Recycling is a process designed to collect, process, remanufacture, and reuse materials instead of throwing them away. Commonly recycled wastes include aluminum and steel cans, glass containers, newspapers, and office paper. Recycling programs also collect plastics, used motor oil, and magazines. Recycling helps conserve raw materials and energy that manufacturers would otherwise use to make new products. Recycling keeps materials out of landfills saving what little space there is left in landfill. Recycling also helps reduce the pollution that may result from waste disposal. By recycling, you can reuse items over and over, this is great because it helps save the earth.

 

The Uses for Recycled Materials:

    Manufacturers around the world have been using recycled materials for decades. This way, old "scraps" can be reused and made new. It is a large cycle, and it makes a big difference. Manufacturers use aluminum from recycled cans to make new cans and other products. Recycled paper is used, not only in paper and cardboard, but also in such materials as insulation and animal bedding. Old discarded tires can be ground down and used in asphalt, or around running tracks. Even purses can be made out of old tires. Manufacturers grind up waste glass and use it to make new glass containers and as a substitute for sand in concrete. Old paper bills can be used to make notebooks. Some plastic containers can be melted and molded into new plastic products. Recycled motor oil can be used as industrial fuel oil.
    You see, the possibilities are endless.
 

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    Around the world and across the country, you can make the difference. The beauty of recycling is that every little bit helps. This effort truly is universal, so you can make the difference, whether it be from home or at the office. This is how…

From Home:
    Recyclable materials are collected from you in one of three ways: First, buy-back centers; Second, drop-off centers; and third, curbside collection programs. Buy-back centers pay people for materials they bring in. People are asked to separate recyclables by type, rinse them, and separate them by color. This means you can help the earth and make a little money, too! Drop-off centers are usually open longer hours than buy-back centers, so you can conveniently stroll in and drop off your recyclables. In many communities across the world residents are asked to participate in the collection of recyclable items. In these programs, residents of a community separate their materials and put them on the curb by their homes. Trucks pick up the materials and bring them to a central plant for processing. Curbside recycling usually recovers the greatest quantity of materials.

From the Office:
    Many businesses and industries also take part in recycling efforts. Offices can recycle such wastes as paper and cardboard. Manufacturers who reuse recycled materials can often come and pick them up. Many countries have laws that require or encourage the purchase of products made from recycled materials, such as office paper. These laws provide incentives for businesses to invest in recycling equipment.
 

Contact Local Agencies:

    By contacting your local recycling agencies, you can arrange for them to come and pick up your items. If you would rather just drop off your items, just find out where the nearest drop-off center is and make your way over there. Your local government can help you find phone numbers and addresses.
 

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Aluminum cans-	Rinse the can, then crush it.
Glass-	Remove lids and rinse, don't worry about the labels. Clear, brown, and green bottles, and jars are recyclable in most programs.
Plastic Bottles-	Consumer plastic bottles have a marking on the bottom. Those with symbols "1"(HDPE) or "2" (PETE) may be recycled in most programs. These two types account for 70-90 percent of all plastic containers. Rinse the containers and remove the lids.
Household Hazardous Material-	Check with your county health department.
Motor Oil and Batteries-	Ask service stations or the county health department.
Tin or Steel Cans-	Some recyclers accept soup, juice, fruit, and vegetable cans. Don't forget to rinse.
Yard Waste-	Cut your grass longer and leave the grass clippings on the lawn.
Other-	Buy items made from recycled items, buy items in recyclable containers, buy in bulk, and use your own container.

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