Recycling used iTunes gift cards

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Level 1

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Recycling used iTunes gift cards

I have a used iTunes gift card that I'd like to recycle. It says on the back of the card that it's made of ingeo - a plant based "plastic". I found their website but still don't know if I can just put the used card in with my plastics for recycling.

I love that Apple is using this product - I refuse to purchase gift cards because they are landfill-destined plastic. I'll have to make exceptions for companies like Apple that "go green" in this way. Just wish they promoted the fact moreso on the product and on their website.

Any help confirming how best to dispose of this card would be greatly appreciated.

iMac w/ Leopard, Mac OS X (10.5.6), I'll never go back to a PC

Posted on Jan 18, 2011 3:58 PM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

427,151 points

Jan 18, 2011 5:28 PM in response to Surf Cat

Lost of discussion on their site but no specifics. It's kind of up to what is available in your area. I didn't see anything on recycling where it said what class it would go into.

http://www.natureworksllc.com/the-ingeo-journey/end-of-life-options.aspx

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Answer 2

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Jan 19, 2011 10:49 AM in response to Surf Cat

Most recycling will not take gift cards even if made of PVC. Only if your recycling program explicitly says that they take them should you include the cards. Otherwise they just end up in the landfill anyway, and cost your program more money for more sorting. If the card is made if 100% Ingeo, though, it is compostable according to the manufacturing company's web site.

Regards.

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Answer 3

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jan 19, 2011 11:38 AM in response to Surf Cat

If it is made of Inego, toss it in the trash.
As Dave pointed out, Inego is 100% biodegradable and compostable.

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Answer 4

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Jan 19, 2011 12:08 PM in response to Chris CA

Most currenlty-operating landfills are so tightly sealed and packed that little or nothing biogrades at all. Better to put compostables in one's own compost pile (or find a community garden/garden center/botanical garden that has composting).

Regards.

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Answer 5

Chris CA

Level 10

82,513 points

Jan 19, 2011 1:19 PM in response to Surf Cat

FYI: -> Sustainable is good - Apple iTunes Ingeo Gift Card

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Answer 6

Jun 27, 2011 9:35 AM in response to Surf Cat

Hi, very late reply...

Looks like you can recycle it, but not put it in the trash or in home composting. Here's a link to what seems to more definitive information...also posted earlier by another user.

http://www.natureworksllc.com/faqs.aspx

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Answer 7

lee165

Level 1

11 points

Jan 20, 2012 11:21 AM in response to Surf Cat

Ingeo or PLA is compostable at Industrial facilities, not a residential composter.

http://www.natureworksllc.com/faqs.aspx#back

If you attempt to compost this in your backyard, this is what will happen. Now you know, so don't be disappointed when it's still in your backyard in a few years.

http://itstartswithme-danielle.blogspot.com/2011/03/not-so-ingenious.html

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