pets leave the room, and don't let anyone walk through the breakage area on their way out.
2. Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes or more. 3. Shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system, if you have one.

Clean-Up Steps for Hard Surfaces
4. Carefully scoop up glass fragments and powder using stiff paper or cardboard and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
6. Wipe the area clean with damp paper towels or disposable wet wipes and place them in the glass jar or plastic bag.
7. Do not use a vacuum or broom to clean up the broken bulb on hard surfaces.

Clean-up Steps for Carpeting or Rug
4. Carefully pick up glass fragments and place them in a glass jar with metal lid (such as a canning jar) or in a sealed plastic bag.
5. Use sticky tape, such as duct tape, to pick up any remaining small glass fragments and powder.
6. If vacuuming is needed after all visible materials are removed, vacuum the area where the bulb was broken.
7. Remove the vacuum bag (or empty and wipe the canister), and put the bag or vacuum debris in a sealed plastic bag.

Disposal of Clean-up Materials
8. Immediately place all cleanup materials outside the building in a trash container or outdoor protected area for the next normal trash.
9. Wash your hands after disposing of the jars or plastic bags containing clean-up materials.
10. Check with your local or state government about disposal requirements in your specific area. Some states prohibit such trash disposal and require that broken and unbroken mercury-containing bulbs be taken to a local recycling center.

Future Cleaning of Carpeting or Rug: Ventilate the Room During and After Vacuuming
11. The next several times you vacuum, shut off the central forced-air heating/air conditioning system and open a window prior to vacuuming.
12. Keep the central heating/air conditioning system shut off and the window open for at least 15 minutes after vacuuming is completed.