Recycling turns materials like used bottles, cans, and newspapers; that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. Although similar in effect, the composting or other reuse of biodegradable waste – such as food or garden waste – is not typically considered recycling. Recycling generates financial, environmental, and social returns. A large number of today’s products are being manufactured with total or partial recycled content. Common household items that contain recycled materials include newspapers, aluminum cans, and plastic. Recycled materials also are used in innovative applications such as recovered glass in roadway asphalt , park benches, and pedestrian bridges.

 

Benefits of Recycling

Recycling protects and expands local manufacturing jobs.

Recycling reduces the need for land filling and incineration.

Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from raw materials.

Recycling saves energy.

Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.

Recycling conserves natural resources such as trees, water, and minerals.

Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations.

 Recycled-Content Products

More than 5000 recycled-content products available in the market now and this number continue to grow. In fact, many of the products we regularly purchase contain recycled-content.

Examples of products that can be made with recycled content:

Aluminum cans

Car bumpers

Carpeting

Cereal boxes

Comic books

Egg cartons

Glass containers

Laundry detergent bottles

Motor oil

Nails

Newspapers

Paper towels

Steel products and

Trash bags

By buying recycled items, governments, as well as businesses and individual consumers, each play an important role in making the recycling process a success.