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.

A question from George Preoteasa of Milford, PA. “How do I safely dispose of the large reserves of hand sanitizer hoarded during the Covid era. They are not the best quality, and have dubious smells, so I don’t plan to use them.”

If it’s been opened, hand sanizer should be brought to a county household hazardous waste collection event, along with proof of residency, said Ermin Siljkovic, recycling coordinator at the Orange County, NY Department of Public Works. Orange County’s next collection event is planned for the spring; Sussex County, NJ’s next event is Saturday, June 1. Pike County, PA had its first and only hazardous household waste in October 2022, said Michael Mrozinski, director of the Pike County Planning Commission, “and unfortunately got little interest. It was also expensive to the County. I have a budget line for recycling this year but it is yet to be determined if we have another event. We have numerous recycling needs in Pike County as we do not have a facility (yet). We hope to develop one in the near future,” said Mrozinski, who is also the county’s solid waste and recycling coordinator.

”I too had identified concerns about expired hand sanitizer back in May 2023,” said Mrozinski. “The state had no answer other than to have residents take them to a local HHW event and to provide the following website: epa.gov/hw/how-dispose-and-recycle-alcohol-based-hand-sanitizer. Definitely a narrow-minded effort for a national problem.”

Is hand sanitizer really hazardous, though? “Alcohol-based hand sanitizer typically contains at least 60 percent alcohol by volume and is an ignitable hazardous waste when discarded,” according to the EPA. “Never dispose of hand sanitizer down the drain or in the trash... The liquid and vapors in water pipes and sewer systems can cause fires and explosions.”

If the bottle is empty, of course, toss it in the recycling bin. Unopened sanitizer can be donated. “We do go through it,” said Diane Milo, receptionist at the Warwick Valley Humane Society. “We do have some, but actually, it is something that over time we could use.” If you have a large quantity, she recommended trying a food pantry.

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