Whether you are just starting to recycle, or have been recycling for years, it’s good to remember the basic rules: Paper must be separated from plastic, metal and glass, and it must be placed in a clear plastic bag. This will help whoever is sorting your recycling (and it is important to know that it can take up to two weeks for some items, so be patient).
Recycling is the process of converting used materials into new products. It involves three major steps: collection, processing and remanufacturing into a new product. Materials that are recycled include iron and steel scrap, aluminum cans, paper, wood, and glass bottles. The use of these recycled materials reduces the need to extract raw materials from the earth, which helps conserve our limited supply of natural resources.
Some materials can be recycled over and over without losing their valuable properties. For example, it takes 95% less energy to make aluminum from recycled materials than from raw materials. This helps save non-renewable natural resources, such as bauxite ore and petroleum. It also reduces the need for landfills and incinerators, which release harmful air and water pollutants.
Many communities encourage recycling by offering a curbside service where residents place their waste for collection. The methods of collection vary, but the goal is to get as much recycling as possible out of homes and businesses. One study, conducted by Shawn Burn of Stanford University, found that when 10 block leaders talked to their neighbors about recycling, it resulted in a higher rate of participation than when fliers were sent out.
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