There is a lot of false information about recycling and its usefulness. This misinformation can stem through many channels like false news on the internet, wrong portrayal through media, etc. We are generating a huge amount of waste which is ending up in our oceans and destroying habitats and living organisms. 75% of the waste we generate can be recycled and reused.

Recycling not only aids our society in having a cleaner and greener environment through proper rubbish removal and reuse of recyclable material but also has a great impact on our economy. As profitable and extensive as this profession is, there are many myths associated with the recycling business. This misleading information can be found in people from all walks of life. I will make an effort to clear these misconceptions and talk about the benefits of recycling along with it.

Myths regarding recycling

The myths being circulated in our society regarding recycling are misleading many people who want to start a recycling business. It’s important that we clear up these false notions:

Recycling has a negative impact on the economy

Many people refuse to recycle since they believe that this doesn’t directly affect the economy. Although in reality, recycling not only avoids further expenditure of buying new raw material for products at a higher rate but also helps you generate savings that you can use to expand your business.

The organization that acts according to the principles of waste management systems creates a lot of jobs in the field of transport and classification of waste as they need a lot of manpower. This directly affects the economy.

The transport of recycled material causes more pollution

It is important to bust the myth that the transportation of recycled products and materials creates more pollution. There are certain procedures through which you can minimize the nuisance caused by transportation. According to some municipalities and organizations, recycled materials are transported only when they reach a certain volume, which makes a smaller number of trips and leads to less pollution.

The quality of recycled products is worse

Recycled products and materials are often not preferred over new products even when they are cheaper and the same in quality. Materials such as glass, aluminum, and many plastics withstand several cycles of use without any decrease in their quality.

Recycled materials are put together in treatment plants

Many people object on the basis that the products which need to be recycled reach the treatment plant in an unclean state. Even after the process, people deem in unhygienic and unfavorable.

Although some products reach the plants with certain impurities, they are separated and cleaned with manual or automatic techniques before their treatment.

Next time you hear a wrong comment about recycling, don’t hesitate to correct it with verified and factual information. It depends on everyone that this practice becomes increasingly extensive and that caring for the environment is a priority for those who inhabit this planet.

Waste sorting is flawed

Sorting is really important when we are talking about adequate recycling. There are many processes through which a product goes before being up-cycled or recycled into a product that you can use. This can be very extensive but once we in the constant habit of separating our waste at the source like our homes, schools, restaurants we can help in making a difference.

For example, we take the used tea bag and throw the tea leaves in one bag, the plastic tag in the second, the paper bag in the third and the metal bracket in the fourth.

In Australia, the USA, and some European countries, waste is very carefully sorted. Since 100% sorting is impossible to achieve. But this is not a problem - then the metal is extracted from the slag with special magnets, and the remains of the glass are sifted.

It turns out that to start processing; it is enough to separate only organic waste (the remains of food that goes to biogas) from solid. However, it would be technologically possible to do without this preliminary sorting by simply arranging a sorting station at the plant itself. Such sorting would significantly increase the number of employees and also decrease the cost of processing. Ultimately, the volume of slag after such processing would be much more significant.

FAQs

Does recycling have any direct economic impact?

Waste management activities also lead to job generation and contribute to a better economy and crime reduction.

Is waste collected in collection trucks?

The trucks have a two-compartment system inside, which makes it possible to collect different waste in the same truck without mixing with each other.

Is it worth the effort to recycle?

It costs less to recycle than to manufacture a new product. Recycling saves water, energy and raw material. We also reduce the pollution that occurs in the process of obtaining the raw material.

Does everything we separate come together at the recycling plant?

No, although it is inevitable that in the collection of selective waste, some arrive at the plant with a few impurities. These are separated and eliminated by manual and automatic methods prior to their treatment.

Is the quality of recycled products worse?

No. Glass, aluminum and many plastics can be recycled repeatedly without losing their quality.

Isn't daily recycling of packaging too laborious?

Recycling doesn’t require much time. We are saving energy, water, and raw material. We only need a bin with three bags for each type of waste or container.

Is more pollution caused by transporting recyclables throughout the country?

False. The same pollution is produced by transporting the waste to landfills as to recycling plants. In addition, there are points where recycled materials accumulate and thus transport them in large quantities, too reduce pollution.

A big challenge for recycling and waste management companies is the unofficial and ill-practicing agencies in the society which make recycling a hard task. They dissipate myths and create obstructions in the way of promoting recycled materials and products.

Conclusion

Waste recycling plays an important role when it comes to a clean environment and jobs. At first, the residents of the city should be conscious of keeping their city clean. Numerous myths are commonly being circulated among our surroundings.

We should focus on what is achievable and can benefit from a societal point of view. This article provides you ample information on myths, misconceptions and to increase your general awareness. Another aspect of prosperity includes economic growth. The most important thing is that the waste management system generates jobs. Therefore, more members of the society can benefit from the jobs and become responsible citizens working for the betterment of the society and ultimately the environment.

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