Recycling is Easy!
Why Recycle - Environmental Benefits
The environmental and economic premise of recycling is sound: re-using natural resources over and over again after they have been extracted from the earth makes good sense. By conserving the dwindling supply of these resources and protecting the few remaining undamaged ecosystems left on the earth, we are preserving them for future generations. Overall, the processes used to make consumer goods from recycled material instead of raw resources is much more energy and water efficient. For example, recycled paper uses 60-70% less energy than virgin pulp and 55% less water. (California Department of Conservation)
Why can't I recycle all plastics?
Just as with different types of paper, all plastics could be recycled if there were a market, i.e. a manufacturer who would use them to make a new product. There are some problems with plastics recycling that limit the market for some types.
Why do most plastics have a recycling symbol on them if they can't be recycled?
The recycling industry has been butting heads with the plastics industry over this misleading practice, unfortunately with no results. The symbol is meant to indicate the type of plastic, not its recyclability.
Are the plastics I place in my recycle bin REALLY being recycled?
Any non-recyclable plastic that comes into the RIRRC recycling facility will be landfilled, so please don't try to "slip in" items that are not one the Rhode Island approved list of recyclable items. Please recycle only acceptable plastics through your curbside program or municipal drop-off center.
Why is each Community's curbside program different?
Curbside recycling pick-ups can be handled in a variety of ways. In many communities the city/town has chosen to make recycling a community-wide service available to everyone. They may do this by contracting with one or more haulers to provide the pick-up, or the city itself may provide this service to everyone.
In other communities curbside recycling pick-up where curbside pick up of recyclables is not available, most cities/towns provide a localized drop off center for residents to bring recyclable material. Please check with your department of public works for more information about your city/town’s program is curbside is not provided.
How can I reduce my Junk Mail?
STOP the Junk Mail Monster! Take back your mailbox by reducing unwanted mail. List brokers sell or rent your name to thousands of businesses each year, resulting in an average of 41 pounds of junk mail pouring into every American mailbox every year. You can stop this deluge of waste (World Watch Institute).
