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The recycling industry is changing rapidly. And this is driven in large part by increased consumer demand for more eco-friendly products. This is great news. But it also means that we might sometimes be dealing with outdated information. The following are 5 common myths about recycling.
Sorting out your trash helps ensure that the recycling process runs smoothly. This is true regardless of what recycling system your community uses.
Even if your area uses a single-stream recycling system, not sorting out your trash can result in a lot of contamination. This leads to increased waste, as valuable materials might not get the chance to get recycled. Contamination can also damage machinery, and pose a hazard for workers.All over the world, there are millions of people who make a living out of collecting waste. Often, these people are some of the poorest and most marginalised in the country. As a result, there are many who incorrectly believe that picking up their own trash for recycling will rob a less fortunate person of their income. But the truth is that it is always better to contribute to recycling. In fact, waste collectors represent an important part of community recycling efforts.
The recycling industry is complex. And many informal waste pickers actually sell to established businesses within the recycling industry. And even more are unionising, and seeking formal protection and acknowledgment from their local governments. In short, these informal waste picks work with established recycling chains – not against them.It is now possible to recycle a wider range of products than ever before. And product manufacturers are always developing new ways to make recycling easier. In fact, more and more recycling facilities are even able to process “less desirable” materials, such as plastic wrap, grocery bags, and items made of mixed materials. These positive changes are largely due to increased consumer demand for recyclable products.
It is always a good idea to check in with your local council for the latest recycling rules.Recycling is a valuable tool in the fight against climate change and pollution. The benefits of recycling to the planet are clear. The benefits of recycling to human well-being are also clear.Many items can be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality. Glass and metal, including aluminium, are excellent examples of this.
It is true that some materials can only be recycled a few times. Paper, for example, loses quality each time it is recycled. The same is true for most plastics. But the quality of materials made from recycled paper and plastic has improved substantially in recent years. In fact, now we can recycle a piece of virgin paper 5 to 7 times. After that, it can still be made into things like packaging inserts and egg cartons. The same is true for recycled plastic, which can be reused as lumber for decks and benches, or mixed into asphalt for more durable materials.Recycling is one of our greatest tools against climate change. It helps reduce pollution, and helps us recover valuable materials. It reduces energy consumption. It even helps us cut down on greenhouse emissions. Indeed, there are many benefits to recycling. That’s why it’s important to do it right.
The recycling industry will continue to evolve. And in order for us to do our part in the recycling process, we must stay abreast of new information. At Whistle Clean Australia, we believe in dispelling the old myths of yesterday. So we hope you enjoyed learning about the 5 most common recycling myths.
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