Recycle Lady: Paint Cans, Microwaves and Photographs

Dear Recycle Lady,

I have recently replaced my old microwave oven. Can my old one be recycled? A Recycler

Dear Recycler,

All devices that plug in and require the use of electricity, including microwave ovens, can and should be recycled. Discarded microwaves, as well as televisions, cell phones, and computers, are classified as electronic waste, and they can harm the environment due to toxic chemicals that can leach from the appliances. If your current microwave still works, consider donating it to a family or a charity. Locally, Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity ReStore both accept used microwaves in working condition. If your microwave doesn’t work, consider donating it to a local electronics store or appliance repair shop that can use the parts for repairing other microwaves. Microwaves, even broken ones, have valuable parts such as magnetrons, transformers, and glass trays. Some manufacturers may offer you money back if you recycle with them. To recycle your microwave regardless of its condition, take it to the Recycling Center. There is a canvas laundry cart on wheels under the window just past the Aluminum can door to put it in. If you need assistance, go to the aluminum can door and push the buzzer on the left-hand side of the door frame. Someone will come to help you .

Dear Recycle Lady,

Can paint cans be recycled? Must cans be empty before being recycled? Painter

Dear Painter,

If your paint cans are empty, and the paint stuck to the can is completely dried, the cans can be recycled. Go to the Aluminum Cans door at the Recycling Center and ring the bell. Someone will come help you. Be sure the cans are steel; test them with a magnet if in doubt. Some cans today are made of plastic, and they are not acceptable for recycling. Paint cans that aren’t empty cannot be recycled, but they can be sent to the landfill with some preparation. If there is a small amount of paint left, remove the lids and let the paint dry out. If there is a large amount of paint left add kitty litter, or sawdust, to the paint to harden it or purchase a commercial paint hardener to help dry out the paint. When the paint is dry, put the can in the trash.

Dear Recycle Lady,

I have undertaken to organize all the photographs I have collected over the past years, and I have lots of duplicates. Can photographs be recycled? Organizer

Dear Organizer,

According to conserve-energy-future.com , photographs can’t be recycled as they contain silver, mercury, and selenium, all of which are considered hazardous waste. Chemicals are used to make the photo paper that images are printed on. Photo paper also has coatings and protectors, which contain plastics and metals. Perhaps you could make a collage with the photos and send it to family members. Be sure to identify everyone in the photograph and include dates, if possible. Readers, do you have any ideas for Organized? If so, I am happy to print them. I am sure many of you have duplicate photographs in drawers and need to do something with them.

Food for Thought: “We face the question whether a still higher “standard of living” is worth its cost to things natural, wild, and free.” –  Aldo Leopold, an American scientist, ecologist, forester, conservationist, and environmentalist. 1887-1943 wikipedia.org

Have questions about recycling, or interesting information about recycling? Send questions or requests to Recyclelady7@gmail.com . Dear Recycle Lady is sponsored jointly by the Greenbrier Recycling Center and Greenworks Recycling.

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