Quick Recycling Tips

Darien Reycycling Center

Recycling Tip: You Can Recycle Wine Corks

By David Gurliacci | January 29, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

Let’s face it — most of us lack the time (or talent!) to put our wine corks to a use as good as this beauty in front of Stew Leonard’s. Nevertheless, we all can do something good with our corks, which is to recycle them. DID YOU KNOW that wine corks can go in with your single stream recycling? Whole Foods also has a bin where used corks can be recycled. And if you have a bunch, consider taking them to the Swap Shop.

Darien Reycycling Center

How to Keep Personal Data Safe When Recycling Computers

By David Gurliacci | January 28, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

The question has been asked: HOW SHOULD I PREPARE MY HARD DRIVE FOR RECYCLING TO SAFEGUARD PERSONAL DATA? Hard drives collected at the Darien Recycling Center by NLR, the service that manages our e-waste, are shredded. However, if you have any concerns about their handling during this process, NLR suggests reinstalling the original computer software, which will wipe out all current information. Owners of hard drives with highly sensitive data may choose to go a step further by using a disk-wiping tool (available from several sources — some free) which overwrites the drive with junk data. The hard drive could also be physically destroyed by drilling a hole through it.

Darien Reycycling Center

Can You Recycle Old Cords & Wires? If So, How?

By David Gurliacci | January 26, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

E-WASTE IS NOT JUST FOR COMPUTERS! Many people have drawers or boxes like this — full of old speaker and telephone wires, extension cords, etc. — lying around their homes and don’t know what to do with them. Here’s a solution: take them to the e-waste collection area at the Darien Recycling Center! E-waste — generally speaking — is ANY ITEM WITH A CORD or one that USES A CORD TO CHARGE.

Darien Reycycling Center

Recycling Question: How Do You Suppose You Dispose of Old Hoses?

By David Gurliacci | January 25, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

SINGLE STREAM OR GARBAGE? This worn garden hose is made of plastic materials, but it should be disposed of with solid waste (garbage), according to City Carting representative Albino. The issue is its configuration, which does not allow it to go through the sorting and bundling process for recyclables. Proper care and storage of hoses will prolong their useful life and reduce the need to replace (and dispose of) them as frequently. — This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook.

Darien Reycycling Center

Not Sure Which Lightbulbs Are Recyclable? Here’s the Answer

By David Gurliacci | January 24, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

Questions continue to arise over which light bulbs can be recycled and where? It’s simple:

– ALL LIGHTBULBS. – Bins are INSIDE TRANSFER STATION. — This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook. Like that page on Facebook and you can get your tips directly, as soon as they come out, and keep informed on other recycling information.

Darien Reycycling Center

How to Recycle Motor Oil in Darien

By David Gurliacci | January 23, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

Residents handy enough to know how to change the oil in their automobiles, lawn mowers, and snow blowers should be aware that used motor oil can be recycled at the Darien Recycling Center. The WASTE OIL RECYCLING TANK is located on the right as you drive in, directly across from the scale house (see attendant for key). Only motor oil is accepted — no anti-freeze, brake fluid or gasoline. — This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook. Like that page on Facebook and you can get your tips directly, as soon as they come out, and keep informed on other recycling information.

Darien Reycycling Center

Recycling Tip: What To Do With Aerosol Cans

By David Gurliacci | January 22, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

THE QUESTION ASKED is whether aerosol cans are permitted with single stream recycling. The answer: AEROSOL CANS, if EMPTY, can be recycled with other single stream items.

— This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook. Like that page on Facebook and you can get your tips directly, as soon as they come out, and keep informed on other recycling information.

Darien Reycycling Center

How to Recycle Ink Cartridges & How NOT to Recycle Them

By David Gurliacci | January 20, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

Ink cartridges are made of plastic but not permitted in single stream recycling; however, recycling options are plentiful! Most companies (HP, Epson, Xerox) will provide prepaid labels to return cartridges. Some retail stores (Staples, Best Buy, Target) and on-line retailers (Quill.com) also recycle cartridges, and may even provide payment/credits — check with individual retailers. — This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook. Like that page on Facebook and you can get your tips directly, as soon as they come out, and keep informed on other recycling information.

Darien Reycycling Center

You Can Recycle Your Candy Wrappers — Except for the Mylar Ones

By David Gurliacci | January 19, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip in our series:

Most paper and foil candy wrappers are permitted in single stream recycling, but watch out for MYLAR — recognizable by its shiny, reflective interior (chocolate egg in foreground). Many candy/snack/power bars and chips are packaged in mylar — these go in the trash! Daren Recycling Committee member Craig Flaherty adds:

You can tell the difference between mylar and foil by crumpling the wrapper. If it stays crumpled, it’s foil and can be placed in single stream. If it doesn’t stay crumpled, it’s mylar and should be thrown in the trash.

Darien Reycycling Center

Where Do I Recycle That? Here.

By David Gurliacci | January 13, 2016

Another Quick Recycling Tip:

It’s good to review the Darien Recycling Center’s site map every so often, particularly after the addition of a new program(s). Note the location of drop-offs for MATTRESSES (next to TIRES) and PAINT (inside the TRANSFER STATION BUILDING). — This announcement comes from the Darien Recycling Center pages on Facebook. Like that page on Facebook and you can get your tips directly, as soon as they come out, and keep informed on other recycling information. Here’s the map, with close-up images: