When in doubt, give a shout

If you’re not sure whether something goes in the blue bin, snap a pic of yourself with the questionable item (yes, we want to see you, too). We’ll check in with a recycling expert and run the answer in the papers – so we can keep learning together.

Helen Ripple of Milford, PA wants to know if she can recycle a glass wall tile. No, is the answer – not around here. “Glass wall tile can’t be placed in a recycling bin,” said Ermin Siljkovic, recycling coordinator at the Orange County, NY Department of Public Works. A single tile can’t be donated to the Habitat for Humanity Restore of Greater Newburgh, but a full box of brand-new tiles would be accepted, said the employee who answered the phone at the Restore.

The same holds in Dingman Township, PA. “I am not aware of any program that would pick it up here. In the past, Scranton would,” said Chris Wood, code enforcement officer for Dingman Township, PA – though that’s a far way to drive to recycle a tile. “We could certainly use the glass sand around here and it’s a very good product,” Wood added, describing his favorite end product of glass recycling. Glass sand, which is similar to but lighter than regular sand (requiring less fuel to haul) – was used in Dingman Township about a decade ago to make elevated mounds for sewage beds in yards at three or four homes, and for construction in the Lackawanna Valley. But alas, the source has dried up.

You can re-use a glass tile as a coaster, placing cork or felt on the bottom to protect your furniture from being scratched, suggests Resource Central, a conservation nonprofit.

Next up, your question. Send your question and selfie to becca.tucker@strausnews.com, subject line “recycle?” along with your name and town.