A Guide To Recycling Codes: Plastics 4-7

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

In our last blog, we introduced you to the first three recycling codes and provided some insight on the products they symbolize and whether or not they can be recycled. Today, we'd like to focus on the final four! See below:

Number 4 Plastics:

• LDPE (low density polyethylene)
• Found in bread, frozen food, tote bags, furniture, carpet and squeezable bottles
• Although some communities and recycling facilities accept them, these plastics are not usually recycled through curbside programs

Number 5 Plastics:

• PP (polypropylene)
• Found in syrup bottles, ketchup bottles, caps, medicine bottles and straws
• These plastics can be recycled through curbside programs 

Number 6 Plastics:

• PS (polystyrene)
• Found in meat trays, egg cartons, carry out containers and aspirin bottles
• These plastics can be recycled through curbside programs

Number 7 Plastics:

• "Miscellaneous"
• Found in sunglasses, DVDs, iPod cases, and three to five gallon water bottles
• These plastics are usually not recycled through community programs, but recently, some curbside programs have started to accept them

The next time you use a plastic product, we encourage you to take a close look at the recycling code it contains to discover whether or not it belongs in your bin for the next curbside pickup!

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Paper Recycling in New York City: How It Works

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Although the rise of computer technology has encouraged many to go paperless, paper still makes up a large chunk of the trash that is produced everyday. In order to improve the city's recycling efforts and reduce the amount of paper that ends up in landfills, paper recycling has been mandatory in New York City since 1989. But what happens to the paper after we've done our part and put in the recycling bin? We'll tell you!

According to NY1, paper pickups in New York City start at 6 a.m when roll call takes place at each of the 59 Sanitation district garages. After being given their assignments, drivers and their partners take out their trucks and begin to travel through New York City neighborhoods, collecting the paper that is put out for recycling. Once drivers have completed their routes across Manhattan, all of the paper winds up at the 59th Street Marine Transfer Station on the Hudson river. From there, the paper is emptied into barges which transfer it to a private recycling facility located on Staten Island.

After the paper has reached the Pratt Industries Staten Island Paper Mill, employees work to remove any additional items that may have ended up in the trucks, i.e metal. After the materials are sorted the paper goes into a pulper machine where hot water breaks down the paper's fibers. Once this step is complete, the pulp-like mixture that is made passes through a variety of other machines where it is cleaned, dried and recreated into new sheets of paper!

While the end result of the recycling process is new paper, the recycling plant actually transforms all of the recycled materials into boxes for companies such as Home Depot and Kraft.

For more information on paper recycling in New York City, click here.

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.  

Recycled 4th of July Crafts for Kids!

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

 

Image courtesy of nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you getting ready for this 4th of July weekend? With the long weekend ahead, you might be looking for some activities that can be fun for the whole family. Well, we've got you covered! See below for a list of crafts you can do to keep the kids busy this weekend without needing to break the bank!

Recycled Firecrackers: This sparkling 4th of July craft can be made simply from toilet paper rolls and recycled paper!

Bottle Cap Wreath: This red, white and blue wreath is the perfect decoration for any door on the 4th of July, and can be made from a collection of old bottle caps!

4th of July Cupcake Topper: Create this patriotic decoration with recycled paper, crayons, and some toothpicks! 

DIY Rocket: Similar to your recycled firecrackers, this 4th of July craft can be made from paper towel rolls, a brown paper bag and old fabric scraps!

For detailed instructions on how to create each of these crafts, click on the following links:

• Firecrackers
• Bottle Cap Wreath
• 4th of July Cupcake Topper
• DIY Rocket

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.