Recycling: Know the myths and realities of recycling in Centre County

I attended a workshop at Penn State earlier this month titled, “The Myths and Realities of Recycling” and it really opened my eyes. There are so many myths that make recycling confusing and questionable.

Read below as I dispel some of the recycling myths and reiterate the realities.

Myth: The plastic we recycle ends up in the trash.

Reality: This cannot be further from the truth. Our program is designed to collect acceptable plastic, from residents, businesses and drop-off locations. We sort, process and bale the plastic for market sale. Plastics accepted for recycling have end markets and are made into new products after they leave our facility. The CCRRA’s ultimate goal is to avoid sending material to the landfill. We have personally visited many of our plastic end markets and guarantee the plastic you put in the bin is actually recycled.

Myth: If an item has the recycling symbol on it, it can be recycled.

Reality: Not always. The recycling symbol and number inside of the symbol are there to indicate the type of plastic the item is made of. We accept plastic by type, not by the number on the item. For example, we accept all plastic bottles, jugs and jars regardless of the number printed on the item.

Myth: You need to remove labels on items before putting them in a recycling container.

Reality: You do not have to remove labels before recycling. Labels are destroyed during the recycling process and do not need to be removed from recyclables prior to being placed into a recycling container.

Myth: Lids and caps are not recyclable.

Reality: Lids and caps are indeed recyclable and can be placed in the recycling container along with the bottle, jug or jar they came on. Items should be rinsed before recycling and the lids can be placed back on your item. Ideally, we’d like the metal and plastic lids from glass bottles to be left loose in the bin.

Myth: You need to remove staples and stickers from mail or paper before recycling.

Reality: You do not need to remove staples or stickers from mail or paper before recycling. Plastic windows on envelopes can be left intact.

Myth: It is OK to put electronics in the trash.

Reality: No, electronics should be recycled. In 2010, Pennsylvania Act 108 (the Covered Device Recycling Act) made it illegal to dispose of certain electronic devices including but not limited to computers, monitors and televisions. The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority has a permanent electronics drop-off location where residents may drop off their old electronics free of charge. Electronics must be brought in during operating hours (Monday – Saturday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.). Follow the signs to the Scales for directions.

I am always available to answer your recycling questions, so please email me at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org with any questions you may have.