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Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into reusable materials. It often deals with materials that cannot be composted, such as certain plastics and metals. Composting involves breaking down organic waste to create fertilizer, soil, and other organic materials. Both are considered eco-friendly and contribute to the circular economy. Both can be reused. However, some materials that can be composted end up in the recycling bin.
Recycling is usually performed by collecting, sorting, and separating materials at a facility and using various methods, such as shredding, grinding, and smelting, to recover the source material for reuse. Composting utilizes bacteria, fungi, and algae to decompose organic matter for reuse.
Both recycling and composting are beneficial to the environment. Reuse reduces greenhouse gases and landfill waste, enriches soil, and conserves water. Recycling means that virgin resources will not have to be utilized to manufacture new items, which can contribute to resource scarcity and depletion. Composting does not contribute to pollution, and it costs very little compared to recycling (even after accounting for fertilizers and pesticides).
According to the waste hierarchy, an EU-conceived best-to-worst ranking system for waste management, recycling is superior to composting. The hierarchy ranks from best to worst: prevention, reuse, recycling, recovery, and disposal. Composting falls between recycling and recovery, which is better than disposal but not as good as recycling. This is because the system promotes circularity, prioritizing reusing existing materials in circulation over extracting virgin materials to produce new ones.
Some might think that composting is a form of recycling since it technically converts a material into another use. While this is true, it doesn’t extend the life of the material. Proper composting takes time. Recycling immediately benefits the environment. Composting also opens the door to the possibility of contaminating our soil and waterways.
If you consider recycling and composting broadly, recycling makes the most sense. However, in individual cases, composting may still be the better option. Most food waste and compostable packaging are better off being commercially composted. Composting this material reduces methane emissions associated with organics in landfills. In addition, it is best for all organic matter, including yard waste such as grass clippings, leaves, weeds, manure, and food waste, to be composted.
Many use the words “biodegradable” and “compostable” interchangeably; however, some key differences exist. All naturally compostable materials are biodegradable, but not all biodegradable materials are compostable. Biodegradable materials can take an indefinite time to break down and can turn into a variety of end products that compostable products cannot. Compostable products usually break down in a short span of time and provide nutrients for the soil. Some biodegradable materials will break down under the right conditions, such as in an industrial-controlled, temperature-regulated facility, but not in someone’s backyard. Biodegradable items are not necessarily 100% organic and thus is not regulated. Compostable materials, on the other hand, are regulated.
In-home composting is a slow process, typically taking between 4 weeks to 12 months. Industrial composting facilities utilize temperature and humidity control and aeration to decompose compostable materials faster. In addition, industrial composting involves larger volumes of materials and can accept a wider variety of organic materials, including meat, dairy, and some compostable plastics. Another factor to consider is that industrial waste must be transported, increasing the environmental impact through vehicle emissions and electricity. A benefit to at-home composting is that the material is recycled at the source.
When possible, compost food, garden waste, and organic material, as it is both easy and cost-effective. These items take up precious landfill space and often cannot be recycled. Plastics, metals, and certain paper products should always be recycled. Not all plastics are accepted. Items contaminated with food are often sent to landfills. Contact your local recycling services for a list of items they will and will not accept.
Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables once they leave your home or business? Maybe you’ve asked yourself whether separating glass, plastic, and paper actually makes a difference—or if it all ends up in the same place anyway. Recycling is more than just tossing items into a bin and forgetting about them. It’s a complex, vital process that helps conserve resources, reduce waste, and protect the environment.
Today, we’re tracing the life cycle of recyclables, uncovering how they are processed and transformed into new products. From sorting to reprocessing, this behind-the-scenes look will help you understand the importance of recycling and inspire you to make even smarter waste management choices.
The answer? It depends.
Trash and recyclables are either source-separated or commingled. With source-separated recycling, plastics, glass, paper, food scraps, and other items are placed in separate containers before leaving your home or office. Commingling allows all recyclables to be placed in a single container and sorted later at a recycling facility.
Studies reveal that commingled recycling increases participation since it simplifies the process for consumers. However, both methods have pros and cons, and the type used typically depends on your local recycling program.
Once your waste is collected, it takes one of three paths:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 75% of all waste is recyclable, yet only a fraction of this potential is realized. By recycling smarter, we can decrease landfill use, conserve raw resources, and reduce environmental damage.
Non-recyclables head to waste-to-energy plants, composts, or landfills. Once sorted, recyclable materials head to reprocessing facilities. But what happens next varies by material.
Recycling different materials comes with its own challenges and solutions. Here’s what happens once your recyclables leave the sorting facility:
Glass jars and bottles can be endlessly recycled without losing quality. However, not all glass is created equal. Items like light bulbs, window glass, and ceramics can’t be recycled due to differing melting points and materials. Mixed glass weakens new products and causes issues in manufacturing.
Plastic is a tougher challenge due to its low recycling rate and various types. Many plastics can’t be recycled due to contamination or lack of market demand. Even for recyclable plastic, it’s unlikely to return as the same product. Instead, items like milk jugs may become plastic strapping, flower pots, or polyester fibers.
Composting transforms food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. However, the potential for composting is far underutilized.
Used motor oil can be cleaned and reused as fuel, lubricant, or asphalt tar, reducing the environmental damage caused by improper disposal.
While recycling offers numerous benefits, it’s not without challenges:
These roadblocks highlight the importance of being informed and mindful about what and how we recycle.
Recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce your environmental impact. By sorting materials correctly, staying informed about local regulations, and choosing recyclable options, we can collectively increase the percentage of recycled waste.
Recycling conserves resources like trees, metals, and water and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for producing raw materials. Items like paper, glass, and metals can live second or third lives, and even plastics have potential when handled properly.
The next time you toss something in the recycling bin, remember you’re part of a larger process that benefits both your community and the environment. Want to make an even bigger impact? Recycle smarter and work with a trusted partner.
At Always Buying Scrap, we make recycling straightforward, efficient, and rewarding. From scrap metals to bulk waste, we provide waste container services tailored to your needs. Book with us today and be part of the solution to reduce waste and recycle more effectively.
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