It’s time to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15! According to the America Recycles Day website, this day is designated as “ONE DAY to Educate. ONE DAY to Motivate. ONE DAY to Make Recycling Bigger & Better. ” It’s a reminder of the importance and impact of recycling.
Despite the significance of recycling, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the United States has a recycling rate of only 32% for materials such as glass, plastic, cardboard, and paper. This statistic includes collections from residential trash. The low rate highlights a significant opportunity for improvement, and America Recycles Day provides a perfect occasion to increase participation.
One misconception about recycling is that it is a complicated process, but it is actually quite simple. Recycling correctly begins with understanding what can and cannot be recycled. Knowing what to recycle is the first step in making a significant impact. For example, clean and dry paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and aluminum cans can be recycled in almost every program. It’s essential to rinse out containers to avoid contamination, which can render whole batches of recyclables unusable. Most community programs include other materials, as well.
Recycling is not only important for environmental preservation but also for economic benefits. The 2020 Recycling Economic Information Report reveals that for every 1,000 tons of recyclables collected and recycled, 1.17 jobs, $65,230 in wages, and $9,420 in tax revenues are generated on a national average. This means that by recycling more, we can contribute to job creation, boost the economy, and increase tax revenues, all while reducing the strain on our natural resources.
Visit the EPA America Recycles page and America Recycles Day to pledge your support and learn how to recycle more. If you have any questions about your community’s reuse and recycling programs, contact your local solid waste authority.
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