What is Recycling?

Wondering what is recycling about?

I believe the term “recycling” is no stranger to many of us.

We would have at least some vague ideas of what recycling is about about, either through school, media or even our immediate community. In fact, some of us have already made recycling a way of life.

And not surprisingly, in many parts of the world, communities have already embraced the idea of recycling their unwanted materials for the various benefits of recycling (read more about the efforts of the various communities).

In simple language, what is recycling about is simply giving old or used things a new lease of life, by making new things out of the old materials.

Recycling is a key and third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy, which comprises three elements, reduce, reuse and recycle.

Unlike reducing or re-using, recycling involves the processing of the old or used materials.

The old or used materials are broken down into their basic elements (eg. fibre in paper), which are then used as the raw materials for other fresh and new items. In turn, the recycling processes for different materials differ.

The recycling process

What is recycling process like?

The recycling process involves a series of activities, including collecting the recyclables, sorting and processing the recyclable materials into raw materials such as fibers, and manufacturing new products out of these raw materials.

Subsequently, the purchasing of products made from recycled materials creates a circle or loop, and is critical to the overall value and success of recycling.

Read about the recycling process in greater details.

Factors for recycling success

For recycling to be work, 3 factors are crucial:

1. The supply – There must be recyclable materials to start with, and they must be separated from trash and other wastes to prevent contamination, and sorted by type of material to facilitate processing.

2. The processing – These materials will need to be broken down into its basic elements, and then be reused as raw materials to produce new products.

3. The demand – The "Recycling Cycle" will only be completed when the new products are put to use. As much as it is important to send your recyclable items for recycling, it is also important to use recycled products to ensure that recycling becomes a economically viable activity within your community.

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