The impact of recycling - more than meets the eye!
Recycling plays an important role in society on a number of levels. Environmentally, the reuse and recycling of beverage containers uses up to 90% less energy compared to the production of new containers from virgin materials. This means less CO2 emissions and less impact on the natural landscape. The monetary value placed on containers in the form of deposit also provides a greater incentive not to throw away or litter the containers.
An effective recycling program for beverage containers also makes the general waste management system more efficient. Beverage containers displace a great deal of volume, and if not eliminated from the general waste stream that is collected, signficantly reduces transport efficiency and landfill capacity.
The recycling industry also plays a major economic role. In California, it is estimated that the recycling industry accounts for 85,000 jobs, generates more than $4 billion in salaries and wages, and produces over $10 billion worth of goods and services annually.