America Recycles Day

Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day (ARD), an annual event that promotes the positive impact recycling has on the environmentand the American economy. Launched in 1997, this annual initiative celebrates the benefits of recycling and purchasing recycled products.

Americans generate about 250 million tons of solid waste annually. Some of that trash could be composted or recycled. Recycling not only conserves overflowing landfill space, but reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy and prevents habitat destruction. While the recycling rate is currently slightly above 34 percent, a recent survey found that many Americans simply do not know what can and can’t be recycled. The Top 10 In the Bin include mail, cardboard and paper, beverage cans, food cans, food boxes, glass bottles, glass and plastic jars, jugs, plastic bottles and caps. Items that can be recycled but not in the curbside bin include electronics, textiles, plastic bags and wraps.

Recycling not only makes a great big impact on our environment, but it is something we can all do. Learn what you can do to make a difference.