THE AMERICAN
RECYCLING SYSTEM

In the United States, recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials (that would otherwise be thrown away as trash) and re-manufacture them into new products.

While the recycling process often differs by commodity and locality, there are essentially three main steps: collection, processing and remanufacturing into a new product.

COLLECTION

Recyclable materials are generated by a consumer or business and then collected by a private hauler or government entity.

PROCESSING

The materials are transported by the collector to a processing facility, such as a materials recovery facility or paper processor. At the processing facility, the recyclables are sorted, cleaned of contaminants and prepared for transport to a milling facility or directly to a manufacturing facility. Some commodities may require additional processing for additional sorting and decontamination. For example, glass and plastic are often sent to glass beneficiation plants and plastics reclaimers, respectively, where they are processed into mill-ready forms.

REMANUFACTURING

Once all the necessary processing has been completed, the recyclables are turned into new products at a recycling plant or other facility, such as a paper mill or bottle manufacturing facility

How will paper recycling affect forestry?

The closest solution to afforestation is to stop the felling of trees and this is only achieved between all of us, making recycling increase more every day. By recycling paper we are contributing to the conservation of forests, we save wood, fuel and we take care of the environment.

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FINAL