The past few decades have seen a surge in awareness about the impact humans have on the environment. Now, more people want to recycle their used items to lower their carbon footprint. Despite their good intentions, many are misguided about how recycling works. Below are a few myths about this environmentally friendly practice and the truth behind them.

3 Misconceptions About Recycling Debunked

1. You Don’t Have to Sort Items

Single-stream recycling systems have allowed consumers to place plastic, paper, glass, and metal in one bin. While this seems to be convenient, it doubles the work for recyclers.

Glass and plastic waste, along with other chemicals, can contaminate paper, which makes it difficult or impossible to recycle. If you are serious about recycling, sort your trash correctly, and follow local policies for garbage segregation and collection.

2. Single-Use Plastic Bottles Can Be Recycled Many Times

Many individuals believe that water bottles are shredded, melted, and then made into new plastic items. While this is true, the quality of the recycled plastic also diminishes, making them unfit to be water bottles again.

Furthermore, these can only be recycled once. Although water bottles cannot produce new water bottles, they can become other non-recyclable plastic products, like coverings for food or packaging.

3. Plastics Labeled as Biodegradable Are Sustainable

The term biodegradable is often associated with sustainability. Many consumers think that when they buy biodegradable utensils, they can throw them into the bin along with other food waste, thinking that they will degrade over time.

However, these items will only biodegrade under special conditions, such as in industrial facilities where they are melted down under intense heat. Otherwise, they end up polluting the environment, just like other plastic items.

 

 

If you are looking for reliable recycling and trash removal solutions, depend on Sterling Superior Services. For nearly two decades, this fully licensed and insured demolition and trash hauling company has been providing reliable roll-off dumpster rentals and garbage collection services in the Southeastern Connecticut area. Their facility, Superior Recycling, sorts through recyclables to continue preserving the planet. Call (860) 642-7351 or visit their website to learn more about their services.