The GoVacuum Blog

As responsible citizens who recycle our trash into curbside bins, we often stop after separating the paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. But there is a wealth of other materials that can be recycled. As reducing waste and creating less burden in our landfills becomes more of a priority, more are turning to the various drop-off locations in our cities and towns where discarded junk can be turned into something viable and usable. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, approximately 75% of what we throw out can be recycled in some fashion. Items such as batteries, compact florescent light bulbs, paint, motor oil, tires, electronic items, and pesticides are all recyclable. Many auto parts stores will take used automotive parts, cell phones can be mailed back to their manufacturers or donated to various organizations, and electronics can be recycled through stores such as Best Buy or the EPA’s eCycling Program.

You can also apply some consciousness before materials become trash by buying items that come with minimal packaging or packaging made from recycled materials. The best way is to buy in bulk, using your own containers to hold merchandise as you shop.

If you are buying plastic, buy only plastic that is easily recycled, such as those materials marked #1 and #2 inside a recycling symbol found on the bottom of the product. Remember that it takes 700 years for a plastic bottle to decompose inside a landfill.

If you are buying paper, look for the highest percentage of post-consumer waste content to ensure that you are not supporting the unnecessary desecration of trees.

Don’t buy what you don’t need. Advertising is designed to tempt you into thinking that you lack something. Ask yourself the right questions and look for satisfaction with what you already own. Repair rather than throw away.

Recycling Terms
There are many new terms that define our recycled materials. Once you know what each means, it becomes easier to understand what you are getting and where it comes from. Following is a short list of some common terms:

Recyclable Products
Those products that can be made into new products. These products are not necessarily made of recycled materials, but can be recycled after use.

Recycled Content
These products are made from products that have been recycled such as newspaper, aluminum cans, and the like. Recycled content can also be made from used products such as computers and toner cartridges. More and more products are made of recycled content, with many containing at least some recycled materials.

Post Consumer Content
This is material that is used in a different manner than it was used originally.

For information on recycling centers in your area, go to: Earth 911