Recycling: Pill bottles, pizza boxes and more frequently asked recycling questions
We are always finding ways to answer questions that we receive at the office and relay the answers to residents who may be wondering the same thing. I have collected some of the questions received over the past few weeks and answered them below.
Q: Can I recycle empty, plastic pill/medication bottles?
A: We get this question a lot and the answer is yes. Pill bottles can be placed in curbside recycling bins or brought to any of our recycling drop-off locations. In general, we accept all plastics for recycling if they are in the shape of a bottle, jug or jar.
Q: Can I recycle empty aerosol cans?
A: Yes, you may recycle empty aerosol cans. These may be placed in curbside recycling bins or brought to any of our recycling drop-off locations.
Q: Is composting the same as recycling?
A: While composting and recycling both involve turning an old product into something new, the process is a bit different. Recycling involves breaking down materials to create new products, while composting involves breaking down organic matter to create a soil amendment. There are benefits to both composting and recycling. The benefits of recycling include conserving natural resources, reducing landfill waste, saving energy and creating jobs while composting reduces food waste, improves soil health and conserves water.
A note of clarification: Compostable items such as food and contaminated paper products should not be placed in recycling bins and recyclable items such as plastic, metal and glass should not be placed in compost bins.
Q: What other plastic bag types can be recycled with the grocery, bread and shopping bags at the grocery stores?
A: Grocery stores accept many types of plastic bags, film and wrap for recycling. Acceptable items include but are not limited to: newspaper bags, dry cleaning bags, bread bags, produce bags, food storage bags, bubble wrap, air pillows and product wrap (used on paper towels, bathroom tissue, water bottles, etc.). Many grocery stores have a sign above their plastic bag/film recycling bin to explain proper film recycling. It is important to note that all plastic bags, film and wrap must be clean and dry before recycling.
Q: Can I recycle pizza boxes?
A: Pizza boxes have been changing over the years but we do accept them for recycling. Recycle corrugated cardboard pizza boxes with other corrugated cardboard (either curbside or at any of our local corrugated cardboard drop off locations). Recycle paperboard/box board pizza boxes along with mixed paper (either bagged/bundled curbside or at any of our recycling drop off locations). Pizza boxes that contain food, cheese or grease should be composted or placed in the trash.
If you have a recycling question, send me an e-mail at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org. I will answer you and maybe your question will be featured in a future column.
Thanks for recycling!
Amy Schirf is education coordinator for the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. Contact her at aschirf@centrecountyrecycles.org.
