Every Nov. 15, America Recycles Day reminds us that the choices we make about our waste can have a lasting impact. Recycling plays a crucial role in environmental sustainability, but confusion often keeps people from doing it effectively. Misinformation and long-standing recycling myths can make the process seem complicated or even pointless. By clearing up these common misunderstandings, we can reduce waste and take meaningful steps toward protecting our environment.
In this article, we will debunk some of the most common myths about recycling, explore recycling facts, and highlight the real benefits of recycling.
Myth 1: Recycling Doesn’t Really Make a Difference
This is one of the most common and damaging recycling myths because it can discourage people from even trying. It may feel like our individual efforts are too small to matter, but when everyone participates, collective action truly adds up. Recycling statistics show that when everyone contributes, we can make a huge difference.
So, why is recycling important?
It Benefits the Economy: In the US, recycling and reuse activities annually support about 757,000 jobs, generate $36.6 billion in wages, and contribute $6.7 billion in tax revenue for every 1,000 tons of recycled material.
It Benefits the Environment: Recycling helps conserve natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals while reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. For example, in 2018, nationwide recycling of municipal waste helped save more than 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Recycling also diverts trash from landfills and incinerators, protecting ecosystems and cutting down on pollution.
It Benefits Future Generations: Recycling helps preserve the planet’s resources and natural habitats so that future generations can enjoy clean air, water, and healthy ecosystems. By reducing waste, conserving energy, and lowering greenhouse gas emissions today, we leave a healthier, more sustainable world for our children and grandchildren.
Understanding the importance of recycling is key to practicing effective environmental stewardship. By making small, consistent efforts to recycle properly, we can protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and contribute to a healthier planet for everyone.
Myth 2: The Recycling Symbol Means an Item Is Recyclable
The recycling symbol is often misunderstood. Many believe that if an item has the symbol, it can be recycled. However, the symbol primarily indicates the type of material, not its recyclability. This misconception can lead to improper disposal and contamination of recycling streams.
How can you find out what is recyclable?
Check Local Guidelines: Recycling rules vary by location. Always refer to your local recycling program's guidelines to determine what is accepted. RecycleSmart is a great tool for those in Massachusetts.
Avoid Composite Materials: Items made from mixed materials, such as juice boxes or chip bags, are often not recyclable.
Understand Resin Codes: Familiarize yourself with the resin identification codes, usually found inside the recycling symbol, to know which plastics are commonly accepted in your area.
Sorting recyclables with kids can turn an everyday chore into a fun and educational activity. As children learn about recycling and how to separate materials, they develop hands-on skills and gain a deeper appreciation for sustainability. Activities like these can inspire curiosity about the natural world and even spark an interest in future careers in environmental science.
Myth 3: You Don’t Need to Rinse Out Containers
Many people think it’s okay to toss containers into the recycling bin without rinsing, but this is a common misconception. It might feel like a small detail, but leftover food or liquid can contaminate entire batches of recyclables, rendering them unrecyclable.
Contamination can affect hundreds or even thousands of pounds of material at a time, and when a batch is too dirty, recycling facilities often have to send it to a landfill instead. This wastes energy, resources, and the effort of everyone who recycled properly. Properly cleaning containers helps ensure that the materials actually get recycled and reduces waste.
Remember to:
Before recycling, replace caps back onto containers after rinsing out and drying them.
Avoid crushing or changing the original shape/size of containers.
Remove any leftover food residue from cardboard. For pizza boxes, greasy, residue-free cardboard can be recycled in Massachusetts, and BPI certified pizza boxes can be composted.
Compost or send greasy pizza boxes to the landfill.
By taking these small steps to reduce contamination, we can make recycling more effective and meaningful. Reducing overall plastic use is another way to lessen the strain on recycling systems, prevent contamination, and protect the environment.
Myth 4: Recycling Does More Damage Than Manufacturing
Some argue that recycling uses more energy and creates more pollution than simply making new products. This is not true. Studies consistently show that recycling uses less energy and reduces environmental impacts compared to creating products from virgin materials.
Aluminum: Recycling aluminum cans uses about 95% less energy than producing new aluminum from bauxite ore.
Steel: Recycled steel requires up to 74% less energy than steel made from iron ore.
Paper: Recycling paper saves trees, water, and energy and reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to making paper from virgin pulp.
Plastic: Recycling PET bottles conserves energy and reduces the demand for new petroleum-based plastic.
By understanding these benefits, we can appreciate the importance of recycling in reducing environmental impact. Engaging in recycling practices also offers opportunities for experiential learning, especially for children, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental science and sustainability.
Myth 5: Items Made From Recycled Materials Are Not as Good
Some people believe that products made from recycled materials are lower in quality, but this is far from the truth. Many everyday items are already made from recycled content, and you probably use them without even realizing it. Office paper, aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic containers, and even textiles can be produced with high levels of recycled materials without sacrificing performance or durability.
In fact, recycled materials often perform just as well, and in some cases better, than their virgin counterparts. For example, research has found that concrete mixed with a small amount of recycled PET plastic can actually increase its compressive strength compared to standard concrete.
Buying products made from recycled content is one of the easiest and most effective ways to close the recycling loop, reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and promote long-term environmental sustainability. Every purchase reinforces the value of recycling and helps build stronger, greener systems.
How You Can Celebrate America Recycles Day
This America Recycles Day, take a moment to examine your habits and consider where you can improve. Recycling is not perfect, but it is an essential part of reducing waste and protecting the environment.
Here are a few simple ways to celebrate:
Learn what is recyclable in your community and share that information with friends and family.
Buy products made from recycled content to create demand for sustainable goods.
Teach kids about the benefits of recycling and how it connects to environmental education programs.
Reduce contamination by rinsing containers and keeping recyclables clean.
Spread the word on social media to encourage others to take part in recycling efforts.
By taking these steps, you can support environmental sustainability and help build a culture where recycling is valued.
Change is Simple is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing environmental and sustainability education into schools through fun, hands-on learning. By empowering children with the knowledge and tools to care for the planet, Change is Simple inspires a generation of young leaders ready to build a healthier future. To support our mission or learn more, visit our site or donate here.