METHODS OF RECYCLING

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Recycling is a key activity involved in sustainable and environmentally-friendly actions that focus on the creation of a novel functional item, using an existing item that would have otherwise become waste. It hence centers the process of collecting and processing these materials that would have otherwise been discarded as waste material and turning them into new products. 

 BENEFITS OF RECYCLING 

Recycling has a multitude of benefits towards society and the natural environment. It assists in:

• Reducing the quantity of waste in landfills and incinerators 

• Conserving natural resources such as timber and minerals 

• Increasing economic security through using domestic sources of materials 

• Preventing pollution by reducing waste accumulation and the need for new raw materials 

• Saving and conserving energy 

• Supporting local manufacturing and conserving resources 

• Helping create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries 

 METHODS OF RECYCLING 

Step 1: Collection and Processing 

Persons can begin by collecting recyclable items and materials. This might be achieved through including curb side collection sites, drop-off centres, and 'deposit or refund' programs. Following the collection and accumulation of items, the materials can be sent to proper recovery and recycling facilities to be sorted, cleaned, and processed into materials that can then be used in manufacturing. 

Step 2: Manufacturing 

Contemporary society has seen an increase in environmentally-friendly and economical movements that support sustainability with more businesses opting to manufacture products using recycled content. 

Common household items that might contain recycled materials include the following: 

• Newspapers and Paper products 

• Aluminum, and Glass Containers

• Steel Cans 

• Plastic Bottles and Containers 

Recycled materials are also being used for novel recycling solutions, exemplifies by the use of recovered glass in asphalt to pave roads, in addition to recovered plastic in park benches and other furniture items. 

Step 3: Purchasing New Products Made from Recycled Materials 

Persons can consider supporting these movements by purchasing items made using recycled materials. When shopping, individuals can ensure that they purchase items that can be easily recycled, or that contain recycled content.

Below are some of the terms used to distinguish between recycled-content-based products: 

• Recycled-content product - The product was manufactured with recycled materials either collected from a recycling program or from waste recovered during the normal manufacturing process. The label will sometimes include how much of the content was from recycled materials. 

• Post-consumer content - Very similar to recycled content, but the material comes only from recyclables collected from consumers or businesses through a recycling program. 

• Recyclable product - Products that can be collected, processed and manufactured into new products after they have been used. These products do not necessarily contain recycled materials. 

It is key to note that not all types of recyclable materials may be collected and processed in a given community. It is therefore vital to conduct research and be knowledgeable about local programs and facilities, and be mindful about the purchases and waste disposal methods used.  Some of the common products that can include recycled materials include: 

• Aluminum cans 

• Car bumpers 

• Carpeting 

• Cereal boxes 

• Egg cartons 

• Glass containers 

• Laundry detergent bottles 

• Nails 

• Newspapers 

• Paper Towels 

• Steel products 

If you have any resources on recycling, then please feel free to share them with us!