The Right and Wrong of Recycling

Recycling is a very important part of our culture and environment. It is important to try and recycle all we can. It gives many benefits such as conserving natural resources like minerals and trees. Recycling helps reduce waste that is sent to dumps and landfills. Recycling also can help conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But did you know that there is a right way and a wrong way to recycle? There are some things that you might think can be recycled that cant and some things that you might think can't be recycled that can. It is important to know some of the common misconceptions so that you can recycle correctly.

Recycling Misconceptions

1. Recycling is sorted. This is not the case. If something is put into the recycling bin, it is going to be taken to the recycling facility. The hauler does not sort the items. There is an increasing amount of items that are taken to recycling facilities that should not be there. This causes problems as it can contaminate a lot of the other recyclables. It can also cause a lot of manual removal by employees of the recycling facilities. It is very important to ensure that only the correct items go into the recycle bin.

2. If it is plastic, it can be recycled. This is also not true. Although there are a lot of plastics that can be recycled, there are many that can't. Plastic utensils, candy wrappers, chips bags and other kinds of wrappers are also not recyclable.  Plastic clamshell packaging for fruits and vegetables is also something that should not be recycled. By knowing what should be recycled you can make sure that you are doing it correctly.

3. Washing before recycling is necessary. Most people have heard that materials need to be cleaned before they can be recycled. Is it necessary to rinse and wash items before recycling? The answer is no. While as much food and other substances should be removed as much as possible, it does not make sense to rinse the items. This can waste water and is not necessary to recycle.

By making sure that you are recycling correctly, you will help ensure that only the correct things are being recycled and that the process can run smoothly for everyone involved. Recycling in the right way will help you do your part to help conserve natural resources and keep the environment clean.

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