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Perennial Plastics Problems Hey, recycling plastics is easy!!! All plastics, even bags, have the recycling symbol, so they’re all recyclable, right?… In reality, the majority of plastics are non-recyclable garbage including all # 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 plastics. So what ya’ have to do to properly recycling plastics is separate your #1’s and #2’s,… except for car product containers, like oil, anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid which are all non-recyclable garbage… Rinse ‘em out… and, oh yeah, you can’t recycle the #2 tubs either, they’re non-recyclable garbage… Remove and throw away the caps, they’re non-recyclable garbage. And did I tell you that only some of those catsup bottles are #2s, while others are #3s or even #7s…which, of course, are non-recyclable garbage… …And turn in your properly prepared and sorted #1 and #2 plastic for recycling. The great thing about folks “up north” is that the vast majority of them want “to do the right thing”, especially when in comes to recycling. The instructions for “doing the right thing”, however, should be easier should be a little easier than the programming instructions for your VCR. And that’s where we loose a lot of folks on plastics recycling. Either they don’t want to mess with all the “what ifs” or they go to the other extreme and recycle everything. There’s nothing like contemplating life’s great mysteries while sorting through a plastics recycling bin. As you remove caps, throw out buckets and covers, and spill pop and sour milk on yourself, you become very nearly Zen. During a recent such moment of meditation, the ultimate truth of plastics recycling was revealed to me. Here and now, before your very eyes I shall share the universal truth about plastics recycling in the form of three simple rules. If followed, these rules will collect over 90% of the really recyclable plastic, and reduce the amount of time, confusion and resultant expense currently involved in plastics recycling. Rule 1) ONLY THE FOLLOWING PLASTICS ARE RECYCLABLE: Milk Jugs, Soda Bottles, Soap and Detergent Bottles Rule 2) RINSE OUT Rule 3) REMOVE AND DISCARD THE CAPS By following these steps when recycling plastics, your recycler will be so thrilled that they will likely name their children after you, nominate you to be canonized as a Saint and Time’s Person of the Year,…or more likely they’ll say, “Thanks!”. Which in addition to helping protect the environment is a lot better than crying over spilt, spoiled milk on your shirt. |
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PO Box 400
Rhinelander, WI 54501
PO Box 400
Rhinelander, WI 54501
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