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are the recyclable materials. These are recycled all over the world however for now we are
recycling only paper,glass and hopefully we will start to collect tin cans
Leaves
twigs, and garden trimmings must be separated for composting (a process that
produces a mulch). These materials take up valuable space in landfills and can interfere
with the burning process in waste incinerators.
Individuals can and should
recycle waste oil and automotive
batteries that result from do-it-yourself auto maintenance activities.
GLASS
Glass is completely
recyclable and saves precious energy resources. Making products from recycled glass uses
less energy than starting from scratch. Recycled glass is made into new beverage bottles,
food jars, insulation and other construction materials.
Usually, clear glass
containers are recycled into new clear glass products, while colored glass containers are
recycled into new colored glass products. For this reason, some recycling programs may ask
you to separate glass containers by color. Since food in containers can attract insects,
rinse them in water. Labels do not need to be removed. Some recycling programs will ask
that lids and metal rings around the necks of containers be removed. DO NOT include window
glass, ceramics, light bulbs or ovenware, because these items can damage a glass
manufacturer's furnace.
NEWSPAPER
Newspapers are commonly
recycled into paperboard, new newsprint, insulation and animal bedding products. Recycling
newspapers saves valuable space in landfills. Put newspapers in paper bags or tie in
bundles with string. In general, you can include any inserts (advertisements, comics)
originally delivered with the paper.
OTHER PAPER PRODUCTS
Office paper can be recycled
into other writing paper, tissue and towel products. Corrugated paper is used to make new
paperboard and corrugated boxes. Some programs are now recycling magazines, catalogs,
telephone directories and unwanted "junk" mail. These materials should be
handled in the same way as newsprint: store in paper bags or tie in bundles.
ALUMINUM
Aluminum is the most valuable
of household recyclables. Aluminum cans are recycled to produce new aluminum cans. By
recycling aluminum cans, you are helping to conserve energy. To make sure that a can is
aluminum, use a magnet and see that it DOES NOT stick to the can's top and sides. Rinse
the cans to prevent attracting insects and crush them if you need to save space.
Other sources of household
aluminum such as clean aluminum foil, clean pie tins, aluminum siding, and the metal
frames of aluminum lawn furniture also can be recycled. These items, however, may not be
accepted by your local program or may require special handling. Check with your local
recycling program.
STEEL CANS
Steel cans are eagerly sought
by the steel industry because they are a good source of steel scrap and their tin coating
also can be recovered and recycled. A magnet sticks to steel cans. You might want to
flatten food and beverage cans to save space. As with other recyclable containers, they
should be rinsed. Many recycling programs also collect empty steel aerosol cans and paint
cans.
PLASTIC
The plastics industry has
developed a coding system to help consumers identify different types of plastic resins
used in packaging. The codes can be found on the bottom of most plastic containers. Of the
many types of plastics used in packaging, two types of plastic from household trash are
commonly recycled today:
Plastic Soda Bottles:
The material used to make plastic soda bottles (polythylene terephthalate or PET) is
recyclable. These bottles are coded with the number 1 and the letters PETE. About
30 percent of all PET bottles sold are recycled into a variety of products. The
bottles you recycle could end up as carpet backing, sleeping bag insulation, containers
for non-food items, tool handles, auto parts and even clothing. Rinse, remove caps and
rings, and flatten bottles to save space.
Plastic Milk
Jugs: The plastic used in one-gallon milk and water jugs (high density
polyethylene or HDPE) is also recycled to make products such as trash cans, flower pots
and plastic pipe. Your recycling program may also accept other HDPE containers such as
those sued for laundry products. These containers are coded with the number 2 and the
letters HDPE. As with other containers, rinse and flatten them to save space.
Recycling opportunities for
other plastic products, including plastic foam cups and plastic cutlery, are expanding. It
is important that you recycle only those types of plastics that your community or hauler
specifies.
TONER CARTRIDES
Toner cartrides are recyclable materials too.
They are taken by Bilkent University Support Services and delivered TEMA.
LEAVES AND OTHER YARD DEBRIS
Anyone who has done yard work
knows that leaves, twigs and trimmings take up a lot of space. As a result, the recycling
law requires counties to make a plan for disposing of this waste in a way that doesn't
take up valuable landfill space. Luckily, leaves and yard debris quickly reduce in volume
if composted or allowed to degrade into a rich mulch that is an excellent plant
fertilizer. You can compost in your own backyard or at a central composting site in some
locations.
MOTOR OIL
If oil is dumped into sewers, soil or streams, it can
pollute the water that we drink. Fortunately, used motor oil can be recycled into heating
fuel, industrial lubricants and even new motor oil. Your role is simple: store the oil in
a sturdy container and take it to an auto repair shop that accepts used oil.
USED CAR BATTERIES
Lead-acid type of battery is recyclable and must be
taken to a recycling center that takes batteries or an automotive battery retailer in
exchange for a new one.
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