When you place a clean aluminum can or a paper bag of newspaper into your recycling bin, you are the first step in a process that creates new products. Recycling diverts waste from landfills and incinerators, preserving natural resources by avoiding the need to mine raw materials, and reduces pollution and emissions.
Most municipal recycling programs provide for the collection of various types of recyclables through curbside pickup, stations, and drop-off facilities. Before those items make it into your bin, however, they must be sorted and cleaned. They may be separated into different categories depending upon their characteristics (e.g., paper, metals, plastics, glass), and they must be emptied completely of any contents that can contaminate the recycled material.
In addition to environmental benefits, recycling saves energy by not requiring the mining and processing of new raw materials. Using existing natural resources also avoids the need to create more waste disposal sites, and allows for the reuse of valuable natural habitats.
Many municipalities receive some of the revenue from their recycled materials, providing funds for strategic community investment. Often, these investments support local economic development goals. Road repairs, water system upgrades, and other projects receive funding that would not be available through general tax revenues.
It is essential that all of us make the effort to recycle properly. If your recyclables are not clean, empty and dry before you place them in your recycling bin or cart, they will be contaminated and thrown away as trash. It is also important to buy recycled goods to complete the recycling loop.