Recycling Questions

In the world today there is a big problem. Pollution and the overcrowding dilemma of landfills are quickly making its way into every household. Recycling has become a very valuable way to help combat the landfill issue. It is remarkably simple to do and should be done by every household in the United States and across the world. The United States has seen an increase in the amount of people recycling. It is estimated that thirty five percent of all garbage will be recycled. Hopefully in the coming years we can raise that percentage and start using our garbage in more productive manners. If you are not familiar with recycling, this article is for you.

What is recycling?

Recycling is pretty basic in its definition. It is taking old materials and transforming them into something new. This may be plastic water bottles being transformed into a park bench for you to rest on while your children play on playground equipment made from other recycled materials. It may be the roadway upon which you drive back and forth each day to work. Recycling is beginning to play a huge role in how we view the environment and it should be at the forefront of each person's mind every single time they go to throw something in the garbage.

What is waste management?

Waste management is the process of the city picking up your garbage each week and distributing it to the proper center that it is supposed to be sent too. They are responsible for making sure your recycling bins arrive at the appropriate center to be recycled. Waste management services play an important part in our daily lives. Without their valuable services we would definitely find ourselves in a world of hurt and smell.

How do I recycle my garbage?

The first step you need to take is to contact your local waste management facility and find out what types of recyclables they take each week. The next step is to secure the appropriate bins that will house each of the different types of recycling materials. Some bins are for inside your home and some are for outside. Once you have the correct storage containers it is time to sort your trash. Plastics, papers, glass, aluminum and yard trimmings will each go into separate bins and will be placed out on your curb for pick-up on the appropriate day.

What are the three "R's?"

The three "R's" would be: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Reduce is using less non-biodegradable substances that cannot be recycled. The second is to reuse items such as plastic containers or appliances that can be repaired. The third is to recycle products so that they can be given life again as something new. The way to tie all three together is to buy recycled materials. This creates an incentive for more people to recycle products because they know that they will be used in a new way later down the road.

What types of products can be made out of recycled materials?

There is a wide range of products that can be made out of recycled materials. New notebook paper can be made out of recycled paper products such as newspapers and cardboard boxes. That new park bench is made from recycled plastics. Even roadways are now being made with what is known as glass asphalt. Glass asphalt is recycled glass materials that have been mixed with roadway construction materials.

Can everything be recycled?

Unfortunately not everything can be recycled but a huge majority can be. Too bad many people are not electing to recycle anything at all. Batteries can be given new life, plastics can be made into other products and even those old newspapers and magazines can be made into new reading materials. You cannot recycle old diapers but there are ways that even that can be cut down by using reusable cloth diapers.

What about food and yard trimmings?

Yard trimmings are a great way to help recycle and create fertilizer. Food waste products are disposable too but they will smell so bad when decomposing that you will definitely have a problem with animals and neighbors. When it comes to creating your own compost pile you want to stick with organic materials such as leaves, plants, grass and other yard wastes and leave food or animal wastes alone to be disposed of in another manner.

What is the EPA?

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, is a branch of the United States government that is designed to help protect our nature's resources and our environment. They are the leaders in keeping our air, water and soil safe from contaminates and ensuring that people are following the law when it comes to preserving the environment. It is through their efforts that more businesses and industries are using recycling programs to help eliminate waste products.

What do I do if my town does not have a recycling program?

If your town does not have a recycling program do not despair. It may mean a little more work on your part but it is still possible to recycle. You just may have to drive into the next town to find a recycling center. The best tip is to not make a weekly trip that way you save gas and still help the environment. Just make sure and wash out your recyclable materials, store them properly in the appropriate containers and call ahead to find out what types of materials they accept.

My recyclables smell horrible. How do I cut the smell down?

Well that depends on what you are throwing away. Plastic water bottles are not going to have a smell if they are drained. Other recyclable materials can be rinsed out before being stored in their proper containers. This will cut the smell down dramatically. Also remember that food wastes cannot be recycled. If you have a compost heap and are adding the food wastes or animal wastes to the heap it will smell as it rots. These items are best thrown away with the non-recyclable garbage.

How can I get more people to recycle?

If you want more people to recycle you have to start at home. The best way is by providing a good example. It does not do much good to preach a way of life if you are not living it yourself. Start by showing your friends and family members that you are dedicated to the cause of recycling. Tell them about the benefits and how they will be doing their part to help the environment. You can even show them how easy it is to get started.





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Today's Tip On Recycling

Hopefully, you get to see those curbside recycling bins in action each trash day. If you do see them, then that means there is a recycling program in your area. If you do not, you need to take steps to see that one is implemented. Everyone wants a cleaner earth because this is the only one we have and without a concentrated effort by individuals such as you, this planet does not stand a chance. Thankfully, you are not alone. Other people are catching onto the recycling movement and want to do something to help protect the planet.


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