Materials

Paper makes up 27 percent of municipal solid waste, which is more than any other individual material Americans throw away. For this reason, the need to recycle paper is extremely important to reduce the amount of waste placed in landfills. In 2012 Americans recycled about 65 percent of the paper…

Did you know one gallon of motor oil can pollute 1 million gallons of water? Household paints and automotive oils are considered Household Hazardous Waste by the EPA. It is estimated that Americans discard as much as 69 million gallons of paint and 500 million gallons of motor oil each…

Almost all metals can be divided into two main categories: Ferrous and Non-Ferrous metals. The main difference between the two is that ferrous metals and alloys contain iron and non-ferrous materials do not. In terms of recycling and reusing these materials there are several other key differences to understand. Ferrous…

Glass is a resource that can be completely recycled with no loss in quality and purity. It is made from readily-available domestic materials, such as sand, soda ash, limestone, and furnace-ready scrap glass called cullet. Glass is recycled by heating large quantities of glass at high temperatures and then molded…

Furniture can be very difficult to throw away on a curbside, so recycling and reusing is an appealing option for most people interested in upgrading the look of their living room or bedroom. While a recycling center will receive, break down and process old furniture, there are several different options…

Computers and electronic devices have been integral in providing services for communications all over the world. Technology evolves at a rapid pace,  and so many electronic devices are making their way to the dump because of how quickly they become outdated. Because of consumer demand for new products, landfills are…

Composting is one of the most easily recyclable resources that are frequently trashed. Composting is a controlled process of decomposition of organic material. Placing yard and food waste into composting bins helps naturally occurring soil organisms recycle nitrogen, potash, phosphorus, and other plant nutrients, which can be used on lawns,…

Medical waste are any materials that pertain to personal health, including pills, needles and syringes, and inhalers. This also includes equipment used in hospitals and medical care centers. Until recently recycling sharp materials, or “sharps,” was not seriously considered by many hospitals. A survey in 2010 estimated that hospitals generate…

Construction Materials are the items discarded after a construction or demolition project. Types of materials include: Concrete Tile Wood/Lumber Plastics Doors Windows Insulation Carpet Because of chemical treatments applied to many construction materials, it is encouraged to recycle as much of the materials as possible. Sustainable Resources made a useful…

Batteries of all shapes and sizes supply power to everyday electronics like toys and power tools. They run commuter trains, provide backup power for hospitals, and help control power fluctuations. Batteries come in a variety of shapes and sizes but all batteries have two common elements that combine to make…

Asbestos is a mineral commonly used as building materials until the mid-20th century. It made desirable insulation because of its widely adaptable uses, its ability to absorb sound, and its resistance to fire, heat, chemical and electrical damage. Because asbestos was later proven to be a serious health risk for…