| WHAT
IS RECYCLING ? The word recycling
describes the process of retrieving used material from the industrial and domestic waste
stream and remaking it into new and sometimes different products.
Another Definition could be:
"Recycling"means separating, collecting, processing, and ultimately using a
material that would have been thrown away. Basically, the materials are reused, or
remanufactured into new products. Some products, such as glass, can be recycled or reused
over and over again. This morning's newspaper can be recycled into another morning's news.
Many new products are being made from recovered materials.
WHY RECYLE ?
When we recycle, we reduce our demand for the
raw materials of our fragile environment. We also reduce power consumption. Making
products from recycled material often lowers the amount of energy required in processing.
For example, recycling aluminium uses a mere five percent of the energy needed to produce
new aluminium.
Adding old glass to batches of new glass
reduces the energy requirement of the furnaces by up to 25 percent. When we use less
energy we reduce our output of harmful 'greenhouse' gasses from fossil fuel burning. When
we recycle goods, they are used productively and do not enter the waste stream. We reduce
unsightly pollution and ease the impact on waste disposal and fast filling landfill sites.
Waste output can be minimised if we reduce, reuse, recycle and buy products made from
recycled materials. We should consume less, re-use more packaging in the home and office,
and use local recycling facilities.
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