Recycling is a crucial part of protecting the environment. Knowing what to recycle, and understanding its benefits, in an effective motivator to help get you started on the process. Whether you want to make changes at home or on a larger scale, you’ll find everything you need to know about recycling below.

Common Recycling Questions Answered

What can be recycled?

Plastic bottles, containers, and accessories can all be recycled. Paper and cardboard, such as from cereal boxes, moving supplies, and junk mail, can be reused. Aluminum, tin, and steel in most forms can be melted down and reused in manufacturing, and the same goes for glass bottles, food containers, and related items. When recycling, try to keep these clean so they’re easier to process.

How does it benefit the environment?

The basis of recycling is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills or trash incinerators. Trash can sit for years in landfills, the machinery used to manage it leads to carbon emissions and energy waste. Recycling also conserves natural resource; new minerals don’t have to be mined, and more trees won’t need to be cut down.

How are the items recycled?

Once recyclables are collected, they’re transported to a sorting facility. They’re then separated from the trash that is headed to the landfill. Once they’re broken down into their raw state, manufacturers will purchase the raw materials to reuse in their new products. This can be for cardboard boxes, paper, aluminum cans, and everyday items in the home or workplace. The more recyclable items you purchase, the larger the market will be for manufacturers. In turn, this will increase the sales, repurchasing, and remanufacturing cycle.

How can I start recycling at my home or business?

Getting started is easier than you may think. Start by investing in recycling bins for your home and office, familiarize yourself with what goes in each. Purchase as many recyclable goods as possible. You can drop off your recyclables at a center each week or schedule pickup with a local garbage collection company.

If you’re ready to start recycling, Sterling Superior Services provides comprehensive pickup services. They’ve served Southeastern Connecticut for over 18 years, and their fully licensed and insured professionals can assist with demolition hauling and waste removal and processing. They also provide roll-off dumpster rentals and handling all recycling processes at their second facility, Superior Recycling. Call (860) 642-7351 to schedule trash pickup and visit their website to learn more about their company.