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Recycling is a great way to save energy, money, and natural resources. It also helps keep our landfills clean and reduces pollution in our environment.
The best thing about recycling is that it doesn't require much effort. You can recycle almost anything at home, and most places offer drop off bins where you can leave your items. If you want to learn more about what's recyclable and what isn't, check out the EPA's website or learn more about recycle, at www.recycle.gov.
Recycling is one of those things that we take for granted, but it's really important to know what exactly happens when we recycle. The first step is separating recyclable items from non-recyclables. Next, the material needs to be cleaned before it can be reused. Finally, the recycled material must be processed into new products.
The most common type of recycling is called "material recovery," which involves taking items such as paper, glass, metal, and plastics and turning them into new products. For example.
- If you take a plastic bottle and turn it into a new one, you've done material recovery.
- If you take a piece of aluminum foil and use it to line your trash can, you've done material reuse.
- If you take a piece of cardboard and turn it into a box, you've done material reduction.
- If you take a soda bottle and turn it into a flowerpot, you've recycled glass.
The first step to recycling is to separate your recyclables into different categories. You should separate paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, and other items. If you live in a community where recycling is already common practice, then you might find that some of these items are already separated at curbside. Otherwise, you'll need to sort them yourself.
If your community doesn’t have recycling then you can separate your recyclables from other trash. You can use a large garbage bag to collect all of your recyclable items. Next, take them to a drop off center where they will be sorted into different bins based on type. Finally, take your recyclables to a local recycling facility where they will be processed and turned back into new products.
The best thing about recycling is that it doesn't cost anything extra. You can recycle almost everything at home, from aluminum cans to paper bags. And if you want to get started right away, check out some of these easy ways to recycle.
The most common type of recycling is called "bottle recycling." You can recycle empty soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, beer cans, and other types of plastic containers. When you bring them to a drop off center, you'll get a refund for the deposit you paid at the store.
Plastic Bags
They're made from plastic and can be used again and again.
Plastic bags are one of the most common forms of trash found at home and businesses. They are made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and can be reused as many times as needed. In fact, Americans use more than 100 billion plastic bags every year. That's enough to circle the Earth three times!
Reduce use of plastic bags and replace it with washable totes. Using totes will reduce the use of plastic. Reuse Plastic Bags for multiple purpose. It can be used as a liner for trash bag also to carry the stuff.
Glass Bottles
These are made from glass and can be reused many times over. The most common type of recycling is called bottle recycling. Glass bottles are made from recycled material and can be used again and again. If you recycle them properly, you can use them for years. You should never throw away empty glass bottles because they can be used again and can be cleaned easily.
Glass bottles are made from recycled soda bottles. When you recycle glass bottles, you're saving trees and helping the environment. You can take them to your local recycling center where they'll be cleaned and melted into new glass products.
Paper
This is one of the most common forms of recycling. You can use it again and again.
Paper is made up of cellulose fibers, which are naturally strong and flexible. They can be used as insulation, packaging material, and even paper towels.
Recycling paper is easy. Just take old newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and other paper products and put them into your recycling bin. If you want to recycle plastic bottles, aluminum cans, glass jars, and metal containers, you should contact your local municipality.
Many people use these items to wrap gifts or package food. The best thing about paper recycling is that it doesn't take much space. You can recycle newspapers, magazines, junk mail, and other paper products at home. If you're looking for a place to store your recyclables, check out local curbside drop off locations. Some cities offer free pickup services, while others charge a fee.
Plastic products such as plastic bottles, bags, and containers can also be recycled. These materials can be used to make new products.
Aluminum
This metal can also be recycled multiple times.
Aluminum cans are made out of aluminum foil. They are one of the most common recyclables because they are lightweight and easy to transport. Aluminum cans can be recycled at any grocery store, hardware store, or other retail outlet.
Steel
This metal can be recycled up to 100 times.
Steel is a strong, durable material that can be used in construction projects, appliances, cars, and more. Steel can also be recycled up to 100x.
Sources:
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle | US EPA
Reducing, reusing and recycling plastic bags and wrap | | Wisconsin DNR