What is Recycling?

Recycling is simply giving old or used things a new lease of life, by making new things out of the old materials. Recycling is a key and third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy, which comprises three elements, reduce, reuse and recycle.  Unlike reducing or re-using, recycling involves the processing of the old or used materials. The old or used materials are broken down into their basic elements (eg. fiber in paper), which are then used as the raw materials for other fresh and new items. In turn, the recycling processes for different materials differ.

The recycling process

What is recycling process like? The recycling process involves a series of activities, including collecting the recyclables, sorting and processing the recyclable materials into raw materials such as fibers, and manufacturing new products out of these raw materials.

 Subsequently, the purchasing of products made from recycled materials creates a circle or loop, and is critical to the overall value and success of recycling.

Factors for success in recycling

The following factors describe what is recycling success determined by. These factors are very important if our recycling efforts are to make a difference.

1. Products designed for recycling – For recycling to be possible in the first place, products must be designed with recycling or environmental protection in mind.
2. Recyclable collection – To ensure that there is a constant supply of recyclables for the recycling process, recyclables need to be systematically collected from their sources (eg. households, schools, etc). They need to be separated from trash and other wastes to prevent contamination, and sorted by type of material to facilitate processing.
3. Processing – The recyclable materials collected need to be sorted by the type of material to facilitate processing, and need to be broken down into its basic elements, and then be reused as raw materials to produce new products.
4. Demand for recycled products – The “Recycling Cycle” will only be completed when the new products are put to use. As much as it is important to send your recyclable items for recycling, it is also important to use recycled products to ensure that recycling becomes an economically viable activity within your community.

(Source: all-facts-recycling.com)

Each of us throws out an average of 4 pounds of garbage each day. Over the course of a year, that's a lot of waste to mange-over a thousand pounds! What can you do to minimize the amount of waste that goes to the landfill? Follow the three R's!

REDUCE This is the easiest step of all-Leave it on the shelf. Don't buy it. Many have become a very consumption obsessed, but it wasn't always like this. "Make it last, wear it out, make it do, or do without" used to be the motto of every family.

REUSE Now, here's a novel idea that we cold speak volumes about. Examples of reuse include: library books, clothing from the Salvation Army or garage sales, making bird feeders from milk jugs, using both sides of a piece of paper…and the list goes on and on. Also, consider repairing items rather than replacing them.

RECYCLE The three chasing arrows of the recycling symbol actually stand for the three basic steps of recycling. These are: Separation and Collection, Processing and Remanufacturing and Buying Recycled.

Why Should You Recycle?

Because it:

• Saves Natural Resources
• Saves Landfill Space
• Reduces Pollution
• Saves Money
• Creates Jobs

(Source: countyrecycling.com-crawford county)

This symbol and variations of it is used to designate recyclable materials. It is composed of three chasing arrows that form a continuous loop.

This symbol is not a trademark. It is in the public domain and can therefore be used by anybody.

Sometimes though, local law may limit the use of this symbol in product labeling when it’s used to mislead consumers as to the nature of these products. 

The universal recycling symbol is known internationally. The three chasing arrows of the recycling symbol signify the three aspects or steps in the recycling process.

(Source: Benefits-of-Recycling.com)