Category: Recycling

According to the FDA, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), designated by recycling code #4, is considered a food-safe plastic. This flexible, chemical-resistant material is widely used for food packaging like bread bags and squeeze bottles. Understanding if LDPE 4 plastic is food safe requires knowing its specific properties, its appropriate uses, and the conditions under which it remains safe.

Did you know that eggshells are approximately 95% calcium carbonate, a highly effective and inexpensive source of calcium? Many people discard eggshells without realizing what valuable minerals they contain for both human health and gardening, making it crucial to know what are eggshells rich in before you throw them away.

Over 70% of newly mined silver is actually extracted as a byproduct from ores of other metals, such as copper and lead. To understand how do humans get silver, it is necessary to look beyond traditional mines and examine the complex methods of extraction, refining, and recycling that make this precious metal widely available.

While most people dispose of fireplace remnants as waste, a growing number of home gardeners understand that ash is a nutrient-rich byproduct with several applications. The question of what nutrient is ash composed of reveals its surprisingly high mineral content, including significant amounts of calcium and potassium, which can be beneficial to soil chemistry and plant health.

An estimated 11 billion eggs are produced commercially in the United States every year, resulting in an enormous amount of eggshell waste. Far from just waste, the humble eggshell is a nutritional powerhouse, composed almost entirely of calcium carbonate, alongside a complex matrix of proteins and other vital minerals. This composition gives it a range of potential uses, from dietary supplements and joint health remedies to garden fertilizer.

A 2020 study on waste corrugated cardboard revealed it contains approximately 52% cellulose. Understanding how much fiber is in cardboard requires a deeper look into the varying wood pulp components and additives that affect its final structure.

Did you know that egg cartons are not all made from the same material? While some are made from recycled paper, others, including the clear and foam varieties, do in fact contain plastic. This is a crucial distinction for proper disposal and recycling practices.

A paper-based product typically contains 90–99% cellulose fibers, which serve as the primary structural component influencing its final properties. Given this, is paper rich in fiber? Absolutely, but it is critical to understand the type of fiber involved and why it is not the same as the fiber in your food.

The calorific value of paper and cardboard products averages around 15.8 MJ/kg, based on higher heating value (HHV) data. This energy content, released during combustion, makes paper and cardboard a viable fuel source for waste-to-energy facilities, but several factors can influence its actual heating potential.

According to metal recycling experts, copper is one of the most consistently valuable non-ferrous metals to scrap, with prices driven by high demand across various industries. Whether you're a real-world scrapper looking to earn some extra cash or a virtual adventurer in need of materials, knowing how to get copper quickly is an essential skill.