RECYCLE THE REST

 

Americans produce 154 million tons of garbage every year‑‑‑enough to fill the New Orleans Superdome from top to bottom, twice a day, every day. 50% of this trash is recyclable!

 

BACKGROUND

 

Although newspaper, glass, and aluminum are the most commonly recycled items, they aren't the only ones you can recycle. Tin cans (which are actually 99% steel), plastic soda bottles and milk cartons, telephone books and corrugated cardboard are all recyclable.

 

DID YOU KNOW

 

We'll repeat it: In the U.S., we throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hourand only a small percentage of are recycled.

 

Recycled plastic can be used to make a number of products, such as plastic lumber and fiberfill sleeping bag insulation. Bonus value: 26 recyclable plastic soda bottles can make one polyester suit.

 

Recycling and reusing the material in "tin" cans reduces related energy use by 74%; air pollution by 85%; solid waste by 95%; and water pollution by 76% Yet only 5% of tin cans are recycled.

 

SIMPLE THINGS TO DO

 

Recycle "other" materials the way youd handle glass, etc.

 

First, check to see exactly what your local center accepts.

 

If it takes plastic: Recycle plastic soda bottles, plastic wrap, water bottles, coffee can lids, sixpack neck rings, and clean milk bottles. o If it accepts tin cans: Rinse, remove paper labels and both ends, and flatten. (This reduces the volume, and cuts shipping costs.)

 

If it accepts corrugated paper, kraft paper, and stationery: They'll probably tell you to flatten cardboard and paper, separate white from colored paper, and bag or box it. If they don't acceptwcorrugated, see if you can locate a waste paper dealer near you by looking in the yellow pages under "waste paper" or "recycling."

 

SOURCES * The Recycler's Handbook, available from EarthWorks Press, 1400 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709. Comprehensive, easytoread guide to recycling everythingfrom newspapers to motor oil, $5.95.