Are you recycling the right way? Experts share some tips and tricks and explain why it's important to do so.
Recycling is important because it is an easy way to minimize impact on climate change.
"When items like paper or cardboard end up in the trash instead of recycling, they release methane emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas when they decompose in the landfill," explains Rebecca Parnes, Environmental Services Division for the City of Oakland. When new products are made from items placed in the recycle cart, it uses less energy and water, thereby minimizing the amount of natural resources pulled from earth to make new things.Only put items in your recycle cart which are accepted in the program.Not all plastics are equal. Taj Reid, Community Outreach Manager for California Waste Solutions, talks about one of the greatest misconceptions, not "every plastic is recyclable, and it's a great concern.
"You think of your products such as styrofoams, plastic, film, the great and convenient squeeze packages and toys, those are all items that should not be recycled. But, considered for waste disposal," says Reid.