Why Recycle?

Recycling is a simple process that can help resolve many of the problems created by our modern way of life. Nonrenewable resources are clearly saved when recycling materials are supplemented in the manufacturing process. Renewable resources, such as trees, are also saved in the short run, but it’s naïve to imagined that recycling will result in large tracks of untouched forest. Eventually, fewer renewable resources will be planted, cultivated, and harvested. Producing recyclable materials consumes less energy. When this energy reduction is in the form of fossil fuels, there is less acid rain produced, and a decreased greenhouse effect.

Another recycling benefit is that it extends the life of landfills. The United States ‘ waste stream is the biggest in the world. In 1988, only 13% of the waste stream was diverted into the recycling stream. The recycling potential for most commodities is a diversion rate of more then 50%.

The list below illustrates percentage of recovery of some of the recyclables:

• Steel - 60.0%
• Paper - 33%
• Aluminum – 41.7%
• Glass – 13.3%
• Copper – 58.6%

On the financial frontier, recycling could potentially create a net increase in jobs. Waste material source3s are fragmented, and materials are not concentrated in areas such as mines and forests. Compared to virgin materials, recyclable materials must be collected, sorted, and processed in smaller quantities. This would require a large work force.

In addition to creating income for employees, the recycling of high-grade materials generates revenue. Recycled materials are often a very inexpensive raw material for industry, and many consumers prefer some products that have a recycled content. Recycling can also reduce trash hauling costs by as much as 70%, by saving the hauling fees to the landfill and landfill dumping fee.

In short, recycling makes sense. It’s important for every individual, business, government, and industry to make a commitment to recycling. Every day people make purchasing decisions that could potentially help balance the recycling process, and every day they dispose of materials that have outlived their usefulness in one form, but still may have a second life if used for recycling. Each person has the opportunity and the responsibility to incorporate recycling into both their business community and their own lifestyle. The alternative is simply more waste.

Taking a moment, we would like to encourage all the junk removal and waste hauler businesses to follow environment protection initiative ‘365 Ways To Save The Earth’ that was introduced and promoted by our members Seattle Dumpster Rentals , Long Beach Dumpster Rentals ,  Sacramento Dumpster Rentals , Bellevue Dumpster Rentals and Ocala Dumpster Rentals who takes every possibility to reduce the amount of solid waste that is disposed of at the landfill facilities.

• Published: 2011-09-29T13:30:16-07:00
• Author: Anna Krupp, Dumpsters & Roll Off Container Consultant