To the Editor:
As an environmentalist, when I walk around different Princeton neighborhoods I’m really depressed to see how many people are making the mistake of putting their recycling in plastic bags, or lining their recycling bins with plastic bags.
Plastic bags contaminate the recycling stream, ensuring that many of the recyclable cans, bottles, No. 1 and 2 plastic containers and paper go instead to a landfill.
When people put their recycling in plastic, they are undoing not only their own good work in taking the trouble to segregate recyclables and put them out for collection, but that of their neighbors.
Plastic bags must not be put in with recycling that is collected curbside.
Plastic bags can be recycled separately in 17 locations in Princeton that are listed on Sustainable Princeton’s website. Residents who generate more recycling than their current buckets can hold can get up to four more free at the Department of Public Works, 27 North Harrison Street (behind the fire house), Monday to Friday from 8 am to 2:30 p.m.
Please neighbors, I know you are trying to do the right thing; don’t make this one fatal mistake.
Wendy Mager
Princeton