Complex problems such as climate change, pollution, and resource depletion contribute to health issues and wildlife habitat loss. As one of the easiest and most effective things that we can all do to help protect the environment, recycling is an effective way to reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and minimize our impact on the environment. However, recycling in the U.S. is facing a crisis due to inconsistent labeling and widespread public confusion.
As global citizens, it's essential to understand the importance of recycling and adopt responsible recycling practices. This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know about recycling and how you can actively contribute to this vital endeavor.
What is Recycling?
Recycling is the process of converting used or waste materials into new products or raw materials. Instead of discarding items as trash, recycling allows us to reprocess them, reducing the need for extracting fresh resources and preventing additional waste from piling up in landfills or polluting our oceans and natural habitats.
5 Benefits of Recycling
1. Conserves Natural Resources
Americans use an average of 650 pounds of paper per year, contributing to the disposal of nearly 1 billion trees worth of paper. Packaging and junk mail make up most of the 13,000 separate pieces of paper thrown away per household each year. Recycling all of this paper could save 100 million tons of wood annually. Recycling reduces the demand for raw materials such as timber, water, minerals, and fossil fuels, and by reusing existing materials, we can preserve natural resources and maintain ecological balance.
2. Saves Energy
The energy required to produce goods from raw materials is often more significant than the energy needed to recycle materials. Recycling helps conserve energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling a single aluminum can could power a television for 3 hours.
3. Reduces Landfill Waste
Landfills are becoming increasingly overloaded, creating significant environmental and health concerns. On average, Americans throw away about 1,200 pounds of organic garbage each year. The EPA estimates that around 75% of all waste is recyclable. Recycling diverts waste from landfills, extending their lifespan and reducing environmental hazards.
4. Limits Pollution
Recycling decreases the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials, which can be environmentally harmful and lead to pollution of air, water, and soil. About 94% of the food we throw away ends up in landfills where it rots and releases methane and CO2. Food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, which are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States.
5. Promotes Sustainable Practices
Embracing recycling encourages a culture of sustainability, prompting individuals and businesses to be more mindful of their consumption and waste generation. Recycling in the US remains as low as 35%, with one survey conducted by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) suggesting that 66% of Americans would NOT recycle a product if it’s not easy or inconvenient to do so.
What Can Be Recycled?
The range of recyclable materials can vary depending on your location and the recycling facilities available. However, some common items that are widely recyclable include:
- Paper and Cardboard: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, paper, and packaging materials
- Plastic: Bottles, containers, bags, and other plastic items with recycling symbols
- Glass: Bottles and jars made of clear, green, or brown glass
- Metal: Aluminum cans, steel cans, tin cans, and foil
- Electronics: Old computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices
- Batteries: Rechargeable batteries and some single-use batteries
- Textiles: Clothing and fabrics in good condition
Common Recycling Misconceptions
Myth #1: All plastic is recyclable.
Even though manufacturers use the recycling symbol, not all types of plastics can be recycled. The universal recycling symbol, represented by a chasing arrows triangle, is commonly found on most plastic bottles, containers, and packaging items.
Within this symbol, a number ranging from 1 to 7 is usually present. When selecting products, it's advisable to opt for those packaged in plastics labeled with numbers 1 through 5, while avoiding those labeled as 6 or 7. Although plastics labeled 3, 4, or 5 are still recyclable, they are generally less likely to be recycled into new products compared to those labeled 1 or 2.
According to National Geographic, 91% of plastic around the world remains unrecycled. Understanding different plastic types and their recyclability is crucial to make informed recycling choices.
Myth #2: It's better to use single-use products labeled as recyclable rather than reusable items.
While recycling is a valuable waste management strategy, it is generally more environmentally friendly to reduce and reuse items instead of relying solely on recycling. Reusable items typically have a lower environmental impact over their lifetime compared to single-use items, even if the latter are recyclable.
Reusable water bottles are more sustainable than single-use plastic bottles because they avoid the need to manufacture and recycle multiple bottles. Bottling water requires a lot of energy and produces pollution.
