Amazing Facts About Recycling

Recycling helps you reduce your carbon footprint and do your part for the environment. Even the smallest effort can make a huge difference toward improving the condition of the planet. If you are thinking about starting to recycle, keep reading to find out what this simple act can do:

Americans Miss Out on 45 Percent of Items They Could Recycle

More than 75 percent of the waste we throw into landfills is recyclable. Americans only recycle about 30 percent of it, though. If everyone made more of an effort to recycle the items that can be reused, we could significantly lower the amount of trash that ends up wasting away in a landfill. Ask your local recycling center for information about the items that they take so you know what you can recycle.

Food Composting Can Reduce Greenhouse Gasses

Every year, Americans make about 21.5 million tons of food waste. If people made an effort to compost that food instead of throwing it away, it would create the same effect as removing about 2 million cars from the road.

Aluminum Cans Save Energy

If you put even one aluminum can into the recycling bin, you could save the amount of energy it takes to play an album on your iPod. If you recycled 100 cans, you can save the energy equivalent of powering your bedroom for 2 weeks. Instead of throwing away your aluminum, you should send it to the recycling center.

Paper Recycling Is on the Rise

Between 1990 and 2010, Americans increased their paper recycling efforts by more than 89 percent. If each American recycled even 1/10th of the newspapers they collect, it could protect about 25 million trees each year.

If you want to make more of an effort to recycle more, Santa Rita Waste Systems can help you do it. Our roll-off dumpsters, concrete washout bins, and portable facilities are here to help you get rid of your waste safely and efficiently. To learn more about our products and services, visit us online or call (520) 624-0550.