Recycling in the office
Composting
Recycling History
Labeling
Fun Facts
100

Are the soda cans in the office recyclable?

Yes, aluminum cans are recyclable. 

100

Are used coffee grounds compostable?

Yes, coffee grounds are compostable.

100

What was the first material that was recycled?

Paper. The Japanese recycled old documents and records into new paper. 

100

Does the label "1" on the bottom of an item mean that it can be recycled?

Yes, the label "1" means PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PET is a common, widely recycled plastic used for many household items, including water bottles, peanut butter containers, and cooking oil containers. 

100

How long on average does it take for plastic to decompose? 

Anywhere in-between 20-500 years. 
200

Are the paper plates in the office recyclable?

No, the paper plates are compostable, and must be thrown in the trash. 

200

Can you compost meat and bones?

No, meat and bones are not compostable.

200

What was the first country that recycled?

Japan. In 1031 A.D., the first evidence of recycling was recorded. The Japanese shredded their old documents and records, and remade them into new sheets of paper; selling them through mom-and-pop stores around the country. All over the world, people often reused the containers their goods came in as a way to save money. 

200

Does the label "2" on the bottom of an item mean that it can be recycled?

Yes, the label "2" is HDPE (high-density polyethylene). Examples of this are: milk jugs, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, cleaning product containers, yogurt containers, and buckets. 

200

Which state recycles the most in the United States?

Maine. 

300

Are the snack wrappers/bags recyclable?

No, they are not recyclable, so they need to be thrown out in the trash. 

300

Are used tea bags compostable?

Yes, used tea bags are compostable.

300

Which great philosopher advocated for recycling?

Who is Plato?

300

Does the label "3" on the bottom of an item mean that it can be recycled? 

No, the label "3" is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which can be recycled at a recycling center, but not on curbside recycling. Examples: Window frames and doors, Flooring, Pipes, Paneling, Decking, Fencing, Credit cards, IV fluid bags and tubing.

300

How long does it take for a used aluminum can to be recycled into a new can and back on the shelf?

Only 60 days. Aluminum can be recycled over and over again.

400

Are the coffee cups in the office recyclable?

No, they are not recyclable, and have to be thrown away in the trash, they are compostable, but not recyclable.

400
If an item says that it is biodegradable, does that mean it is compostable?

No, biodegradable materials can take years or even decades to break down. 

400

When did recycling start in Arizona?

Recycling started in 1990 in Arizona.

400

Does the label "4" on the bottom of an item mean that it can be recycled?

No, the label "4" is LDPE (low-density polyethylene), which cannot be recycled. Examples: bread bags, frozen food bags, dry-cleaning bags, shopping bags, ziploc bags, tote bags, furniture, plastic wrappings, packaging foam, trays and containers. 

400

How much plastic waste does the world produce each year?

400 Million Tons.

500

Are the beverage cups in the office recyclable?

No, they are not recyclable. They are compostable, so they have to be thrown away in the trash. 

500

Is a greasy pizza box compostable?

Yes, greasy pizza boxes are compostable, but not recyclable. 

500

Which state implemented a recycling bin outside for pickup first?

Missouri introduced "The Tree Saver", the first curbside recycling bin for paper

500

Does the label "5" on the bottom of an item mean that it can be recycled?

Yes, the label "5" is PP (polypropylene), which can be recycled. Examples of this are: yogurt cups, cream cheese containers, syrup packets, ketchup bottles, kitchen containers, straws, carpets, rope, medicine bottles, and bottle caps. 

500

How much aluminum gets thrown into landfills in the U.S. every 3 months?

Enough to build an entire commercial air fleet. 

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