Definition
Define recycling
Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products
This lowers the carbon footprint, it is compostable and leads to less waste accumulation
Biodegradable materials
Why is contamination of materials an issue
Contamination like food waste can ruin the batch of material making it non recyclable
3 steps in the recycling process
Collection, processing and remanufacturing
Define a biodegradable material
A biodegradable material is capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms
Recycling and Composting can reduce what change in the earth?
Climate change, recycling can save tons of carbon dioxide
Why is recycling electronic waste difficult
Because the toxic chemicals that some electronics have require a special process
How are recyclables collected?
By use of recycling bins or by waste sorting after collection
Define non-biodegradable
A Non-Biodegradable material can be defined as a kind of substance which cannot be broken down by natural organisms and acts as a source of pollution.
What is an economic benefit of recycling
It creates jobs
What is a challenge that developing countries face when it comes to recycling
They may not have the funds for the costly equipment and for the transportation of materials
What happens during the sorting phase of recycling?
Materials are sorted by type (plastics, glass, aluminum, paper)
Define manufactured items
A manufactured material is a raw material, or set of raw materials, that is processed to get an altered raw material.
Recycling can reduce which 2 negative impacts of manufacturing?
Waste and pollution, recycling diverts waste away from landfills and incinerator which reduces the harmful effects of pollution and carbon emissions
What are some difficulties in encouraging households to recycle?
Lack of awareness or convenience, leading to low participation rates.
How are biodegradables recycled
Composting, it turns biodegradable waste into nutrient rich soil due to interaction with fungi and bacteria
define composting
When organic materials like fruit and vegetable scraps are added to a compost pile, bacteria and fungi break down these complex substances into simpler compounds
Recycling can reduce the need to extract?
New raw materials, eg wood, water, minerals
How do fluctuating market prices for recyclable materials cause a problem
When prices drop, recycling becomes less profitable, leading to reduced investments in recycling programs and facilities.
What are two ways of managing non-biodegradable waste?
Incineration and Recycling