Here's a list of questions that we are frequently asked.
Please let us know if you have a question that you don't see answered below. We'll be glad to help you!

Q: Are you an equal opportunity employer?

A: Yes

Q: Do you charge for your service?

A: Yes there is normally a service fee for our collection service. The average cost for a small business (less than 50 employees) is $26.50/collection. However the fees can vary based on the amount of materials you are recycling and the number of containers you have. There are instances where we share revenues with our customers who generate large quantities of materials.  Fill out our service request form and we'll get you an estimate of cost.

Q:  I have paper that I would like to have shredded.  What are my options with Shimar?

A:  Shimar has 3 options for you: 1. On-Site shredding 2. Off-Site Shredding and 3. Drop-Off Shredding.  Please visit our "Confidential Paper" page for details.

Q:  I am unsure what items I can place in my bins?

A:  Use our "free recycling signs" page to print out a description sheet to help you identify what goes into each bin in your office.  These are pdf files that you can also distribute to your employees.  You can also call or e-mail us if you are unsure of a particular item.

Q:   Do I need to remove staples and paper clips from the paper?  What about binder clips?

A: The only other non-paper object that can be recycled with your office paper and newspapers is staples.  Small amounts of paper clips and binder clips can be allowed as a contaminant, but a reasonable effort to remove paper clips and binder clips will help with the effort to recycle.

Q: I'm confused about what plastic items I can place in my bin?

A: #1, #2, #5 and #7 plastic bottles and jars are certainly acceptable.  #5 plastic tubs (yogurt containers, sour cream tubs, etc) are acceptable, as well. Unfortunately other plastic items are harder to recycle at this time.

Q: Do you recycle envelopes?

A: We recycle all paper envelopes.  Most of these can be placed in the Office Paper catagory. Chipboard envelopes such as Federal Express envelopes can be placed in your mixed paper bin.  Please do not recycle envelopes with any type of padding. Plastic windows are okay, but we encourage you to purchase envelopes with windows made of a recyclable material (glassine or cellophane).

Q: Do you recycle books?

A: We have a program for both SOFT back books and HARD back books. At Shimar, soft back books made with bond paper can be  recycled in the office paper catagory and soft back books made with newsprint can be recycled in the mixed paper catagory. 

Hardback books will need to be kept separate from office paper and mixed paper streams, BUT yes, we can recycle them!

Q:  Does Shimar recycle Scrap Metal or Salvaged Automobiles?

A:  No, but there are plenty of scrap buyers in the RDU area that will accept these items.