Mystery of Recycling: Glass and Aluminum Examples

Abstract

Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” waste hierarchy. Recycling and/or waste minimization is a prerequisite for sustainable value and green environment. Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, metal, plastic, textiles, and electronics. The composting or other reuse of food is also considered recycling. This chapter starts with an expanded definition of recycling; afterwards, the recycling processes of glass and aluminum are examined in detail. Besides recycling, for a green environment the necessity for reducing and reusing of waste is also considered. Another topic will be the myths of recycling-unknown realities about recycling process. Furthermore, types of recycling and cost-benefit analysis will be explained. Ultimately, the chapter will be concluded by criticisms about recycling, and potential areas for further discussion.