|
|
Why Recycle?
Everyday, each one of us contributes to the solid waste stream - in our homes, at work, in school, or at play. While the quantity of this waste generated by households and business increases, (Missouri generates an estimated 7.9 million tons annually) landfill space continues to be a precious commodity. Relying on disposal as the primary means to manage our solid waste may create long-term problems.
Recycling is economical because costs associated with future disposal are avoided. One of these avoided costs is for landfill depletion. Landfills have limited space, and so can receive a limited amount of trash. When it is full, it must be replaced by another landfill that is generally more expensive to operate and maintain. Additionally, the new landfill may be further away than the old landfill, increasing transportation costs. Paying the higher costs at a new landfill is avoided by keeping the older one open longer. Recycling and other waste-reducing methods help to do this.
About 15 trees are needed to produce a ton of paper, enough for 7,000 Sunday newspapers. It takes 75% less energy to make steel items from recycled steel. Your soup can today, may be a car, new appliance, or even a bridge tomorrow. Recycling usually requires less refining than raw materials. For example, it takes much less energy to melt down an aluminum can to make another aluminum can than to process the raw materials to make a can. This cuts down on chances for environmental damage and conserves our natural resources.
|
