What is Recycling?

Recyclable material is waste that can be used again by being manufactured into a new product. We recover nearly 23% of the waste stream for recycling. Aluminum, glass, paper, plastic, scrap tires, steel and used oil are just some of the materials that can be recycled into new products.

When manufacturers buy materials (i.e. plastic containers, glass bottles, steel cans), they want to be assured of the quality. By cleaning and separating recyclables according to your community's instruction, you ensure that manufacturers will be able to use recyclables in place of raw materials. True recycling does not occur until collected recyclables are made into new products and purchased by consumers. You can help by looking for products made from recycled materials.