The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Where Can I Find It?
Readers ask where to get a dinette repaired and where can certain plastics be recycled,
Q: We have a dinette set with cane inserts in the seats and back. The seats are worn and need to be repaired. Unfortunately, we have been unable to find a place to fix them. Can you help? — Wayman Parker, email
A: I found two experienced caners for you. J. O’Kelley, at Heritage Chair Caning, 104 Oak Alley, Maysville, 706-652-3122. You can see examples of his work at heritagechaircaning.com. And check out Chair Caning by Jason in Douglasville at chaircaningbyjason.com.
Since Smyrna is now only recycling plastics 1-2, can you find a place in metro Atlanta where I can take plastics 3-7 for recycling? — Debbie Scott, email
Many of us use these seven types of plastic on a fairly regular basis. You can usually find the recycling number in the center of a triangle made from arrows stamped on the plastic package or container.
No. 1 is polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET, PETE or polyester. It’s often used for food and drink packaging. No. 2, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), is stronger and thicker than PET, and it’s often used in shampoo and medicine containers. These are the two types of recycled plastics that are commonly tossed into a designated bin and picked up at the curb.
The following often are not: No. 3, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is the plastic you’ll find in detergent containers, toys and cling wraps. No. 4 is known as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and it’s used for many types of bags, including those found at the dry cleaners and grocery stores. This type of flimsy plastic is difficult to recycle and is not welcomed in most recycle bins because it can get tangled in the recycle machinery. No. 5, polypropylene (PP), is used for containers holding hot takeout foods. It’s durable enough to place in the microwave and dishwasher. PP also is used for disposable diapers. No. 6 is polystyrene — Styrofoam. Uses range from food containers and insulation to surfboards and automobile parts. Finally, No. 7 is considered an “other” plastic, meaning that can be made with a combination of plastics 1 through 6. Baby bottles are often made with this plastic.
West Rock Drop Off Recycling Center, 1775 County Services Parkway, Marietta, 678-4033900 accepts plastics 1 through 7, with a couple of exceptions. First, though, the containers must be cleaned, with no food residue left. Don’t flatten any of the containers such as milk jugs or water bottles, and don’t remove the labels. If you bring the plastic in bags or boxes, take those back with you.
Plastic products that are difficult to recycle, including bubble wrap, plastic toys, Styrofoam, plastic trash cans or boxes, should be taken to Advanced Disposal Transfer Station, 1897 County Services Parkway, Marietta, 770-485-8940.