Recycling Programs and You

Last year it was estimated that 32.5 percent of waste was being recycled. That is a dramatic rise over the past few years but is it enough? This year it is estimated that it will be higher as responsible individuals comply with the recycling programs in their community. You can do your part and join in recycling your garbage. It does not take much time and the rewards for our environment are enormous.

So where do you fit in, with regard to recycling? Do you take part in a recycling program? Perhaps you just do not know how to go about joining part in the movement to keep recyclables out of the landfills. “Reduce reuse recycle” should be part of your daily mantra and you should know how to sort the various items into their respective recycle bins. If you aren’t doing so, then begin to change the way you throw out your garbage.

Recycling programs are dependent upon you doing your part. You will have to take the initial step of separating the non-recyclable garbage from the recyclables, then put the plastics, papers, glass and aluminum cans into their respective recycle bins. It may seem complicated but you can always ask the sanitation department what can and cannot be recycled. A tip for keeping the smell down while waiting for pick-up is to rinse out your bottles and cans.

The second step for a recycling program is manufacturing. This is the process where your recyclables make their way into another form. Many of your household items probably came from recycled material, such as glass bottles. Even roadways are now being created using glass mixed in with asphalt. Your paper towels and writing paper may be made from recycled paper products.

Step three in recycling programs is promoting recycled goods. The more recycled goods that can be sold, the more people will want to recycle. This is especially true of aluminum cans which can pay you back for recycling. Sure the amount will not be that significant initially, but also look at the contribution you are making to the planet’s resources. Every little step counts. Buy recycled goods as much as possible and you will be doing your part.