Recycling Quiz Answers

The quiz is over here.

#1: a) The box needs to be flattened. ALSO, 

      b) the air pillows can't be recycled in our dumpsters. Break them open to reduce the volume, and take them to a plastic film recycling bin at your local store. See this page for more.





<spoiler space> 





#2:  a) the box needs to be flattened

       b) the plastic film cannot be recycled in our dumpsters. This film may just need to go in the trash. Research further here.





<spoiler space> 




#3:  Really tough. These produce crates are VERY sturdy. I might be able to pry it apart with a heavy screwdriver, but not with just a small knife and my hands. Make sure you flatten these before you bring them down to the dumpster.





<spoiler space> 




#4: It's styrofoam, and no, it's not allowed. See this page for how to recycle it elsewhere.





<spoiler space> 




#5: a) you can see more than 1 plastic bag in the photo. None are allowed. See above for alternatives.

      b) The white bag on the left has stuff in it, some of which is used paper (napkins or towels). Anything that is recyclable in there should be loose in the bin. 

      c) And, NO, soiled/used paper is NOT welcome.





<spoiler space> 





#6: a) needs to be flattened

      b) has stuff inside it

      c) one of the contents was a strawberry. NO food allowed.

      d) another content: a flexible plastic envelope. Those can be recycled at some store drop-off locations, but without the address label. If it doesn't peel off cleanly, cut it off.

       e) the papers were ok, but need to be loose in the dumpster.





<spoiler space> 




#7: a) the white stuff is soiled napkins and/or antiseptic wipes. Those are trash only.

      b) You can see an air pillow, maybe. That was discussed above.

      c) The bag itself is plastic, and not allowed. Depending on how it's labeled, it might qualify as return-to-store.

       d) A big problem is hidden: potting soil and plant matter. We don't have composting handy, so that is trash. You can see "NO green matter" on WM's Recycle Right poster.





<spoiler space> 




#8: a) crushing a box does not qualify as flattening it. Doesn't look as flat as opening it all up, does it?

      b) Contents? NO, no, no. And neither is allowed in the recycling dumpster anyway. 

           1) The item on the left is a plastic film mailer, covered above in 6d.

           2) The item on the right is a used nitrile glove. This qualifies as trash only. For all we know, it's truly contaminated with covid, or human waste, or ... Besides, this is something that would get tangled in a sorting machine, a definite no-no.





<spoiler space> 




#9: a) no plastic bags

      b) no appliances, furniture, etc. See the Recycle Right poster. 





<spoiler space> 



#10: a) clearly, the plastic bag on top is not allowed.

        b) recycling is supposed to be LOOSE in the bin.

        c) please fold the bag to reduce its volume in the bin. Also, think: a machine is going to sort this.





<spoiler space> 


#11: a) all items should be loose in the bin, not packed into a box

        b) styrofoam not allowed

        c) plastic film not allowed

        d) interior boxes should be empty and flattened

        e) containing box should be flattened