Final answer:
Recycling involves collecting and processing materials to turn them into new products, benefiting the community and the environment. Accepting a wide range of recyclables in one bin or location encourages better participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. It can benefit the community and the environment by reducing waste and conserving resources. Recycling involves separating different types of materials, such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal, which can be recycled into new products.
The wide range of recyclable materials accepted by recycling programs allows for convenient collection in one bin or location before being sent to a recycling facility for separation. This type of recycling, known as single-stream recycling, takes up less space and encourages better participation from occupants since it is easier and more convenient.
For example, plastics can be melted down and used to make plastic furniture, carpets, and other products. While recycling does require some energy, it helps to reuse broken, worn-out, or non-reusable items, reducing the need for new materials and the associated energy and resource consumption. It is important to separate recyclable materials from ordinary trash and be aware of the specific categories accepted by local recycling authorities.