Why is recycling important?

Recycling conserves natural resources, saves energy, reduces pollution, and helps protect the environment and wildlife.

Common recyclable materials include paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs, glass containers, and metal cans. Check with your local recycling provider for specific guidelines.

How does recycling save energy?

Manufacturing products from recycled materials requires significantly less energy than making them from new raw materials. For example, recycling aluminum cans uses 95% less energy than producing them from bauxite ore.

Recycling Calculator

Estimate the environmental impact of your recycling efforts and see the positive change you can make.

Paper (lbs)

Plastic (lbs)

Glass (lbs)

Aluminum Cans (count)

Resource Saved	Estimated Amount
Energy
Trees
Water

About Recycling

Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. It is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy.

The Benefits of Recycling

Conserves Natural Resources: Recycling reduces the need for extracting, refining, and processing raw materials, all of which create air and water pollution.
Saves Energy: Manufacturing products from recycled materials is typically less energy-intensive than making them from scratch.
Reduces Landfill Waste: Recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators.
Protects Wildlife: By reducing the need to extract new materials, recycling helps to protect natural habitats.

Common Questions

What do the numbers on plastics mean?

The numbers inside the recycling symbol on plastics identify the type of plastic resin used. This helps recycling facilities sort the plastics correctly. Check with your local recycling program to see which types of plastics they accept.

Should I rinse my containers before recycling?

Yes, it is important to rinse your containers to remove any food residue. This helps to prevent contamination and ensures that the materials can be properly recycled.

What happens to the materials after they are recycled?

After being sorted and processed, recycled materials are sold to manufacturers who use them to create new products. For example, recycled plastic bottles can be turned into new bottles, clothing, or furniture.