Recycling
Recycling is the process of taking a product at the end of its useful life and using all or
part of it to make another product. The internationally recognized symbol for recycling
includes three arrows moving in a triangle. Each arrow represents a different part of the
recycling process, from collection to re-manufacture to resale.
But what does all this have to do with you? Well, recycling is a simple way that you, as a
consumer, can help out the environment, create a profitable market for recycled goods
and help preserve natural resources from being depleted. So…let’s get involved!
How?
1. What and Where – Simply enter the item you have for recycling and your
location.
2. Get Results, Fast - Earth911.com will show you the closest place to take your
stuff.
3. Close The Loop – Recycle it, and keep it out of the landfill.
Learn the Basics
1. Earth911.com is your one-stop-shop for everything you need to know about
reducing your impact, reusing what you already have and recycling your trash.
Get involved.
Why?
Recycling reduces our waste sent to landfills. Also, making new products out of recycled
ones reduces the amount of energy needed in production. The U.S. EPA estimates that 75
percent of our waste is recyclable, which goes well beyond what you toss in your
recycling bin at home or at school.
Recycling serves two key purposes:
1. It keeps valuable materials, such as aluminum and paper, out of landfills so this
material can be reused in other forms and not wasted.
2. It prevents hazardous materials and chemicals, such as lead and mercury, from
ending up in landfills, where they can contaminate soil and leach into our drinking
water.
Because of hazardous risks associated with our trash, it’s important to recycle your
products – including those you may not initially think of recycling. This includes
batteries, electronics, motor oil, paint and any product that has “Caution” or “Warning”
on the label.
What products are made from recycled plastic?
A new clothing fiber called Fortrel EcoSpun is made from recycled plastic soda bottles.
The fiber is knit or woven into garments such as fleece for outerwear or long underwear.
It is estimated that for every pound of Fortrel EcoSpun fiber, ten plastic bottles are kept
out of landfills.
Resin
Common Uses
Products Made From Recycled Resin
HDPE
Beverage bottles, milk jugs, milk and soft drink
crates, pipe, cable, film
Motor oil bottles, detergent bottles,
pipes, and pails
LDPE
Film bags such as trash bag coatings and plastic
bottles.
New trash bags, pallets
PET
Soft drink, detergent, and juice bottles
Carpets, fiberfill, nonfood bottles or
containers