Let's hear what concerns you about the state of our environment. Submit your question below.

Concerned citizen in Tempe asks:
Q. I have a plastic cup with the number 7 on the bottom I am told it is made from corn based products can you recycle these cups?
A. The #7 code stands for “other” meaning it could be anything. If your cup is corn based it is biodegradable and meant to break down in the landfill. I personally would classify this as green waste. Although in a landfill situation it would take many many years to break down.

Question from Annie in Scottsdale, AZ:
Q. I have C.F.L’s or florescent light bulbs, which I hear, contain Mercury how do I dispose of these properly?
A. Home Depot and Ikea offer to take them and can dispose them for you. Many municipalities will tell you to put them in a plastic sealed bag if you put them in the trash.

Question from ASU Intern

Q. Why do I have to remove the caps from my plastic drink bottles?

A. Some recyclers require the removal of the caps because it is a different type of plastic from the bottle itself, other recyclers do not require the separation or removal of the caps. It has to do with economics if your recycler accepts bottles with lids they have found a place to sell the bottles with the caps.