Why Recycle?

Many household items can be recycled. However, it may not be economically possible to collect all types of particular materials. New technology will produce new markets for more materials in the future. In order for a material to be recycled...

• A market must exist that will accept the material and use it to make a new product;
• The material must be in demand by manufacturers to produce a saleable product and a sufficient, steady supply of a good quality material must be provided to meet the manufacturer's production needs;
• A material must meet market specifications. It cannot be contaminated with dirt or grease;
• Consumers must purchase products made from recycled materials.

What are Recyclables Used to Make?

Aluminum Cans - are shredded, cleaned, melted and mixed with a pure aluminum base, then recast into new aluminum products.

Corrugated Cardboard - can be recycled into new corrugated cardboard, boxboard, puzzles and things such as egg cartons.

Glass Food/Beverage containers - are crushed into a material called cullet and made into new food/beverage containers.

Magazines, Catalogs and Phone Books - are recycled into items such as food/gift boxes, tissue paper, game boards and greeting cards.

Newspapers - are mixed with other grades of paper and used to make:

• Animal bedding
• Cellulose insulation
• Gift/food boxes
• New newspapers
• Paperboard
• Puzzles
• Wallboard

Plastic #1 and #2 Containers

• #1PETE is recycled into:
  • Carpet
  • Clothing
  • Strapping
  • Tennis balls
  • Other bottles.
• #2HDPE is recycled into:
  • Drainage pipe
  • Film
  • New containers
  • Pallets
  • Plastic lumber for picnic tables and decks

Steel Food Cans - can be remade into tinplate containers or used to make new cans for food products.