Recycling is the last part of the phrase "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle"!

There are two types of recycling: open and closed loop!

In an open loop cycle, the recycled item can become something else. For example, a recycled plastic bottle would become a pipe.

In a closed loop cycle, a recycle item becomes the same item again. For example, a recycled aluminum can would become another aluminum can.

Open Loop Closed Loop

You may be wondering, "Why should I recycle?"

Well, there are many benefits to recycling!

When you recycle, you save energy and resources, and you protect the environment!

However, you can't just recycle everything! There are only a few certain materials that can be recycled.

Metals can be recycled, but only certain ones!

Aluminum, tin, and steel cans can all be recycled.

However, things such as ceramics, heat-resistant glass, CRT monitors, and windows should not be recycled!

There are organizations who accept old windows, ceramics, and CRT monitors.

Certain types of glass, including jars and bottles, can also be recycled!

If the glass is clear, brown, or green, it is safe to recycle!

Just about every household plastic can be recycled! However, if the plastic is dirty, it will not be accepted.

Make sure to clean all plastic containers before you put them in a recycling bin! If you don't, that plastic will end up going to a landfill.