question about "que vs quien" and "al vs cuando"

Question

This is a fantastic site, and I hope I can ask another question....or two.

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Question 1: In Spanish: AL RECICLAR el filtro y aceite usado de tu vehiculo, mantendras a nuestras comunidades limpias y a nuestras familias en mejor salud.

In English (loosely): When you recycle your used filter an oil, we maintain a clean community and keep our families healthy.

Issue: "Al" why not "Cuando" and why use the infinitive "Reciclar" instead of "reciclas or reciclamos"?

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Question 2: In Spanish: Se le agradece a todas aquellas personas QUE ya reciclan sus Filtros y aceite usado correctamente.

In English (loosely): Thank you to everyone who is already recycling their used oil filters and oil correctly or Thanks to everyone who recycles their used oil filters and oil correctly.

Issue: Is "que" correct? I would use "quien"

Answer 1

I'm not an expert but here is how I understand it: In the first statement "Al" actually means "upon". You have to remember that the Spanish language does not use the "personal you" unless you are pesonally talking or writing to someone. For general instuctions use "we", "there is/are", "it is necessary" or the infinitive form of the verb. In the second statement, use "que", not "quien". "Quien is used more often to say who or whom. Also I would translate your second sentence as follows: Se le agradece a todos los que ya reciclan sus filtros y aceite usados correctamente. In this case "todos los que" translates "all those who". There is no need to use "aquellas personas". Finally, if both the filter and oil is used, you need to add an "s" to the end of "usado". Hope this helps.

Thanks, I forget that "tu" is not used, and Al well I know how to use it in certain phrases. That was all helpful! - jenwin23, Apr 6, 2010