Recycling Turns Waste Into New Possibilities

by Dellany Onyango, age 10

Every year, Americans generate millions of tons of garbage, which slowly decomposes in landfills and causes pollution of land, water, and air. Recycling is a way to reduce that problem.

Recycling is a process that turns certain household items into new products. Many things can be recycled, including paper, glass, aluminum, and certain plastics. It is cost-effective because the materials can be reused for future products. Recycling also helps preserve natural resources. Composting is a process similar to recycling, as it gives food scraps a second life by turning them into fertilizer that improves soil health.

Items that can be recycled are usually made of metal, plastic, or glass, provided they are clean. For the safety of the workers, recycling facilities encourage the public to avoid putting broken glass in recycling bins. Some unrecyclable items include coated paper products, most Styrofoam, food wrappers, and food-soiled products.

Recycling helps the entire Earth, including animals. Unlike garbage in landfills, recycling reduces pollution because it reuses items instead of letting them rot away. Next time you have waste, reconsider whether or not it is recyclable and take the extra step to clean our planet!

[Sources: Britannica Kids; American Lifestyle Magazine; Ducksters]