Myth-busting recycling
Don’t get caught up in the recycling myths. In Ramsey County, recycling is real, and it works. This America Recycles Day (Nov. 15), learn how to be an informed recycler.
Fact #1: Recycling works!
The cans, bottles and paper you place into your curbside cart are taken to a facility, sorted, and sent to different companies to be made into new products.
- Paper mills like West Rock in Saint Paul mix paper and water together to make a pulp, which is then flattened, dried and rolled into new boxboard. The boxboard is used to make cereal and cracker boxes.
- Bottles and jars are sorted by color at Strategic Materials in Saint Paul. Clear glass is sent to Anchor Glass in Shakopee to make new food and beverage bottles.
Put these items into your recycling.
Fact #2: Plastic items get recycled.
Plastic bottles, containers and jugs s numbered 1, 2 and 5 are sorted, shredded, melted into pellets and then sold to companies to make new products. Avon Plastics in Paynesville turns milk jugs and detergent bottles into durable decking, fencing and landscaping products.
Fact #3: Recycling is sorted by people and machines.
When you put items into your curbside recycling cart, it is required to be taken to a recycling facility. At the facility, people and machines sort the materials. Trying to recycle an item that is not recyclable can cause damage to machines and harm to employees.
If you are unsure about an item, use the A to Z Green Guide.
Fact #4: Recycling is a successful industry.
About 78,000 jobs in Minnesota are created by the recycling industry. These jobs add about $23.9 billion to Minnesota's economy.
Fact #5: Recycling is important, but not creating waste in the first place is better.
The best way to manage waste is to not create it in the first place. Next, think about reusing the items you already have. Recycling is the next best way to manage solid waste because it gives materials a new life and keeps them out of the landfill.
Learn more about recycling in Minnesota at RecyclingExists.com.