Scrap Recycling Forum

Recycling involves processing used materials into new products in order to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air (from incineration) and water (from landfilling) pollution by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production.[1][2] Recycling is a key component of modern waste management and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy.

Recyclable materials include glass, paper, metal, textiles, electronics (cell phones, computers) and plastics. Though similar, the composting of biodegradable waste – such as food or garden waste – is not typically considered recycling.[2] These materials are either brought to a collection centre or picked-up from the curbside; and sorted, cleaned and reprocessed into new products bound for manufacturing.

However, critics of recycling claim that it often wastes more resources than it saves, especially in cases where it is mandated by government.