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Talking Trash: Q&A Level 200
At TVCR, we get a steady stream of calls and texts about recycling and trash. While many of these questions are “Where is the dump?” and “Is there recycling here?”, we thought we’d share some Waste Management: Level 200 questions we’ve received lately. If someone in the valley had this question, you might have it too!
Q: Where can I bring fluorescent tube lights?
A. While regular lightbulbs can go in the trash, fluorescent tube lights need to be handled carefully because they contain mercury. Fall River Electric offers a program to dispose of these properly. You can drop them off at any Fall River Electric office.
Q: I have an electric popcorn popper that no longer works. Does it have to go in the trash?
A. Small kitchen appliances like this can go in the e-waste shipping container at the Transfer Station, located in the recycling drop-off area. These items contain circuit boards and metal heating elements that can be recycled.
Q: What do I do with expired bear spray that hasn’t been used?
A. Surprisingly, it can go in the trash. If you would prefer to recycle it, bring it to Peaked Sports. They will store it until TVCR brings it to the Household Hazardous Waste facility in Jackson.
Q: I have a lot of old latex paint. What can I do with it?
A. Try to find someone who can use it first. If that doesn’t work, the paint must be completely dried out before going in the trash. Line an old plastic tub with woodchips or kitty litter, pour in a thin layer of paint, and let it dry completely. Repeat the process until all the paint is dried. Once it is dry, it can go into household waste.
Q: Do you accept electronics from TV receivers?
A. Yes, but tube televisions and projector televisions are not accepted in the e-waste shipping container.
Q: Can I recycle Amazon mailers?
A. Plastic mailers made of bubble wrap or stretchy plastic can be recycled at the Plastic Shed behind MD Nursery. Mailers that combine brown paper and bubble wrap cannot be recycled.
Q: Is there a place I can take empty prescription pill bottles?
A. Unfortunately, no. These need to go in the trash.
Q: What can I do with egg cartons?
A. Bring them to the Teton Valley Food Pantry so they can be reused.
Q: Do our recyclables actually get recycled?
A. Yes. In Teton County, Idaho, the Transfer Station only accepts materials with reliable end markets. They collect recyclables that processors and manufacturers actively purchase and never pay to have materials removed. By selling sorted bales directly to end users, Teton County Solid Waste ensures that these materials are genuinely reused to make new products.
Thank you for these thoughtful questions, Teton Valley! Please save our number in your phone so that you can call and text us with your recycling questions: 208-557-1193
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