What a great turnout for our 4th of July carnival!  I was impressed by the number of children who knew what items can and cannot be recycled.  I was also thrilled at the number of children who told me that they regularly go with their parents to the recycling center to recycle other materials that cannot go in curbside recycling bins.

Here are some of the great questions that our neighbors asked at the carnival:

1. Why can we not recycle food boxes?

Answer - Food boxes contain low grade fiber as well as a high concentration of glue.  A large quantity of these materials compromise the integrity of the paper mix and the glue can clog the recycling machinery.

2. Why do the drivers pick up non-recyclable items?

Answer - They should not take these items as they can compromise the quality and value of the load.  The recycling truck drivers should leave unacceptable material in the bin.  Once unacceptable materials are collected, it forces the vendor to sort them and throw them away.  So, it costs the City more money.

3. Are batteries recyclable?

Answer - YES.  You must take them to The Westpark Consumer Recycling Center at 5900 Westpark.  The Center also recycles glass bottles and jars (the drive-through service sure makes recycling easy!).
Thanks again to everyone who is making a difference with their recycling efforts, and remember to contact me with any questions or if you need a recycling bin (snoopskaya@sbcglobal.net).