What Percent of All the Recycled Material I Drop Off Actually Gets Recycled and What Happens to the Rest?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), only about 30% of the recyclable materials that Americans put in their recycling bins actually get recycled. The rest goes to landfills or is incinerated.

Why doesn't all recyclables get recycled?

There are a number of reasons why not all recyclables get recycled. Some materials are difficult to recycle, such as plastics with multiple components or food-contaminated items. Others are not accepted by many recycling programs, such as batteries, electronics, and hazardous materials.

What happens to the recyclables that don't get recycled?

Recyclables that don't get recycled end up in landfills or are incinerated. Landfills are the largest source of methane emissions in the United States, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Incinerators produce air pollution and ash that can contain harmful chemicals.

What can you do to increase the amount of recyclables that get recycled?

There are a number of things you can do to increase the amount of recyclables that get recycled:

  • Make sure your recyclables are clean and dry.
  • Put recyclables in the correct recycling bin.
  • Don't put recyclables in plastic bags.
  • Check with your local recycling program to see what materials are accepted.
  • Support businesses that use recycled materials.

Related Questions:

  • What is the best way to dispose of electronics?
  • How can I reduce my environmental impact?
  • What are the benefits of recycling?
  • What are the different types of recyclable materials?
  • What is the future of recycling?

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