Earth Matters: Recycling Guidelines

Tools

By Adam Koslen

Story Published: Apr 1, 2008 at 2:41 PM MDT

Story Updated: Apr 1, 2008 at 2:41 PM MDT

Recycling can save natural resources and keep trash out of landfills. Some recycling centers have guidelines that you should know.

"We recycle aluminum, scrap metal, composting, cardboard, newspaper, magazines," said Debbie Kimball, Program Specialist for the Great Falls Public Works Department.

A little effort on your part can save recycling centers time and money. One way, is to sort you plastics according to the number on the product, which was designed to allow recyclers to separate different plastics and to provide a convention for manufacturers.

"Our recycler only takes one thru five," said Kimball.

It also helps out the process if you can...

"Remove the caps and rinse out the bottles if possible," said Kimball.

Some recycling plants require that cans and boxes be crushed. It's not a rule in the City of Great Falls but...

"If they're flattened it gets you more into the container," said Kimball.

There are some items that the city does not recycle

"We don't accept concrete, dirt, railroad ties, thing like that that are more construction materials," said Kimball.

But before you throw questionable materials away, it's a good idea to check around town first.

"Appliances which are also called white goods, the washers and dryers, refigerators, we no longer take those, we refer everybody to take those over to Pacific Recycling," said Kimball.

Consider dropping off functional rubbish in the re-use it area.

"It's a very popular area people can bring in items like couches and vaccums, computers," said Kimball. "They don't sit there very long."

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