Knowledge makes recycling less of a mystery

Recycling everyday household items sounds easy, however, has proven to be somewhat confusing. Cut out this handy guide for the refrigerator or garage to make the process a bit easier.

Beginning July 1, clients taking their recyclables (and garbage) to Cowlitz County will have to travel to their new facility located at 1150 Third Avenue in Longview. The center caters to residents of Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties only and valid ID will be required.

Mixed paper consists of any type of office paper including desk calendars, magazines, paper back books and phone books. No hard back books, laminated items or waxed paper including crayons. Magazines can be considered mixed paper, however, at the KM Transfer station, there is a special bin for magazines. The Sunday ads can be mixed with the newspaper.

The Cowlitz County Recycling facility will accept the non corrugated cardboard boxes as mixed paper, if they are crushed.

When it comes to pizza boxes, Peninsula Recycling, which picks up items at the KM Transfer station, say they do accept the corrugated cardboard boxes as long as they are clean of residual food and crumbs. Cowlitz Recycling accepts the cleaned boxes; however, Stanley Sanitation does not.

Peninsula Sanitation does not accept soda and beer cases as mixed paper. Pet food and soup cans made from tin can be recycled at Cowlitz, but they will not pay the consumer for them. To test the item, use a magnet. If the item sticks to the magnet, it is not aluminum.

KM Transfer accepts appliances for seven cents a pound. The Cowlitz facility will accept refrigerators and freezers as long as the lines have bee cut, have been drained and have had the Freon removed by a professional. Customers will have to sign an affidavit saying they have done so.

KM TRANSFER

STANLEY

SANITATION

COWLITZ

Plastic

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Newspaper

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Mixed Paper *

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Glass

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Cardboard *

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Appliances

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Tin

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Electronics

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* see article for more information