What is Recycling?

Recycling is processing an item into either an identical or a completely new item. As an example aluminum cans may be recycled into new aluminum cans or into siding materials for a residence. Recycling differs from reuse, which is to use the item in its original form for another use or the same use. Clothing taken to Goodwill or the Salvation Army store may be purchased by another person to wear.

Recycling is a way of turning old stuff into new stuff, of changing used household materials we throw away into new products we buy and use. Lots of things we consider trash can be reprocessed into new products and used again: plastic bottles, newspapers, soft drink cans, jelly jars, and many more.

Recycling is collecting, processing, marketing, and using these materials. Texans of all ages can recycle - it helps clean up the environment and saves energy and valuable natural resources.

Why Recycle?

• Recycling reduces toxic air emissions.
• Recycling reduces energy consumption.
• Recycling results in more products with less pollution.
• Recycling slows down the rate at which we use landfills.
• Recycling conserves natural resources.

Recycling is important as a way to save energy, too. For example, recycling an aluminum can saves enough electricity to operate a TV for three hours. Most people agree that conserving natural resources, energy, and our land is the right thing to do - and recycling saves all of these! Much more of our household garbage could be recycled. Some recycling programs can keep as much as 35 percent of residential waste out of the landfill. However, recycling more depends on consumer participation in recycling programs.

What Can You Recycle?

Each community determines what items they will take in their recycling program based on available markets for the materials. Commonly accepted items are paper, aluminum, steel, certain plastics, and glass. Even grass and tree limbs may be recycled through the process of composting. What can be recycled in your community depends on local markets. No two communities are the same. To find out what recycling materials your community accepts, go to Earth’s 911 at www.1800CLEANUP.org.

How Do You Prepare Items for Recycling?

With a little practice, it takes less than five minutes a day. Sort materials, rinse any leftover contents from containers so your items won't begin to smell bad or attract ants and bees, and store in a safe, dry place. It's easy.

How Does Texas Recycle?

In some communities, curbside recycling is an option. In other communities, drop-off centers provide residents with a convenient place to recycle. Still others may offer semi-annual or annual drive-through recycling events.

Texas communities offer several recycling opportunities, which include:

Curbside Programs:
Thousands of Texans place recyclables curbside for pickup at single-family homes and/or apartment complexes. Families who participate in their recycling program are typically able to recycle newspapers, office paper, magazines, glass bottles and jars, aluminum, steel, empty aerosol cans, and plastic containers marked with a # 1 or # 2.

Yard Debris/Composting:
Texans are encouraged to recycle grass clippings by leaving these clippings on the lawn or composting them. In some communities yard debris is picked up at the curb on a separate collection day. Backyard composting produces wonderful materials rich in the nutrients that plants require. Still another option to reduce yard debris is to not bag the debris. The Texas Cooperative Extension Service promotes “Don’t Bag It” as a way to eliminate grass clippings from collection or disposal.

Drop Off Centers/Neighborhood Depositories:
A drop off center is typically an un-manned site where a variety of items may be deposited. Sites generally include large containers to place separated materials such as a bin for aluminum, glass, and paper. In some communities, the centers may also have containers for scrap metal, wood waste, and other large recyclables.

Consumer Drive-Thru:
The community may offer these drive-thru facilities similar to drop-off centers. At these sites, employees or volunteers assist in un-loading materials. Typically assistance is provided in sorting materials. The drive-thru may be opened for an annual or semi-annual event only or may be open certain hours each day or week.

Household Hazardous Waste:
A household hazardous waste collection day may be sponsored on annual or semi-annual basis. In a few communities on-going collections are available curbside on a schedule or on-call. Antifreeze, batteries, fuel oil, and paint thinner are just a few of the items that should not be disposed of in a landfill but saved for a special collection. Check with your local waste collector for details.

Christmas Tree Recycling:
Drop-off or curbside collections of Christmas Trees may substantially reduce the volume of waste during a high-volume waste time of the year. The mulch from the chopped-up trees is often used in City landscaping projects.

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