Editor’s note: Ask Us is a weekly feature published online Mondays and in print on Tuesdays. We’ll seek to answer your questions about items or trends in Rowan County. Have a question? Email it to askus@salisburypost.com.

By Jessica Pautz

jessicapautz@salisburypost.com

Following conversations among local government officials about worldwide changes in recycling, a Post reader asked exactly what can be recycled in Salisbury.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the benefits of recycling include saving energy and reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills.But the benefits are diminished if the wrong things are recycled. And last year, China added restrictions to what plastics it accepts, and municipalities in the county are being forced to adapt.

Linda McElroy, communications director for the city, provided information on recycling in Salisbury

Items that cannot be accepted for recycling include:

• Electronics and small appliances.

• Tires (the city offers tire recycling four times a year).

• Textiles, bedding, rugs and carpet.

• Concrete, wood and construction debris.

• Paper napkins, plates, cups and tissues.

• Polystyrene foam.

• Yard waste and wood (compost instead).

• Food and liquids (compost instead).

• Recyclables in plastic bags.

• Plastic bags, film or sheeting and flexible film packaging.

• Hoses, holiday lights, hangers and extension cords.

• Certain kinds of plastic.

Before throwing an item away, think about if it is recyclable, experts advise. If it cannot be recycled, check whether it can be composted before throwing it in a landfill. If it can be recycled, make sure to put it in the recycling bin.

Recycling services in Salisbury are provided every other week on regularly scheduled garbage days. For more information, including what can be recycled and pick-up schedules, visit salisburync.gov/Government/Public-Services/Waste-Collection