Knowing What You Can Recycle | US Waste and Recycling

If you want to do what you can to protect the environment, it helps to have a clear understanding of recycling serving Atlanta. You are probably aware of how recycling can reduce the burden on landfills and put used materials back into circulation, but do you know exactly which materials can be recycled? Plastic, glass, and metal recycling all differ from each other, and it is important to understand what you can and cannot recycle. Continue on if you are interested in knowing what you can recycle.

Plastic

Plastic is one of the most recyclable materials, and for those who enjoy soda or bottled water, it is also very popular. The manufacture of new plastic contributes to waste and requires the use of fossil fuels, however, which makes recycling of plastic products even more important. It is important to remember to clean your plastic products before recycling them. Even small amounts of unclean plastic can contaminate other plastics in the bale, which means that the whole bale will end up in a landfill. If you are wondering if a given plastic container can be recycled, consider its shape; if it is a jug, bottle, or jar, it can probably be recycled.

Glass

It is important to realize that not all types of glass are recyclable, and glass itself may not be accepted in certain areas. The characteristic brown glass used for beer bottles is advantageous because it protects the contents from sunlight, making it an important commodity for many businesses. An even more popular type of glass is clear glass, which allows the consumer to view the product inside the container. Green glass, like brown glass, preserves the contents and protects them from sunlight. All of these types of glasses are commonly recycled.

Metal

Much – though not all – of metal recycling is related to metals like aluminum and steel. Roughly half of aluminum cans are recycled; while this is an impressive amount, millions of tons of aluminum are still thrown away on a yearly basis. Products like aluminum foil can also be recycled, but remember to wipe your foil clean before recycling.