Thursday, March 12, 2009

Can we help by using Recycle Bags?

By Steve Parker

In this environmentally-conscious world, using recycle bags to go green is almost mandatory. More municipalities are directing the use of recycle bags these days, for many reasons. A key factor is that less landfill space is available in which to deposit long-lasting garbage. Another reason is that many items can be broken down and eventually remade into other things. Taken together, it probably makes good sense to go green whenever possible.

Types of Bags. Recycle bags come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them have specific purposes, like the ones used strictly for aluminum products. Others can be used for just about any material. The key is to look for the right color recycle bag for the material, or for the label showing what can go in it. Common colors are blue, green and brown, and each will serve a certain need.

Recycle Bags versus Containers. Some local governments prefer to have each residence or business obtain a container made just for recyclables instead of bags. Others will only accept recyclables that have been put into recycle bags. This will vary from locality to locality, and some cities and towns issue the container free of charge, while others charge for them. Also, the advantage to containers is that they generally last for quite a while. A disadvantage is they can be bulky and might take up excess garage or storage space.

What's Recyclable? Just about anything that can be easily broken down and isn't filled with hazardous materials or chemicals. You wouldn't just put a car battery through a paper recycling machine, for example. It would go to its own specialized recovery facility. The best candidates for recycling are aluminum cans, glass bottles, paper products and wood, sometimes. Most foods and similar garbage still go to landfills because they break down and dissolve away over time. Stop down at your town's recycling office for more advice.

What isn't Recyclable? Almost anything containing a petroleum product can't go into recycle bags. Additionally, anything containing mercury (super long-lasting light bulbs), or fluorescent bulbs themselves aren't eligible for recycling. Check with your local government for a complete list.

Putting it All Together: A desire to help the environment grows daily among people. Because of that, we've also seen increases in the amount of materials that are being recycled. By using recycle bags in that process, we help the environment while making it easier to get recyclables down to the local recycling facility. Make sure to prevent hazardous materials or dangerous chemicals from making their way into these bags. - 15437

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