Recycling Terms 101
Yesterday, we learned about the difference between recycled vs recyclable, but we were asked, "What about recyclability?"
These words can be simplified into the concepts of a product's Quality (Recyclability), Ability (Recyclable), and History (Recycled).
Product Quality: Recyclability is the ability to collect, sort, and process a material to be made into new products. Recyclability composes many aspects, such as material quality, cost, ease, and access to recycling centers. You can increase a product's recyclability by rinsing all product residue off packaging, only recycling accepted items, and not bagging your recyclables.
Product Ability: Recyclable products are products that are able to be recycled. Many have labels such as "Recycle Me" and "Curbside Recyclable (Check Locally)." Not all items carrying these labels are recyclable. To determine if your item is recyclable, check out our website. You can also look for a How2Recycle Label on the back.
Product History: Recycled products have been recycled already and are made with recycled materials. Products may advertise that they were made with "100% Recycled Materials," "Post Consumer Recycled Materials," or "100% Recycled and Recyclable Packaging." Just because a product was made with recycled materials doesn't mean it is recyclable. Check out our website for a complete list of recyclable materials.