When you throw something into the trash, a chain reaction begins. The item is likely picked up by a truck, compacted, and then buried or incinerated. While you’ll never see the garbage again, it may negatively impact your community in myriad ways. That’s why it’s important to turn to recycling for glass, metal, plastic, and paper items. Below, David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center in Cincinnati, OH, shares some reasons why you should think twice before tossing something in the trash if it can be recycled.

Top 3 Reasons You Should Start Recycling

1. To Earn a Little Cash

Many recycling centers offer an incentive for people to bring in recyclable materials. Payouts can range from a couple dollars to a few hundred, depending on the market and what you have to offer. Materials like copper and aluminum can earn big payouts if you bring in good-quality metals. 

2. To Reduce Your Impact on Landfills

Landfills take up space in your community that could be used for other purposes, like parks, home developments, or schools. Most of the trash you create ends up in these large areas, which could benefit the local residents in a less damaging way.

3. To Protect Wildlife

Many of today’s wild animal deaths are caused by human waste. For example, old appliances that are sent to the landfill can leak hazardous materials that harm the many creatures who live there through contaminated soil, air, and groundwater. Recycling has a direct impact on the well-being of the wildlife in your area.

Recycling is easy. Just collect acceptable materials like cast iron, brass, insulated wires, and glass, and bring them to a recycling center near you. Some require single-material collections where you have to sort everything, and others take mixed donations. Don’t forget to ask about the going rate for acceptable materials. There’s nothing wrong with a little extra incentive to recycle! Get started today by calling David Hirschberg Steel & Recycling Center at (513) 821-0514, or visit the website for information on their metal recycling and industrial surplus sales.