Recycle Lady: Solar Energy, Electronic Waste and Newsprint

Dear Recycle Lady,

I have several power cords, chargers for cell phones, tablets, and laptop computers, that were used to power my old electronic devices. Can these power cords be recycled? Electronic User

Dear Electronic User,

Yes, power cords are considered electronic waste or E-waste and definitely can be recycled. According to Familyhandyman.com, E-waste is one of the fastest growing waste streams worldwide, but only about 15 to 20 percent of E-wastes are recycled. Each new electronic device seems to have a new charger or power cord that is not compatible with the one used for the former device. Thus, these cords accumulate over time. Old power cords, including cable cords, chargers, and wires of any kind are not only accepted, and recycled, at the Recycling Center, but they will also pay you the current market value for the copper that is in the cords. Or the cords can be donated to help offset the Recycling Center’s operating expenses. The Recycling Center also recycles other small electronic E-waste items such as phones, tablets, computer keyboards and mouse. Desk computers, laptop computers, and flat screen monitors are also recyclable. However, the Recycling Center is unable to accept the old large TV-like monitors for computers as there is no market for them.  All E-waste items can be placed in the yellow basket outside the Aluminum can door at the Recycling Center. If you need help, ring the bell just inside the Aluminum can door and someone will come to assist you.

Dear Recycle Lady,

This morning, I received insurance information in the mail that was printed on paper that looked like newspaper. Could this information be printed on newspaper paper? If so, does it recycle with newspaper. Puzzled Recycler

Dear Puzzled Recycler,

The information you received was probably a mass-produced publication that was printed on newsprint. Newsprint is an off-white, uncoated paper that is made from wood-pulp consisting of chipped wood from softwood trees such as spruce, fir and pine, then mixed with vegetable fibers and recycled fibers. This process of papermaking was invented by a Canadian poet, Charles Fenerty from Nova Scotia, in 1844. Today, newsprint comes in three main grades: standard, improved and specialty newsprint. It also comes in varying degrees of thicknesses and color ranges. Thus, newsprint is now used for a variety of publications other than the standard newspaper and they all recycle with newspapers.

Dear Recycle Lady,

I have several strings of outdoor lights that have small solar cells attached that no long work. Can these solar cells be recycled? Likes Solar Energy

Dear Likes Solar Energy,

Congratulations on using solar energy for your outdoor lights. It is an excellent eco-friendly solution for lighting as it reduces your carbon footprint. However, the cells do have a lifespan and recycling them is the best way to dispose of them. The strings of lights are also recyclable, and it doesn’t matter whether or not the lights work. Both the solar cells and the string of lights can be placed in the yellow basket that is just outside the Aluminum can door at the Recycling Center.

Good News : The Eastern Greenbrier Girl Scouts have begun collecting the 1,000 pounds of plastic film needed to receive a Trex bench. Last week they sent off 300 pounds. A Kroger truck took the plastic film with it when it returned to its distribution center, where Trex will then pick it up.  The collection, weighing, bagging, and delivering of the plastic film is supported by many community-minded and eco-friendly people, organizations, and companies. Hurrah for everyone involved!

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

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