In the US, 35 billion plastic water bottles are thrown out each year, and only 38% are recycled. In 2023, 60% of US adults owned a reusable water bottle in 2023. This is good news, as reusable water bottles offer many benefits. For example, the average American could save 156 plastic bottles per year by switching to a reusable water bottle. A single stainless steel water bottle is equal to the manufacturing energy consumption of 50 plastic bottles.
Myth #3: Everything placed in a recycling bin gets recycled.
In reality, not all items placed in recycling bins end up being recycled. Recycling facilities have specific guidelines and capabilities, and some materials may not be suitable for the recycling process.
Additionally, contamination in recycling bins can render entire loads unrecyclable. Contamination occurs when an item or material makes its way into a recycling container but is difficult, or impossible, to process at a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The most common types of contamination are plastic bags, shredded paper, and plastic cups, which cannot be recycled.
To avoid contaminating your recyclables, rinse and dry any food or drink containers before recycling, especially take-out containers, bottles and jars. Recycling facilities cannot process items with more than 8% food or drink residue. Soiled fibrous materials, such as paper towels and napkins, should be composted or sent to the landfill.
How to Recycle Properly
To maximize the impact of recycling and ensure its effectiveness, it's crucial to follow proper recycling practices:
Know Your Local Recycling Rules
Different areas have varying recycling guidelines, so familiarize yourself with what can and cannot be recycled in your community. Check community websites or contact local authorities for information on accepted materials, sorting requirements, and collection schedules. Websites like Recycle By City can provide useful information on recycling guidelines tailored to your location.
Clean and Sort Recyclables
Rinse and dry food containers and remove any excess residue. Sort recyclables into separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and metal. If your town uses single-stream recycling, you can put everything in the same bin. Single-stream recycling is a system that combines multiple recycling streams into one, and makes it easier for individuals to recycle.
Properly Dispose of Hazardous Materials
Certain items, such as batteries, electronic waste, and fluorescent light bulbs, are classified as hazardous materials and require specialized recycling or disposal methods. These materials should not be thrown in regular recycling bins or garbage cans.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that “For every million cell phones we recycle, 35 thousand pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium can be recovered.”
Contact local waste management authorities to learn about designated drop-off locations or collection programs for hazardous waste. There are free online tools like Earth911 Recycling Search that can locate recycling centers near you, such as Best Buy, which has a recycling program at most stores where you can recycle up to 3 items per day per household.
Reduce, Reuse, and Buy Recycled Products
Recycling is essential, but reducing consumption and reusing items whenever possible are even better ways to minimize waste. Consider opting for reusable products, using refillable water bottles, and bringing your own shopping bags to reduce single-use plastics.
According to Town Recycling USA, “If every American recycled just one-tenth of their newspapers, we could save about 25 million trees each year.” Encourage the demand for recycled goods by buying products made from recycled materials, or second-hand thrift shops.
Embracing a recycling mindset not only benefits the environment but also strengthens the economy and promotes social well-being. By recycling, we contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.
Explore a Zero Waste Lifestyle
Ready to take your commitment to sustainability to the next level? Dive into the world of zero waste living at ZeroWasteKitchen.org! Explore a treasure trove of resources, recipes, tips and inspiration to help you embrace a zero waste lifestyle and reduce your environmental footprint.
Indulge in a delightful array of zero waste recipes that not only tantalize your taste buds but also contribute to a greener planet. Our recipes are designed to use every part of the ingredients, leaving no room for waste. From creative ways to repurpose food scraps to mouth-watering plant-based dishes, our collection will make sustainable cooking a joyful experience.
Learn how to grow your own herbs and vegetables, reducing the need for plastic-packaged produce. Discover the art of composting and transform your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Embrace nature's cycles and foster a deeper connection with the earth.
Explore the principles of zero waste cooking and master the art of minimal waste in the kitchen. From meal planning and smart shopping to efficient food storage and preservation techniques, our zero waste cooking section will revolutionize the way you approach food preparation and consumption.
Extend your zero waste efforts beyond the kitchen into all aspects of your life. These sustainable living resources cover eco-friendly cleaning, low-waste personal care, energy-saving tips, and more. Embrace sustainable practices in every corner of your home and daily routines.
Short on time? Dive into our quick clips section, where we present bite-sized, actionable tips and tricks to reduce waste and live more sustainably. These bite-sized videos provide easy-to-implement ideas that fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.
