What is recycable and what isn't?

Question

Is paper with ink writing on it recycable? are plastic toddler toys recycable?? are chip bags recycable??

i want to try to recycle as much as i could but i dont kno wat is recycable and wat isn't....

i kno the ovbious things that are recycable like bottles and paper bags..and stuff like that...

but do they have to be cleean to be recycled??? like i have papers from my freshmen year with pencil and ink all over them are those recycable?

and i remember a teacher telling me that chip bags (like a dorito aluminum bag) isnt recycable because there is plastic mixed with it can someone help me out please...

and please dont give me sarcastic answers

Answer 1

Excellent question, I get just as confused about it as you.

"Recycleable" really means a company can make something new of an object at a reasonable price. That it has good, pure feedstock. That starts at your house by sorting materials into paper plastics etc.

But what is recycleable in YOUR area depends on what materials can be used for feed stock. The cheapest is paper, metal and plastic. Mixed materials, whether unsorted or part of an assembly, can't be recycled economically and become garbage.

I'll give you a perfect example: coffee cups.

They are thrown out as garbage with no hope of recycling because it costs too much to separate the plastic lid from the paper cup. If both the cup and the lid were paper, it could be recycled.

Another example, newsprint:

One yellow post-it in with tons of newsprint will make it all nearly worthless. The printing on it makes no difference, it's the gum on the post-it.

Shame isn't it? So much waste just because we don't take a cradle to grave approach to the things we buy. Or that companies manufacture.

Excellent question, Nick.

Answer 2

All paper is recycable, no matter what is on it. Plastic things should have a recyling sign on the bottom of them [a triangle made of arrows with a number in the middle] If thats there it can be recycled. Unafortunatly, I don't believe chip bags are recycable which is a shame. All juice boxes are recycable. Coffee cups however, sadly are not. Styrofoam isn't recyclable or biodigratable. Everything should be cleaned before you recycle but I don't think it HAS to be. I hope I helped, and good luck going green =) The world need more people like you!

Answer 3

Paper is recyclable with all sorts of pencil and pen all over it. Most paper products are recyclable. The majority of plastics are recyclable, but with toys, it's really going to depend. The best way to recycle those would be to donate them somewhere to some children or to Salvation Army, Goodwill, or a similar place where they can continue to be enjoyed by kids. A lot of it is going to depend on where you are and what is allowable by your waste disposal company. Are you putting your recyclables in a curbside pick-up from your residence? You may need to contact them to get all of the specifics. Mine doesn't accept glass and instead I have to collect them and take them elsewhere, although glass is very recyclable and many places do collect it.

Answer 4

Your paper is recyclable, even with pencil and ink on it (likewise glue on envelopes).

As for the rest, the question often isn't, what is recyclable, but what will your municipality (or other recycling entity) accept for recycling? For instance, some places will accept cereal boxes for recycling, and some won't. The fact that the cereal box is recyclable (and it is!) doesn't mean anything if you live someplace where they won't take it for recycling.

If your city or town has a website, chances are they have a recycling page that lists everything they accept for recycling. If not, call 'em up and ask!

As for toddler toys, they're reusable, unless they're torn up. If you live in a fairly big town or city, there are surely some charities that will accept them as donations. In my city (Dallas), there is a charity that places big bins near grocery stores. The bins are receptacles for used items, like toys, gently worn clothes, etc. If the toys have been busted up, well...that's another question for your local recycling entity.

Hope that helps!

Answer 5

paper is all ways recyclable except when it's mixed with another substance like plastic example would be... the glossy photo paper. soda cans do have to be cleaned most of the time because of the type of aluminum these days, or so I'm told that's why. cereal boxes can be recycled. most recyclable objects say it on the product that it can be recycled.

Answer 6

With all of the identify theft going on today I shred everything that has a name/address/identify numbers on it. I then use the shredded paper as mulch in my gardens. I put regular mulch on top of it. When it's time to "turn" the garden everything gets turned under and adds "bulk" to the garden for next year's plants. It isn't artsy but it a practical use for recyclable paper.

Answer 7

ok well from what I know from you list only because obviously well you seem to know your stuff:

Can: Paper with or without ink is permittable, I think toddler toys if they don't have any other stuff besides rubber and a little paint

Cant: I dont think you can recycle chip bags but while you go dump the stuff from my list above you might want to check with an expert!

Good For You!!!

Answer 8

Everything is reusable, recycable or reducable.


http://www.reducereuserecycle.co.uk/

is usefull for UK residents.



You can recycle:
Books
Bras
Computers
Glasses (Spectacles)
Milk Bottle Tops
Mobile Phones
Paint
Plastics
Printer & Toner Cartridges

and more....lots more...just have to find the facilities to do it.

Answer 9

earth911.org will tell you what types of things you can recycle in your area. Now that you are trying to recycle, you might go one step further and start buying things that don' t produce carbon in the first place. My friend Maria has lots of free tips on how to save the planet, including how to stop your junk mail, save water, and compost without stinking up your house. Thanks for doing your part! Maria's site is listed below.

Answer 10

It's best to call your local recycler and ask them what is acceptable.

If you buy a paper shredder, you can use the shredded paper for plant multch. if you have a fireplace, paper is great for starting fires.