In Moore County, household recyclables sorted, co-mingled, or single stream- collected, go to a MRF (materials recovery facility) in Troy. In Raleigh, they go to Wagram, Munro, or some other recycling facility.

I have observed the trucks delivering the recyclables, and have taken groups to see how the recyclables are separated, baled and prepared for shipping for sale or delivery to processing plants or manufacturers.

Waste Management Inc., committed to promoting recycling, picks up recyclables, by contract, from the Southern Pines and Aberdeen recycling sites and from Pinewild, and confirms that recyclables are delivered to Uwharrie, RAA, or Wagram.

Pinehurst delivers all recyclables to Sonoco. The county uses Metal Recycling, Lee Iron & Metal, and Wagram Paper Stock Co. The Raleigh News & Observer provides bins and picks up newspapers and magazines from various locations.

Keep Moore County Beautiful collects (bimonthly) mixed paper/ mixed cardboard that go to Wagram, and batteries that go out of state.

Contamination results when other than designated items are deposited with recyclables. Costs increase for sorting out and hauling to a landfill.

Contaminating items include any black plastic, styrofoam, waxed cartons (orange juice), wax paper, tissues/ paper towel/ napkins, anything with food (clean pizza boxes) and metal hangers. Grocery bags should never be included. Return those to the grocery stores for making into clothing and plastic.

Take ink cartridges to Staples (and get credit). Take packing peanuts/wrap to Post Box Plus. Empty and dry out paint on kitty litter or newspaper, wrap in paper, put in rubbish, and recycle the can. Put shredded paper into paper, not plastic bags.

Recyclables are needed in double the amount now collected. And yes, recyclables are going to be used for new products, no matter what anyone may say.

Dot Greenwood

Pinehurst