Recycling is the process of collecting, sorting, and remanufacturing used materials into new products to reduce waste. It involves three main steps - collecting and sorting recyclables, manufacturing them into new materials, and selling the recycled products. In the US, only 34% of waste is recycled each year. Recycling helps conserve natural resources, prevents pollution, saves energy, creates jobs, and leads to a more sustainable future. Common items that can be recycled include aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, and cardboard. People can recycle through curbside pickup programs, drop-off centers, or by starting their own recycling initiatives.

1. Recycling
Why It Matters
By: Zachary Smith

2. What is Recycling?
• The act of collecting, sorting, and
remanufacturing or converting used or waste
products into new materials
• Series of steps involved
• Common recyclables: aluminum cans, glass
bottles, and plastic bottles

3. Process of Recycling
• Three steps: collecting and sorting,
manufacturing, and selling
– Collecting and sorting: gathering and categorizing
all recyclable materials respectively
– Manufacturing: Products are broken down and
used to create new materials
– Selling: Consumers buy recycled goods
• “Closes the loop”

4. Recycling Statistics
• United States – average waste = 200 million tons
per year
• Recycling rate = 34%
– Aluminum = 58.1% rate
– Plastic = 28% rate
• 20 recycled cans for one new can
• Recycled plastic – 84% reduction in energy use

5. Source: EPA

6. Benefits of Recycling
• Reduces waste in landfills
• Conserves natural resources
• Prevents pollution
• Saves energy
• New jobs
• Sustainable future

7. What can I Recycle?
• Aluminum cans
• Plastics – numbers 1, 2, 4, 5
• Glass bottles
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Electronics
• Metals
• Batteries

8. Where can I Recycle?
• Curbside pickups
• Recycling centers – Money incentives
– E.g. Clovis Recycling Center
• Recycling bins
• Start your own program!

9. Why does it matter?
• Save the Earth
• Save our resources
• Decrease emissions
• Less Waste

10. What can I do?
• RECYCLE!
• Sort
• Start a program
• Research
• Educate others
• Ask your school or work

11. Resources
• EPA Website
• Waste Management
• “Benefits of Recycling”

12. Works Cited
• 1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
– (http://www2.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics)
• Waste Management
– (http://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp)
• Benefits of Recycling
– (http://www.benefits-of-
recycling.com/whyisrecyclingimportant/)
• Keep America Beautiful
– (http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recycling_fact
s_and_stats)
• University of Oregon
– (http://pages.uoregon.edu/recycle/after_collection.html#when)