The Importance of Recycling and How to Do It Right

Posted on August 5, 2023 in Dumpster Rentals

Recycling is one of the easiest steps we can take to protect our beautiful planet, but many of us are unsure if we’re doing it right. Discover the benefits of recycling, what can go in the bin and how to choose environmentally responsible products.

Benefits of recycling

Recycling means collecting used materials and turning them into new products rather than throwing them away. This process benefits the environment and our local communities for the following reasons:

• Reduction in the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and incineration plants.
• Use of a much lower amount of energy.
• Reduction of carbon emissions.
• Reduced water and air pollution.
• Preservation of valuable natural resources, including trees and water.
• Protection of wildlife and natural habitats.
• Creating jobs and supporting the economy.

What can be put in the recycling bin

With such a long list of benefits, it is obvious that recycling is important to help protect the environment for future generations. But what can go in the bin and how clean does each item have to be to get to the recycling plant?

Here are some facts about recycling in the United States:

• Although regulations vary from city to city, materials generally accepted in the bin are glass, some solid plastics, metal, paper and cardboard.
• Commonly discarded materials are food scraps, food containers, clothing, coffee cups, and black plastic.
• Products displaying the triangular recycling symbol are not always recyclable (depending on the city).

A few spoonfuls of yogurt or peanut butter in a jar can contaminate a ton of paper and make it unsuitable for recycling. Items that don’t fit in the bin, including needles, infusion sets and rifle bullets, can also contaminate entire batches of recycling and even be hazardous to plant workers.

Rock Hill has one of the highest recycling contamination rates (27%) in South Carolina, while Grenville has one of the lowest rates (5%). In Columbia, the rate is 9%, and in Charlotte, it is 7.6%.

Still not sure if your recycling habits are appropriate? A quick search online, with the subject “recycling rules [name of city or town]” will let you know exactly what you can and cannot put in your bin.

How to choose environmentally responsible products

Another great way to protect our planet is to choose products made by companies that aim for the smallest carbon footprint possible. These companies do this by minimizing their packaging or using recycled packaging, adopting sustainable manufacturing practices, ensuring their products are recyclable, or taking action to protect natural resources in their area.

We should all be deeply committed to letting nature follow its true nature. We should respect the recycling ways of life by taking a number of important steps to protect and preserve our planet, including the following:

1. Only purchase products that are 100% recyclable.
Buy bottles that are made of glass, polyethylene terephthalate plastic (PET) and recycled plastic (rPET). No doubt: these bottles that you put in your bin are suitable for recycling.

2. Use companies that have started the transition to 100% recycled plastic.
For example some companies have started manufacturing spring water bottles from high quality 100% recycled plastic that meets food safety standards.

3. US companies that support the circular economy of South Carolina.
This includes waste management companies with partnerships that support the circular economy of the USA, reduce our carbon footprint and creates local jobs in SC.

4. Our environmental protection practices exceed government standards.
Companies like dumpst rental services work with environmental experts and regional authorities to continuously assess the impact of our activities on the virgin forest that surrounds cities in Southe Carolina (more info at this website). They keep soil contamination to a minimum and regularly test their junk disposal practices to measure its level and protect nature from contaminants.