What are some things that absolutely should NOT be recycled? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago by over_clox@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'll start.. toilet paper, tampons, and QTips...

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[-] spittingimage@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago

MDF pallets, according to our pallet recycling guy. Apparently normal pallets get fed into an enormous shredder and turned into garden mulch, but the glue holding the layers of MDF together gums up the works.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

I'm not exactly a palette expert (I'm guessing many other readers aren't either), but what's the difference, and how can we average fools tell them apart?

[-] spittingimage@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

The MDF ones are made of many layers of plywood, glued together. Lots of different wood shades. Looks like a sandwich. The others are actual wood, with one shade, grain and often rough edges because they're not sanded down.

[-] over_clox@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago

Ah, I totally get you now.

I've never seen any palettes made of plywood, but clearly they exist then. I guess that basically means that no plywood is good for compost or proper recycling, unless perhaps grinding up into particle board..?

[-] spittingimage@lemmy.world 1 points 2 months ago

It's safe for reuse, but probably not for recycling. I don't know if it can even be safely burned.

[-] Hugh_Jeggs@lemm.ee 3 points 2 months ago

Just for info, you're talking about plywood.

MDF is individual tiny fibres glued together and one uniform colour without layers

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/mdf-vs-plywood/

Still no good for recycling or burning!

[-] matteus@lemmy.ml 2 points 2 months ago

Manufactured wood has glue in it - generally not safe to burn.

[-] MrAlternateTape@lemm.ee 2 points 2 months ago

Burning plywood or MDF is not recommended. The glue could release some toxic fumes.

this post was submitted on 10 Jul 2024

52 points (93.3% liked)

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