Taking recyclables to the curb or to a drop-off center is only the first step involved in Recycling. In order to make the system work, there are THREE STEPS that need to be followed in the recycling loop. On an individual basis, YOU CAN HELP with parts 1 AND 3!

STEP 1 - Separation and Collection of Materials

The initial step needs you to help! You can take recyclables out of the regular trash stream and put them in your curbside recycling bin for pick-up or drop them off at a local recycling center

STEP 2 - Processing and Remanufacturing

This step is performed by recycling processors and manufacturers, these companies pick-up recyclables, take them to market and turn them into new products

STEP 3 - Buying and Using New Recycled Products

The last part of the loop is very important to the process because without it, recyclables that have been collected will have no where to go. By purchasing products made from recycled materials you can increase the demand for such products. In turn, the increased consumer demand causes recycled goods' prices to decline and causes the recycled good market to expand. Buying recycled goods completes the Recycling Loop!

How to Buy Recycled

When shopping, look for items that are marked with 'made from recycled material'. Goods with a high percent of post-consumer waste have more recycled content than goods with a low percent of post-consumer waste. It is also important to buy items that are labeled 'recyclable' as well, this allows the recycling loop to continue. Take a minute and look for items that are made of recyclables AND are recyclable. If your local store does not carry these items ask the store manager to stock these items.

        Remember...YOU can complete the Recycling Loop simply by buying goods that are made of recycled and recyclable material.

 

Types of Recycled Products Available for Purchase

Recycled Materials:

Aluminum - Glass - Paper - Plastic - Steel

When you take these materials to the GLRA, they are picked up by a processor and eventually turned into Recycled Products by a manufacturer

Examples of Recycled Products:

Building Materials:
flooring, tiles, cabinetry, insulation, wallpaper, lumber, nails, paint, matting, fencing, asphalt, roofing materials

Business & School Products:
tote bags, binders, folders, computer disks, paper, toner cartridges, recycling bins, office furniture, matting, running tracks, recycled educational kits, clipboards, envelopes, pens, pencils, printing paper, office supplies, toilet tissue, paper towels, stationary

Clothing & Accessories:
aprons, caps & hats, utility bags, bow ties, shoes, cotton shirts, Eco-Spun fleece jackets and vests, robes, sweaters, sweatshirts, t-shirts, golf shirts

Household:
CD rack, pillows, frames, tableware, animal collars & leashes, kitty litter, trash bags, recycling bin, composters, furniture, mattresses, metal furnishings, tables, fly swatters, stationary, gift wrap, journals, paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, paper plates & bowls

Outdoor Products:
benches, picnic tables, recycling bins, truck liners, speed bumps, lawn chairs, landscape materials, animal bedding, wood mulch, wind chimes, signage, playground equipment, commercial fishing gear, frisbees

Promotional:
back packs, fanny packs, tote bags, sun visors, lunch bags, award plaques, badges, coloring books, caps, t-shirts, zipper tags, recycling bins, bird feeders, coffee mugs, coasters, ice scraper, key chains, piggy banks, magnets, cups, bookmarks, pencils, calendars, rulers, sport bottles, crayons, yo-yo's