Recycling

Recycling is the reprocessing of materials into new products. Recycling generally prevents the waste of potentially useful materials, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, and hence greenhouse gas emissions.

Recyclable materials

also called "recyclables" or "recyclates", may originate from a wide range of sources including the home and industry. They include glass, paper, aluminium, asphalt, iron, textiles and plastics. Biodegradable waste, such as food waste or garden waste, is also recyclable with the assistance of micro-organisms through composting or anaerobic digestion.

Collection

There are two common household methods of recycling. In curb side collection (UK: kerbside collection), consumers leave pre-sorted recyclable materials in front of their property to be collected by a recycling vehicle. With a "bring" or carry-in system, the householder takes the materials to collection points, such as transfer stations or civic amenity sites.

Types of Recyclables

• Glass

• Cans

• Cardboard

• Aluminium Foil

• Paper

• Plastic Bottles

• Plastic Bags

• Batteries

• Kitchen and Green Garden Waste

• Juice Cartons / PaperBoard

• Electrical Equipment

• recycle Plastic Type number

Resources

• RecycleNow.com

• Think Cans

• Westminster.org

• Belfast City Council

• Pennsylvania DEP

• New Zealand Steel can Recycle Campaign