Recycling Basics and Benefits

Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. Recycling can benefit your community, the economy, and the environment. Products should only be recycled if they cannot be reduced or reused.

Benefits of Recycling

Environment

Recycling provides many benefits to our environment. By recycling our materials, we create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations. 

Conserve natural resources: Recycling reduces the need to extract resources such as timber, water, and minerals for new products.

Climate change: According to the most recent EPA data, the recycling and composting of municipal solid waste (MSW or trash) saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. 

Energy savings: Recycling conserves energy. For example, recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours.

Waste and pollution reduction: Recycling diverts waste away from landfills and incinerators, which reduces the harmful effects of pollution and emissions. 

Economy

EPA released significant findings on the economic benefits of the recycling industry with an update to the national Recycling Economic Information (REI) Study in 2020. This study analyzes the numbers of jobs, wages and tax revenues attributed to recycling. The study found that in a single year, recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for:

• 681,000 jobs,

• $37.8 billion in wages, and

• $5.5 billion in tax revenues.

This equates to 1.17 jobs per 1,000 tons of materials recycled and $65.23 in wages and $9.42 in tax revenue for every ton of materials recycled.

Reducing and Reusing Basics

The most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place. Making a new product emits greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and requires a lot of materials and energy - raw materials must be extracted from the earth, and the product must be fabricated then transported to wherever it will be sold. As a result, reduction and reuse are the most effective ways you can save natural resources, protect the environment and save money.

Benefits of Reducing and Reusing

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. 

• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials.

• Saves energy.

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change.

• Helps sustain the environment for future generations.

• Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators.

• Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.

• Saves money.

Ideas on How to Reduce and Reuse

• Think Green Before You Shop. Reduce associated greenhouse gas emissions by thinking green when you shop. 

• Reduce your food waste by shopping smart, buying what you need, composting food scraps, and donating unused food to food banks or shelters.

• Reuse or repurpose items such as old clothing, cloth grocery bags, and containers to prevent waste. 

• Buy used items to reduce waste as well as the emissions created by producing new materials or disposing of them in landfills. Donate unused clothing, electronics and building materials to make sure others can reuse them too! 

• Buy products made with recycled content. Check labels to see if a product or its packaging is made from recycled materials. 

• Maintain and repair products, like clothing, tires and appliances, so that they won't have to be thrown out and replaced as frequently. 

• Borrow, rent or share items that are used infrequently, like party decorations, tools or furniture. 

Donation

One person's trash is another person's treasure. Instead of discarding unwanted appliances, tools or clothes, try selling or donating them. Not only will you be reducing waste, you'll be helping others. Local churches, community centers, thrift stores, schools and nonprofit organizations may accept a variety of donated items, including used books, working electronics and unneeded furniture.

Benefits of Donation

• Prevents usable goods from going into landfills

• Helps your community and those in need

• Tax benefits may be available