Introduction
Waste is anything we no longer have use for. When we throw something away, we create waste.
Activities such as cooking or washing also create waste. Yet, we can recycle waste. Recycling means making waste into something new.
A canoe made from old glass!
You might be surprised what rubbish can be turned into. The glass from bottles and jars can be turned into a material called fibreglass. This mix of strong glue and thin strips of glass can be used to make canoes and boats.
We can all learn how to recycle.
How we can turn our rubbish into useful products. However, recycling is just one way to deal with waste. Remember these three words: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
• Try to reduce, or cut down, the amount of waste you produce.
• Reuse items, such as glass and plastic jars or bottles, when you can find a use for them.
• If you cannot reuse something, then recycle it.
The rubbish we throw away contains materials we can use again.
At recycling centres, we can separate our rubbish into different materials. Factories can use these materials to make all kinds of new products.
When we recycle, we do not have to bury or burn our waste.
This is a recycling centre. A woman is bringing her old glass bottles.
Many recycling centres have a different container for each type of material:
• Glass bottles (green, brown or clear glass)
• Newspapers and magazines
• Textiles (old clothes)
• Cans
• Cardboard
• Plastic bottles and bags
You can prepare cans, bottles and other containers for recycling by washing them out and removing the tops and labels.
Some families sort their rubbish for recycling.
Some local councils have set up recycling schemes, so people don’t have to visit recycling centres. Families may put all items that can be recycled in a separate bin. This is taken away by the council to recycle.
Look out for this symbol. It reminds you to recycle.
As well as recycling, it is good to try to reuse things. Reusing everyday items, such as plastic bags and containers, helps to cut down on waste. Old electrical equipment, such as TV sets, can be repaired and used again.
Building materials, such as tiles, bricks and even doors and windows, are sometimes saved and reused to build new houses.