Recycling is an easy
and effective way for Denver residents to reduce their impact on the
environment. However, placing
recyclable material into Denver’s purple recycling carts is only the first step
in the circular process of recycling which includes collection,
re-manufacturing and consumer choice. When combined, these three phases of the
recycling process are capable of preserving natural resources, reducing pollution,
reducing the need for landfill capacity, and saving energy. Here are some
examples of how the three-part recycling process works within the City and
County of Denver:
• Collection: Denver residents collect and recycle
materials in purple carts. Then, Denver Recycles’ trucks pick up this material
and deliver it to a material processing facility in north Denver where
materials are separated and sorted for shipment to manufacturing facilities.
• Manufacturing: Recycled materials are re-processed and turned into new products. It’s
hard to believe, but it only takes six weeks for an aluminum can to make it
from a purple recycling cart to the grocery shelf as a new aluminum can!
• Consumer:
Consumer choices drive the market for recycled products. When possible, Denver
residents are urged to purchase recycled content products that are made from
the very material they recycle in their homes, offices and schools.
• Post-Consumer Waste: This is the best choice and means that the product is made from
materials that were discarded after their original use into recycling programs
like Denver’s. For example, paper towels made from post-consumer waste contain
fibers that were once part of office paper, cardboard or other materials Denver
residents regularly put in their purple carts.
• Pre-Consumer Waste or Post-Industrial Waste: This means the product is made from waste generated
in the manufacturing process. While this is a great form of recycling, the
purchase of post-consumer content should take priority over pre-consumer
content.
• Recyclable:
It’s great to buy products that are recyclable. However, this
label doesn't necessarily mean that the product is made from recycled
materials.
For
more information about what can be recycled in Denver, visit DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles, or call 311 (720-913-1311).
No comments:
Post a Comment