The practice of recycling is more important now than ever. With reports of climate changes and the vast amount of waste produced throughout the world, it is critical that we do our part to protect and preserve our environment. An integral part of this conservation effort revolves around the recycling of cans and bottles.
Cans and bottles contribute a significant amount of waste in our lives. Made of aluminum, glass, and plastic, these materials are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose. However, what many people don’t realize is that these items are fully recyclable. A single recycling process can preserve a considerable number of resources and greatly reduce the environmental impact of our actions.
Not only does recycling decrease the need for new materials, thus conserving natural resources, but it also reduces the energy usage required to produce new products and minimises greenhouse gas emissions generated during production processes. With such a profound impact, the question is, how do we go about recycling cans and bottles effectively? The answer is, by a systematic approach championed by an organization known as Consillion.
The Consillion approach is simple but systematic, and it aims at getting the maximum yield out of the recycling process. It involves three simple steps– collection, preparation, and transportation. First, gather all the cans and bottles required for the cycle. It’s important to note that recycling works best when the cans and bottles are properly sorted. It’s crucial to separate glass from plastic and metal. Moreover, colors should also be separated for glass recycling, as mixing different colors can degrade the quality of the recycled product.
After sorting, the cans and bottles need to be rinsed properly. Any remaining liquid or food matter can contaminate the recycling process. Aluminium cans should be scrubbed to get rid of any leftover residue. Conversely, bottles should be capped again after cleaning as caps are sorted out later at the recycling plant due to their different material composition.
Once the cans and bottles are prepared, they should be transported to the nearest recycling facility. The Consillion method emphasizes the importance of community participation in this step. Many communities have drop-off locations where recyclables can be left. Otherwise, residential curbside pick-up programs are increasingly becoming more common.
At the recycling facility, the collected cans and bottles undergo processing. Aluminium cans are shredded, cleaned, and melted into new aluminium sheets. This process saves up to 95% of the energy compared to the production of new aluminium. The plastic bottles are shredded into small flakes, which are cleaned, treated, and then pelletized into raw material for new plastic products. Glass bottles are crushed into small pieces known as cullet, which is then remelted and molded into new glass products. These processes close the recycling loop, assistance in reducing waste.
The organization Consillion and its followers work tirelessly to spread awareness about these recycling processes in the hopes to instill recyclable habits in our daily routines. It is crucial to remember that every small step towards recycling is a stride to conserve our environment and protect our planet for future generations.
So next time when you’re about to discard a can or a bottle, remember the importance and ease of recycling. Contribute your part to this worthwhile cause, and together, let us keep our planet clean and sustainable.