What is selective collection, recycling and residue minimization

Selective collection
It is the separation of materials intended for recycling. It means that recyclable materials should not be discarded together with other garbage. It can be an initiative of a single citizen or organized in communities : apartment buildings, companies, schools, clubs, cities, etc.

Recycling
It is the activity of turning used materials into new products that can be marketed. Example : used paper is returned to industries to be turned into brand new paper sheets.

Residue minimization
We call it the 3 Rs : first Reducing waste; then Reusing as much as possible before discarding; and only then sending to Recycling.

Reasons to recycle :
CONTRIBUTION TO NATURE :
50 kg of used paper = a saved tree
1,000 kg of recycled paper = 20 saved trees
1,000 kg of recycled glass = 1,300 kg of saved sand
1,000 kg of recycled plastic = thousands of saved petroleum liters
1,000 kg of recycled aluminum = 5,000 kg of saved ore

Note that sand, petroleum and ore are non-renewable natural resources.

SOME BENEFITS OF SELECTIVE COLLECTION :
Lower deforestation.
Lower extraction of natural resources.
Lower soil, water and air pollution.
Energy and water saving.
Recycling of materials that otherwise would become garbage.
Soil conservation. Reduced waste deposits and landfills.
Longer life for sanitary landfills.
Reduction of production costs with the reuse of recyclables by the industry.
Waste reduction.
Improved urban cleanliness and hygiene.
Prevention of floods.
Reduced cost with garbage collection.
Opportunity for stronger cooperatives.
Job and income generation with the collection and sale of recyclables.

Tips to reduce waste, to reuse and to recycle

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