Top 10 example of recyclable materials

Nowadays, recycling has become an essential practice to preserve the environment and reduce the negative impact of waste on our planet. Every day we come across various materials that can be recycled and reused instead of discarding them, producing more pollution.
Most are aware of the alternatives to recycle plastic, however, there are other materials that are used in everyday life that can be polluting to the environment and it is as simple as starting to recycle them. To become part of the improvement, you need to know the materials you can start recycling at home.
Recycle Info
Paper and cardboard
Paper and cardboard are classic examples of recyclable materials. Many products such as newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes and office paper can be recycled to create new paper products. Recycling paper and cardboard reduces the felling of trees and prevents the accumulation of waste in landfills. In addition, there are many alternatives to give them a new life such as:
- Using pizza boxes as home storage by decorating them.
- Notebook paper can be a beautiful flower.
- Newspaper can be used as protection for glass objects.
- Magazines can be used for entertainment and learning for the little ones.
Glass
Glass is another recyclable material found in many consumer products such as bottles, jars and food containers. Recycled glass is used to make new glass products, reducing the energy required to produce them.
In addition, recycling glass minimizes the amount of glass that ends up in landfills, which contributes to environmental conservation. Recycling glass also protects the world's sand, which is becoming less and less every day considering that it is the raw material for making glass materials.
- Take your bottles to recycling areas where they give a new use to bottles and containers.
- Don't throw them away, some bottles can be a beautiful vase for your garden or living room.
Plastic
Plastic is one of the most widely used materials in our modern society, but also one of the most problematic in terms of environmental pollution. However, many types of plastic are recyclable. You can find numbers on the bottom of plastic containers that indicate the type of plastic and whether it is recyclable.
Recycling plastic helps reduce the need to produce new plastics, thus reducing petroleum consumption and the generation of plastic waste. You should already know the different recycling centers, but if you want to give these products a new opportunity in your home you can try:
- You can melt your bottles and mold them into the shapes you would like to decorate your home.
- Some containers you can customize and start storing condiments, cereals or any other food in them.
- Plastic hooks can be recycled to make crafts.
Metals
Recycling metals such as aluminum and steel is another effective way to reduce waste and conserve natural resources. Recycled aluminum is used in the manufacture of cans, cookware, packaging and other products.
This type of recycling saves energy and reduces air and water pollution that occurs during the production of such material from raw materials. Like the previous alternatives, you can take them to recycling centers or give them a new life at home.
- Metal cans are an excellent solution for those who enjoy baking small cakes.
- In many gardens you can find beautiful personalized baking tins made from metal cans.
Tires
Used tires can also be recycled and reused in various ways. Some tires are turned into building material, used to make carpeting, or turned into fuel.
Tire recycling helps prevent the accumulation of waste in illegal dumps and reduces soil and water pollution caused by tire decomposition. In different areas of the country you can find centers specialized in recycling used tires, and there are also stores where you can take them.
- A used tire can be a fantastic swing for the little ones.
Clothing and textiles
The fashion industry has a significant impact on the environment due to the mass production of clothing and textiles. However, many clothing and textiles can be recycled and reused rather than thrown away.
Recycling clothing and textiles not only reduces material waste, but also helps to curb the demand for new raw materials and reduces the pollution generated by textile production. This has been one of the most complex industries in terms of recycling, considering the constant variation in the designs produced for sale.
- Donating old garments is an excellent way to recycle. What for some is an old fashioned garment, for someone else is the best thing they will receive in a long time.
- Designing new garments using some of what you have in your closet as a base is an interesting way to impose your fashion and give clothes a new lease on life.
Electronics
Electronic devices, such as cell phones, computers and televisions, often contain valuable materials and toxic substances. Recycling these products allows for the recovery and reuse of important materials such as gold, silver, and copper while properly managing the handling of toxic components.
Ensuring that electronic devices are recycled correctly helps to protect the environment and prevent pollution. You will always find specialized centers willing to receive your old electronic devices to give a new use to their components. In this case, it is difficult to give them a new use in the home once they have been damaged.
Food packaging
Many food containers such as food cans, cardboard food boxes and plastic bottles can be recycled. Recycling these containers prevents the generation of more waste and promotes the reuse of materials to create new products. In addition, some recyclable food packaging is made from biodegradable materials, which helps to further reduce its environmental impact.
Wood
Wood, especially from sustainable forests, is a renewable material that can be recycled and reused. This products such as furniture and flooring can be recycled for use in the manufacture of new wood products. Recycling wood helps prevent deforestation and conserve natural resources.
References
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® Homedit. 15 Recyclable Household Items & Materials. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiLjmz75uLs
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Galán, Luciana. “What Are 10 Examples of Recyclable Materials? - Global Recycle.” Global Recycle, 10 May 2022, https://globalrecycle.net/what-are-10-examples-of-recyclable-materials/
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Méndez, Lola. “The Most Recyclable Materials on the Planet | Reader’s Digest.” Reader’s Digest, Reader's Digest, https://www.rd.com/list/most-recyclable-materials/
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rahulmeher27. “10 Example of Recyclable Materials - FACTINSIGHTS.” FACTINSIGHTS -, https://factinsights.com/2022/03/10-example-of-recyclable-materials/
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“What Can and Can’t Be Recycled - NetWaste.” NetWaste, https://www.netwaste.com.au/recycle-it/what-can-be-recycled/