Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new, useful products. It involves three basic phases: the collection of waste materials, their reprocessing into raw materials, and the purchase of finished recycled products. Materials that are commonly recycled include iron and steel scrap, aluminum cans, paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and plastics. The reuse of these materials reduces the need to extract and process natural resources such as oil, gas, coal, mineral ores, and trees. This in turn decreases environmental pollution caused by mining operations, air and water contamination, and landfill and incinerator emissions.
Using recycled materials also saves energy. The extraction, refining, and processing of raw materials often require large amounts of energy. Producing goods from recycled materials requires much less energy, for example, it takes 95% less energy to produce aluminum from bauxite ore than from the same amount of raw material. This in turn helps to reduce greenhouse gases and other pollutants that contribute to global climate change.
To begin recycling, find out if your community has a local recycle program and what materials are accepted. Be sure to separate your materials and put them out for recycling according to your community’s guidelines. Many common household items are accidentally placed in the wrong bin, such as coffee cartons (which should be recycled with paper) and rechargeable lithium batteries (which should be recycled with metals or at a hazardous waste facility). Be mindful of the types of items you buy—many have a label that indicates whether the product contains recycled content.