Fact or Fiction?

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

You've probably heard people say that recycling is too difficult, too expensive, and that the items end up in the trash like everything else. But, just because people say it doesn't mean its true. While it can be hard to distinguish between recycling facts and myths, knowing the truth can help better your recycling efforts and in turn better the environment. Here are some of the six most common recycling myths and the real truth behind them:

It Takes MORE Energy to Recycle Than to Make New Products?!
Wrong! This myth is often shared in an effort to devalue recycling, but did you know that we actually save about 11.9 BTUs per ton of recycled material? Compared to the amount of energy it takes to make new products, what we save in recycling adds up over time and helps to preserve our natural resources.

Recycling is USELESS if You Mix Your Materials?!
Useless?! In the early days of recycling it was necessary to sort out plastics, aluminum and glass by hand. However, most recycling plants today have machines that sort out our waste for us, making it much cheaper and less labor-intensive on our part.

Containers Must Be Washed Before Recycling?!
Although it is helpful, you CAN recycle containers without washing them since processing plants are able to remove most of the residue from our cans and bottles. Additionally, you don't need to remove any labels since they burn off from the heat during the recycling process anyway.

Landfills Provide MORE Jobs Than Recycling?!
People against recycling will often say that landfills provide important jobs and economic production for rural communities, but research shows that the recycling process actually provides more jobs and economic growth than a new landfill.

Recycling is Too Difficult?!
The thought of the labor involved in recycling can seem overwhelming, but if you're organized it shouldn't add too much time to your daily chores.

Recycled Products Are Of POOR Quality?!
People will often avoid recycled goods because they think they were poorly made. The truth? Products made from recycled materials are indistinguishable from new products. Many times, companies who use recycled products also put extra time and effort into ensuring that the quality of the product is just as good.

Many people have let myths like these discourage them from practicing good recycling habits. In reality, however, living by these myths will actually lead to more harm then good. Make today the day you start to look at recycling differently and spread the word; every step we take is one step closer to bettering the world we live in.

At Boro Wide Recycling, we work to keep our planet safe by providing comprehensive recycling services to commercial and residential customers. Join us in our efforts! Contact us to learn how we can help you in your recycling efforts, and don't forget to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest news in recycling efforts and eco-friendly tips.

Recycling Myths Revealed

Boro-Wide Recycling Corp.

Maspeth, NY 718-416-1656

www.BoroWideRecycling.com

There are many misconceptions and myths about recycling.  We are going to set the record straight!

Myth: Labels must be removed from items before putting them into recycling container.
Fact: You do NOT have to remove the label from the item before recycling.  Labels are destroyed during the recycling process.

Myth: Lids and caps cannot be recycled.
Fact: Lids and caps are recyclable and can be let on the bottle when placed in the recycle bin.

Myth: You need to remove staples before recycling mail and paper.
Fact: You do not need to remove staples before recycling paper.  Also, the plastic window found in some envelopes can be recycled as well!

Myth: It is okay to flush medication down the toilet.
Fact:  Do NOT flush medication down the toilet! Contact your doctor to learn what you can do to get rid of expired or unused medication.

Myth: Latex paint is hazardous.
Fact: Latex paint is not hazardous and is in fact water-based.  When dry, it may be placed with your regular refuse. 

Myth: It is okay to put electronic devices in the trash.
Fact: It is illegal to throw certain electronic devices in the garbage.  These devices should be brought to your local electronics drop off location. 

For more information about these recycling myths, click here.  Boro-Wide is a full service provider of recycling needs and waste management.  Contact us to learn how we can help you in your commercial and residential recycling goals.