IN Peters Township December 2018/January 2019 | Page 12

SMART RECYCLING, MADE SIMPLE. Peters Township to undergo Recycling Changes in 2019. What are the changes to the curbside recycling program? Glass is no longer recyclable–period. Screw top plastic bottles will be taken (#1 and #2), but no other plastics will be accepted. You may still recycle aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, and paperboard. Make sure all items are rinsed out before placing in the bin. For years, we have been asked to recycle as much as possible. Why recycle less? The market has changed; some materials that previously were recycled and turned into useful things are no longer of value in large quantities. Even more important, contamination has become a huge problem. Shattered glass is the main contaminant that causes loads of refuse to be rejected at the recycling plant or even at the Pacific Rim, where most of our recycling goes. Thus, the loads end up in landfills anyways. In 10 PETERS TOWNSHIP addition, many of us have been “wishcycling” – tossing things we hope but aren’t sure are recyclable into the bin. From this point on, when in doubt if something is recyclable, especially with plastics, place those items with the garbage. Less contamination means that more materials actually get recycled correctly – a benefit to both the environment and the community’s coffers. When will these changes be implemented? Immediately! What will happen if residents do not recycle correctly? Because all recycled materials are comingled, loads which contain glass or other contaminants will be rejected at the recycling center. This will result in materials that would otherwise be recycled being disposed of at the landfill. This can be avoided by SIMPLY RECYCLING SMART.