Uses of Recycled Material

Recycling materials can keep unnecessary waste out of our landfills; most materials can be re-used several times before losing their strength. There are various common uses for recycled materials.

Metals

Scrap metal can be recycled endlessly. Aluminum is often recycled into soft drink cans and steel is used for construction materials and automobile manufacturing.

Plastics

Plastics are most commonly recycled from bottles; however, the plastic recycled from bottles is rarely used to make new bottles. Plastic is primarily recycled into consumer products and construction materials.

Glass

Glass can be recycled infinitely without losing its strength; glass from windows and bottles is often re-used to make similar products.

Paper

Paper can be recycled up to eight times; after that, it starts to lose its strength. Recycled paper is commonly used in newspaper and magazine printing.

Cotton

Cotton is more difficult to recycle than other materials; it losing its strength over time and through use. Nevertheless, cotton from clothing is often re-used to make products such as bags. Recycled cotton must usually be combined with other materials to strengthen it.

References

• Plastics
• Recycled Materials
• Cotton

Resources

• Read this Article in Portuguese