Recycling friends, ask your questions here. Our recycle bloggers will find answers for you. Also, other readers are invited to add comments. Collectively, we know more, so share your recycling knowledge here.

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They don't burn out very often, but I have one that did. I know I shouldn't put it in the trash can b/c it has mercury, so what do I do with it?

I found two places: in Mississippi and also in Texas, that recycle Christmas lights, through a google search. I just thought I'd let everyone know b/c I was frustrated with myself when I tossed them out in the curbside garbage.

When and where is the next recycling meeting? It appears the last one was at BP Energy Center in Sept.

The Recycling Center on Rosewood doesn't seem to have a bin for plastic bags anymore. I've got lots of that kind of stuff -- including not only bags, but plastic wrap from furniture shipments, etc. Where can I take it?

Is there anywhere to recycle yard and garden waste now that the Regional Compost Facility has been closed?
Where? Does it cost anything?

Is there a safe way in Anchorage to deal with refrigerators and freezers that probably contain freon?

I've noticed signs on the bins where I recycle my type 1 and 2 HDPE plastics saying only screw-top containers are allowed. Does this mean only bottles are acceptable? What should I do with other type 1 and 2 plastics (bowl-like salsa containers, etc.)?

Thanks in advance.

June 3, 2008 - 1:55pm | joelie10

Where can we sell scrap copper electrical wire, insulated AND uninsulated, preferably somewhere on the Kenai Peninsula? Otherwise in Anchorage, if no place south is available. I need business name and phone numbers, please. Thank you.

I have CD's and DVD's that get old and would like to recycle them. Is there a recycle program in Anchorage that would recycle CD's?

Our family must throw away 50 AA,C,D and 9 volt batteries every year. the government also tells us to change out the batteries in the smoke detectors every six months. Are these just supposed to go into the trash? That is what I was told by Batteries Plus, supposedly a battery recycler in Anchorage.

City Hall used to collect used dry cells and they still may. Any idea what they do with them?

The Hiland Dump will allow you to dispose of them there for a fee, or free if you have every person who tried to recycle a battery fill out a form. Instead of making it easy for folks to keep these things out of the waste stream they encourage dumping them in the trash.

Anyone know who might take metal cans, specifically 3-lb. coffee cans? I'm up to 18 and counting ... just hate to toss something reusable in the trash. Thanks.

Alaska Mill & Feed is Anchorage's official collection point so you can bring in your old and battered Crocs. All the Crocs will be shipped to a Crocs plant where they will be cleaned, shredded and remanufactured into new Crocs. The new recycled Crocs will be sold or given away in underprivileged areas. Crocs has pledged to donate two million pairs of shoes this year. The program is call Soles United. Alaska Mill & Feed is at 1501 East 1st Ave. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9am-7pm. Contact Alaska Mill & Feed at 276-6016.

Total Reclaim is now accepting magnetic media for recycling. That means VHS, Beta and cassette tapes, as well as 8-track tapes, if anyone still has these! Total Reclaim is at 12101 Industry Way, Unit C4, in the Huffman Business Park. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. Contact Total Reclaim at 561-0544.

A local gardener gave us this idea. Use pieces of that hard styrofoam in the bottom of your potted plants -- using less dirt.

Any other ideas?