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Discover the expert in you.
Recycling is beneficial for the environment. This practice reduces greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy and protects natural resources. Many tangible items are considered recyclable, and they include paper, metal, plastic and batteries. Such items are taken to local recycling centers so they can be reused in other products.
Paper is manufactured from recycled pulp. However, the amount of recycled pulp in paper varies. For example, paper may contain between 1 percent to 100 percent recycled pulp. Post-consumer paper is made from 100 percent pulp found in recycling centers. White computer paper and milk cartons are examples of recyclable paper. Examples of nonrecyclable paper include juice boxes and wax paper.
Aluminum is a recyclable metal frequently donated as cans. These cans don an arrow-triangle symbol that reveals they are recyclable. Steel cans are similar in appearance to aluminum cans. A magnet test is necessary to differentiate between them. Magnets that stick to cans contain steel. Steel cans are prohibited at recycling centers because they might damage the equipment.
Not all plastic is recyclable. Recyclable plastics don the recycle arrow-triangle with a number ranging from one to seven. A lower number makes a product more recyclable. Grocery bags and plastic hangers are examples of recyclable plastics.
Recyclable batteries contain harmful chemicals such as lead, nickel and cadmium that could pollute water sources if placed in landfills. Dry-cell batteries are recyclable and reused for television remotes, flashlights and toys.
