Spring cleaning: Solutions for the trickiest of recycling problems By Terri Bennett | McClatchy Newspapers There is a popular topic that I like to tackle every so often. It’s how to recycle items that may be a bit tricky. Never fear, you can do your part to find eco-friendly solutions. Here are few items that I get asked about and ways you can get them all responsibly recycled.
Mattresses These bulky items usually get replaced around every ten years. So what happens to the old ones? They usually go to waste in a landfill despite the fact that most of its materials are recyclable. Some full service recycling centers will accept them for materials. If the one where you live doesn’t, many homeless shelters will accept mattresses in good condition. Also, if you are buying a new mattress, some companies will take away your old one for free. However, it’s up to you to find out if yours will be recycled. Companies such as Sleep America and Emattress are committed to recycling and repurposing the old ones by giving them to low-income families. Mercury thermometers Mercury thermometers are becoming harder and harder to find. That’s because many states don’t even allow them to be sold because of the toxic mercury inside them. So if you have an old one you want to get rid of, the last thing you should do is toss it in the trash. Instead, contact your local health department to see if they participate in a mercury thermometer exchange program. Many will give you a free digital thermometer in return. You can also
bring those mercury thermometers to a full servicerecycling center. Cables and cords Who doesn’t have a bunch of cables and cords collecting dust somewhere? These are considered electronic waste (e-waste) and contain materials that can be recycled. Many Best Buy stores will accept them for recycling as will Goodwill collection sites across the country. Check out DoYourPart.com/Columns for more e-waste solutions -- including ones that could earn you a little cash. Eyeglasses When it’s time to get a new pair of eyeglasses, you may find that your old pair of glasses still has plenty of life left in them. Lions Club International successfully collects more than 20 million pairs a year and gives them to people who need them the most. Unite for Sight also will take old pairs as will the New Eyes for the Needy organization. Toothpaste tubes and toothbrushes How many tubes of toothpaste do you think you’ve thrown in the trash after you’ve gotten that last squeeze? What about old toothbrushes? Once you’re done with them there are ways to get them recycled. In fact, Terracycle will pay for you to send them in. From there, they are made into plastic pellets that can then be molded into everything from playground equipment to garden tools.
Ask the Expert: Spring motorcycle prep Interview by Nell Musolf
Spring has officially arrived and along with the sound of birds chirping there’s another familiar noise filling the air: the hum of motorcycles. Matt Raker, owner of Mankato Crank and Chrome, 1385 Lookout Drive, North Mankato, says now is the time to get your motorcycle into shape before hitting the road. Raker recommends taking care of the following when getting out a motorcycle that’s been stored for the winter: • Check tire pressure, oil level and quality, making sure to check on the floor where the motorcycle has been store for evidence of fluid leaks. • Check chain tension and relubricate if necessary. • Check fuel level and quality. If the fuel has a stale odor, drain the tank and fill with fresh fuel. • Checking the battery condition is also important. “Batteries age and sulfate faster when not used regularly. If the starter seems to crank slower than you remember and the battery is more than 3 years old, it’s probably time for a new one,” Raker says.
Once your motorcycle is ready for the road, Raker has tips to keep it up and running. “Just like cars and trucks, motorcycles need to be maintained in all the same ways,” Raker said. “Keep clean motor oil in the engine. Use oil formulated specifically for motorcycle engines — do not use automotive oil. If equipped, make sure the drive chain tension is within specification to prolong chain and sprocket life. If your bike is carbureted, use non-oxygenated gasoline. This will help prevent damaging and varnishing of the carburetors.” Raker says that all gasolines in Minnesota are blended with at least 10 percent ethanol unless otherwise labeled. “Look for label’s that say “no alcohol” or “nonoxygenated” on the gas pump,” Raker advises. “When in doubt, follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.”
MANKATO MAGAZINE • April 2013 • 9