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Recycling FAQ’s
Questions regarding city recycling can be directed to Nancy Andrews, Durango’s recycling coordinator.
Nancy Andrews
(970) 375-4830
andrewsnp@ci.durango.co.us
How often is recycling collected at FLC?
Recyclables are collected daily, sometimes twice daily.
Are lids and bottle caps recyclable?
Metal bottle caps and lids are accepted in the aluminum-metals bin. Plastic lids are not recyclable and should be removed before recycling. They are made out of a different kind of plastic, and we recycle only bottle-shaped plastics marked #1 and #2.
Are cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, and paper milk cartons recyclable?
No, these items are made out of paperboard and we do not have a current outlet for these materials. We do recycle corrugated cardboard, however. You can leave broken down boxes and all flat cardboard next to any FLC Recycling Bin.
Are tin cans recyclable?
Yes, drop tin cans in the aluminum-metals slot. Be sure they are rinsed clean and the labels removed. Please flatten the ends of tin cans to prevent aluminum cans from becoming lodged inside the tin.
Are oil containers recyclable?
Even though they are made out of #2 plastic, FLC cannot collect oil containers because of the oil residues. Drop them off at your local car lube to be disposed of responsibly.
Is there a recycling outlet for electronics like computers and cell phones?
Ink-jet cartridges, laser-jet cartridges can be dropped off at the Environmental Center, room 202 on the 3rd floor of the College Union Building. Cell phones can be dropped off at the Information Desk on the second floor.
Computers and other electronics:
If the items work, try to donate them to a local non-profit organization. A good resource for this service is Dell computers. Go to www.dell.com and search for “recycle.”
If the items don’t work, check out Recycle America’s web page at www.wm.com/recycling/arg or www.dell.com.
Or you can store the items until fall for the city E-Waste Collection Day. Call Durango Public Works at (970) 385-4830.
Also, call the San Juan Basin Health Department at (970) 247-5702 x.220 for details about Office Depot’s Electronic Recycling Drop Off from July 18th to August 6th.
Why does the EC not accept Epson ink jet cartridges?
Epson ink jets have no print head and therefore have no recyclable components. Go to www.epson.com to demand that Epson design their products with waste reduction in mind.
Can batteries and other hazardous materials be recycled?
The Environmental Center used to be the only place in town to recycle batteries. But now you can drop off your batteries at one of several locations around town. Look for the plastic tubes with the green top at all local grocery stores, including Nature's Oasis and Durango Natural Foods, as well as at the Durango Public Library, the Courthouse, Office Depot, and Wal-Mart. Recycling batteries has never been so easy. Because of the EC is NOT accepting batteries anymore. Thank you to Durango Public Works for providing this important service.
Also, Hensley Battery and Electric collects all sizes and types of rechargeable batteries. Hensley can be found at 360 S. Camino Del Rio, 259-2703.
For information about the proper disposal of household chemicals or other hazardous wastes, call San Juan Basin Health (970) 247-5702 or Nancy Andrews.
Is there any place to find reusable packaging materials?
The Student Leadership Center has a wealth of padded envelopes, tyvek envelopes, and packaging materials. Visit them in room 112A in the College Union Building.
Can I arrange to have bins set up at a new location?
If there is a desire for a new bin location, let the EC's Zero-Waste Team know and we will work with Physical Plant to determine whether or not there is sufficient need for one. Contact the Zero-Waste Coordinator at 247-7676 or ec_waste@fortlewis.edu
If you are looking for blue desk-side paper recycling bins, order them through central stores. Check with your custodian to make sure that s/he collects the paper.
How can I find out more about recycling?
Visit the Waste Reduction website at recycle.fortlewis.edu and check out the links page. Stop by the Environmental Center and look through our books, our recycling files, or monthly magazines.