Is junk mail recyclable? Must newspapers be bagged, and in what kind of bag? Which day do the trucks come?
Some questions can actually be answered.
County recycling information and links:
- Philadelphia (215-685-7329).
- Bucks County (215-345-3400).
- Chester County (800-626-0067).
- Delaware County (610-892-9627).
- Montgomery County (610-278-3618).
- Burlington County (609-499-1001).
- Camden County (856-858-5241).
- Gloucester County (856-478-6045, Ext. 13).
Some programs that recycle other materials:
- Philadelphia Partnership Recycling Program provides periodic collection of mixed paper, #1 and #2 plastics and other materials by nonprofit community groups in 12 different locations.
- Household hazardous waste - paint thinner, kerosene, chemical fertilizers, fire extinguishers, aerosol cans and other materials - is collected periodically at sites around the region. Philadelphia (215-686-5560) posts its 2007 drop-off schedule; outside the city, check the county Web sites listed above.
- Recycling Services Inc. in Pottstown (610-323-8545) collects 45 different materials, including most plastics, poly-coated food containers, packing peanuts, clean aluminum foil, batteries, eyeglasses, fabric and wire coat hangers. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays; there is an $8-per-carload gate donation.
- Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs), which contain small amounts of mercury, are recycled as hazardous waste by programs listed at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's searchable site.
- Anndee Hochman