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NCSU Department of Biological and Agriclutural Engineering North Carolina Cooperative Extension
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Recycling & Solid Waste Reduction

What is Recycling?

Graphic of recycle logo It has three arrows in a circular motionRecycling is the process of taking a product that can no longer be used and making another product from all or part of it. The internationally-recognized symbol for recycling is three arrows moving in a triangle. Each arrow represents a different part of the recycling process, from collecting used materials, to re-manufacturing them into new products, and then reselling them.

Why Recycle?

Photo: a pile of full green plastic bags

Recycling offers many advantages, including:

  • Reduces the consumption of raw materials
  • Decreases air and water pollution
  • Lowers energy usage
  • Reduces the need for more landfill space
  • Creates jobs
  • Reduces waste disposal costs
  • Generates revenues from the sale of recyclable materials
  • Provides raw materials for industry
  • Keeps habitats intact
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions

Recycle these items that are banned from NC landfills:

  • Aluminum cans
  • Appliances
  • Antifreeze
  • Beverage containers from ABC permitted facilities
  • Computer equipment
  • Lead-acid batteries
  • Motor oil
  • Motor oil filters
  • Oyster shells
  • Plastic bottles
  • Scrap tires
  • Televisions
  • Wooden pallets
  • Yard debris (leaves, grass, branches, etc.)

Recycling Extension Publications

Before You Recycle, Choose to Reuse

Deconstruction-Giving Old Buildings New Live Food Recovery & Waste Reduction

How Your Business Can Cut Cost by Reducing Waste

A Low-Cost Plastic Bottle and Jug Baler

Managing Construction and Demolition Debris Guide

Waste Reduction and Recycling for the Lodging Industry

North Carolina Recycling Information

Recycling Links