Recycling

Because it re-uses materials, recycling is placed one step above co-processing on the waste management hierarchy. This widely accepted practice involves re-processing existing end products and re-using the basic raw materials to create a new product. ⁷ The most familiar of these is the recycling of aluminum cans, glass bottles and paper products.

Key points to consider about recycling

• Enables responsible use of resources; lowers cost for waste disposal.
• Promotes responsible consumption behavior within the community.
• Requires the use of fewer raw natural resources; minimizes waste sent to landfills.

The effects of recycling

• Companies - recycling enables companies to feel better about their use of resources; garners them favorable publicity; and lowers waste disposal costs.
• Communities - recycling creates a sense of pride for communities, as well as jobs in the recycling industry.
• Environment - re-use of materials reduces use of raw natural resources; and minimizes waste sent to landfills, which reduces potential for soil or groundwater contamination.
  
  
  
  

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7. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_management