For most of the population, recycling is a new thing and most are unsure as to what it’s really all about.
Here are some brief FAQ’s about recycling for beginners. These should help you answer the question “why” you should recycle and how to start recycling.
Once you have read through the FAQ’s, take a look at the resources we have available to help you launch your recycling plan for your office:
Why should I?
When we simply throw things away, they are no longer useful. They end up in landfills, or incinerated and become an environmental contaminate. Recycling allows these same things to be recovered; they don’t end up in the waste stream and they can be provided as materials for new products.
Why is it important?
I know we hear all the hype and it becomes hard to know what to believe, but there is a real global problem with too much waste being produced by all of us. Did you know that we produce so much synthetic waste that we are running out of space to bury it? It’s becoming more and more difficult to dispose of it in other ways without contaminating the environment.
Is it really worth it?
The answer is a resounding YES! Business and industry benefit from recycling. Recovering raw material from existing waste items is more cost effective than the costs of original manufacturing processes. The benefit to the environment remains the number one reason. Using recycled materials helps to reduce destructive extraction processes and the energy required to obtain raw materials.
Is home waste really affected by recycling?
Let’s look at synthetic waste; between 60% and 75% of all home waste can be usefully recycled. More resources are made available for reusing these materials for new manufacturing when people are engaged in home recycling. It also lessens the load on waste disposal.
I pay taxes for waste collection – why is it my problem?
We all need to come to the realization that it is our personal responsibility to care for our environment and that it only takes a little time to set aside your recycling items. In fact, most cities now provide services (your tax dollars) to pick up recycling at your curbside. We also provide services to pick up recycling – just give us a call – we’ll handle it!
I just don’t have the time to do it – can’t I just say no?
Most people assume that recycling is just for those “green fanatics’ but we have overwhelming evidence in place that demonstrates the problems of synthetic waste and that the environmental contamination happening threatens our health, changes the weather patterns and even our planetary eco-systems.
How do I start?
By doing what is easy and simple – no one says you have to become an expert over night! Realize that the word ‘away’ really doesn’t exist – when we throw something ‘away’ it just goes someplace else and someone else has to deal with it. More than likely it becomes a contamination to the environment.
What are the basics?
First, find out what recycling items can be collected curbside by your city. Do they provide a box or bin? If so, start using it to recycle these items. You can Google anything – just google “recycling” and add your zip code or city. Most cities provide websites or printed information that give you the details on what you can recycle and how to separate the items so there is no contamination. Certain plastics need to be separated. You can even recycle your plastic shopping bags – just check with your local grocery store.
Will it cost me anything?
I might cost you some time but does not need to cost any money. You will need to rinse/wash, separate and store items for recycling collection day. If you do not have curbside collections, it might require a little gas to take it to a drop center.
If I do this, is it really going to make a difference?
What we need to understand is that even a small contribution to recycling is important and can make a vast difference in our landfills. Even if you take one small action every day, like taking your own cup to work will help to reduce your carbon footprint. Now, let’s multiply that by several million people and now we’re talking about a significant difference!
Just remember – start small – every little bit counts!
Click here for more information on office recycling and how Express Sanitation can help you!
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