If you're interested in recycling, find out more about Where you can start recycling process, what to recycle in Florida, and discover the positive effect your recycling efforts are making. Recycling is a resource recovery practice that refers to the collection and reprocessing of a solid waste "resource" so it can be reused. The materials from which the items are made can be reprocessed into new products.
Each of us can contribute by continuing to recycle as much as possible at or away from home. The challenge is for the recycling efforts of businesses, counties, and governmental agencies to match or exceed those that are leading the way. Following the recycling habits in Florida has several advantages;
Recycling protects the environment and conserves natural resources
When we recycle, used materials and solid wastes are converted into new products, reducing the need to consume new natural resources. If used materials are not recycled, new products are made by consuming fresh, raw material from the Earth, through forestry and mining. Recycling reduces the need for extracting, processing, and refining raw materials all of which create major air and water pollution. So, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which helps to tackle climate change. Therefore, Recycling helps protect natural habitats for the future and conserves important raw materials[1].
Recycling saves energy
Using recycled materials in the industrial process uses considerably less energy than that needed for producing new products from raw materials. Besides, there are extra energy savings because more energy is needed to extract, transport, refine, and process raw materials ready for industry compared with providing manufacture-ready materials[1].
Recycling reduces solid wastes and landfill sites
When we recycle, recyclable materials are converted into new products, and as a result, the amount of rubbish sent to landfill sites reduces[1].
What to recycle in Florida?
In 2010 the state Legislature set a recycling goal of 75 percent by 2020 for Florida counties. The Waste Reduction section is responsible for monitoring and promoting statewide recycling and waste reduction programs as well as the recycling and proper management of household hazardous waste, medications, mercury lamps (fluorescent) and batteries, devices (thermostats), and scrap electronics[2].
Mercury is used in many everyday products that have an environmental benefit such as fluorescent lamps that use less energy than traditional incandescent lamps. Unless they are recycled, however, the mercury from the disposal of these discarded products can contaminate the surface water, groundwater, and the air[2].
Under Florida law, Rechargeable batteries must be recycled. Toxic heavy metals like cadmium and lead can adversely affect public health and the environment[2].
Unwanted electronics equipment should be recycled to recover and reuse the product itself or materials like steel, copper, or glass that the product includes. Other materials such as lead (in the glass cathode ray tube (CRT) found in many computer and televisions monitors) and mercury (in the fluorescent flat panel displays) should be recycled to reuse the materials and to reduce the chance that these toxic materials could be released to the environment[3].
How you can help increase recycling rates in Florida
Several daily practices enable you and your family to maximize what goes into your recycling bin. You should be a bin smart. Please remember your recyclable material should be dry, clean, empty, and loose. Please do not put your recyclable solid wastes in plastic carrier bags. Furthermore, there are important recycling tips including, Take all lids off plastic bottles and put in the general waste bin, Wash any food or drink from items you put into your bin, and Try separating your recycling and solid waste rubbish in the bathroom to make it easier when you take items out to the recycling bins[3].
There are so many items in your day to be waste that can be recycled and convert into something new. Just by putting cereal boxes, cans, paper, and plastic bottles into your recycling bin, we can make sure that less solid waste goes to landfills, and more materials are converted into something new. therefore, you should follow the following recycle habits before putting solid wastes that can be recycled into your recycling pin;
- Clean & Empty Plastic Bottles and Containers
- Clean & Empty Aluminum Cans
- Clean & Empty Glass Bottles and Jars
- Dry Paper, Newspaper, and Junk Mail
- Clean & Empty Metal Containers
- Clean & Empty Milk and Juice Cartons
- Dry Flattened Cardboard
- Dry Paperboard Boxes
Do not recycle these items ... Some items should be firstly separated from other household wastes before throwing in the recycle bin such as:
- Clothing, Shoes, and Textiles
- Electronics
- Light Bulbs
- Batteries
- Household Hazardous Waste
- Plastic Bags, packaging Wrap, and Film
- Syringes and Needles
- Yard Waste
- Construction and Demolition Debris
- Cooking Ware, Dining Ware, Drinking Glasses, Ceramics, and Cutlery
- Cooking Oils
- Medications and Prescriptions
- Rubber Items
Where can I recycle in Florida?
All Florida counties provide the opportunity for their residents to recycle. The recycling program is designed to recover a significant portion of the following materials from the solid waste stream before final disposal: newspaper, aluminum cans, steel cans, glass, plastic bottles, cardboard, office paper, and yard trash.
Earth 911 has a tool that provides the nearest locations for specific items you are looking to recycle. You can also visit the Recycling Business Assistance Center website.[4]
References
- Veolia. How and why to recycle in Nottinghamshire. 2020 [cited 2020; Available from: https://www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/recycling/recycle-nottinghamshire/why-recycling-important.
- floridadep.gov. Waste Reduction. 2020; Available from: https://floridadep.gov/waste/waste-reduction.
- Veolia. How you can help increase recycling rates in Nottinghamshire. 2020; Available from: https://www.veolia.co.uk/nottinghamshire/recycling/recycle-nottinghamshire/are-you-bin-smart.
- floridadep.gov. Community Recycling Program. 2020; Available from: https://floridadep.gov/waste/waste/content/community-recycling-program.
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