Dear Recycle Lady

Dear Long-Time Recycler,

Yes, propane cylinders can be recycled, but not with steel cans. You will need to take them to the Recycling Center’s drop-off area. It’s located on the small road just to the right of the Recycle Office. There is a sign on the building that says, “Aluminum cans deposit.” One of the workers will be there to receive the cylinder.

Dear Love to Cook,

Thanks for the question. If the outside of your can is steel, it recycles with steel cans. The white coating probably is not plastic, but regardless of what it is, the can recycles with steel cans.

Dear Sprucing Up,

To answer to your first question: no, paint cans cannot be recycled. Paint cans go into the trash. But, before throwing them into the trash, be sure to follow the DEP and EPA recommendations for protecting our environment. If there is less than a couple inches of paint remaining in the can, let it dry out first, then put the can in the trash. If there is more paint than this left in the can, add some kitty litter, sand, sawdust or any absorbent material, to the paint and stir it in with the stirrer or spatula. Continue adding and stirring in the kitty litter until there is no liquid left. The paint should solidify in a few hours. Replace the lid and add to trash bag. Kitty litter is added because liquid paint is considered an environmental hazard. To answer your second question: yes, an empty spray can of paint can be recycled like any other spray can. Add it to the recycling bag or bin for steel cans.

Dear Spray Can User,

Aerosol cans cannot be recycled until they are empty. Anything left in an aerosol can is considered hazardous waste (including whipped cream and hairspray). The Recycling Center does accept these cans, and they go in the bag or bin with steel cans.

The Recycling Center accepts all metal lids of glass jars, including the ones with a rubber gasket. They are recycled with steel cans. And while glass is no longer an accepted material at the Recycling Center, Greenworks is one of the last glass recyclers in West Virginia, so you can recycle the jar as well!