Recycling: Your questions, answered

Below are some FAQs I’ve gathered over the past month.

Q: Where can I recycle compact fluorescent light bulbs?

A: The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority has a free CFL recycling program in place. Just drop the bulbs off at our office, 253 Transfer Road. We will only accept unbroken, compact bulbs (the ones that look like ice cream cones). State College borough also accepts CFLs from their residents at both the borough office, 243 S. Allen St., and service facility, 330 S. Osmond St.

Q: How do I properly dispose of fluorescent tubes?

A: Large fluorescent lighting tubes generated in the household may be disposed of with regular trash. For the safety of the hauler, please make sure the tube is placed in plain sight so the hauler may safely handle it. Fluorescent tubes are also accepted for recycling at our annual household hazardous waste collection event that will be held on April 29-30. Look for additional information in the spring.

Q: Where can I recycle my batteries — AAA through D cell?

A: Alkaline batteries can be safely disposed of with household trash. Battery Outlet, located at 1230 E. College Ave. in State College, will accept alkaline batteries for recycling. Please drop batteries off during normal business hours, which are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Never dispose of batteries in a fire because they could explode.

Q: Where can I recycle my rechargeable and lead acid batteries?

A: Nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb) batteries can be recycled. Drop-off locations include Staples, Best Buy and Lowe’s, as well as other locations around the county. You may also bring your old rechargeable batteries to the CCRRA office for recycling. Lead acid (automotive, motorcycle, etc.) batteries should be taken to any store that sells lead acid batteries.

Q: How do I properly dispose of prescription medication?

A: The Bellefonte Police Department collects unused, unwanted or expired medication in order to keep these items out of the hands of children and other individuals who should not have access to these medications. There is no need to remove the labels or take the items out of the packaging, as the entire item will be destroyed by incineration. Drop-off hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Bellefonte Police Department, 236 W. Lamb St.

If you would like to dispose of the medication yourself, follow these guidelines:

▪ Take medications out of original containers and throw them in the trash mixed with an undesirable substance, such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter to further ensure the drugs are not reused.

▪ Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet.

▪ Recycle the container, after blocking out name and prescription number.

If you have a recycling question, send me an email at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org. I will answer you, and maybe your question will be featured in a future column.

Thanks for recycling!

This story was originally published February 20, 2016 at 11:46 PM with the headline "Recycling: Your questions, answered."