Post-consumer recycling is the process of collecting material used by consumers and turning the waste into more products. Post-consumer recycling includes the recycling by consumers of:
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Aluminum
- Steel
- Glass
- Plastic
Post-consumer recycling is important since it reduces the waste sent to landfills. Many areas provide curbside recycling pick-up while others have drop-offs where recyclable items can be taken.
Watch this video to find out more.
Further Information
- Get Onboard the Recycle Cycle (article)
- Reusing and Recycling Plastic Containers (article)
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
So much of thinking green starts with understanding the terminology. Common words and phrases include sustainability, energy efficiency, and renewable resources. Another you often hear is post-consumer recycling. You’ll often see these words on various consumer goods.
This is one of the greenest forms of recycling out there, because this is material that has served its useful purpose in a home or business – such as paper, cardboard, and aluminum – and is diverted from going to the landfill. And you might be surprised at how many things can be made from post-consumer recyclables. Fences, playground equipment, carpet, even roofing shingles can be created from what, years ago, would have wound up in the garbage.
But to get to that post-consumer point, people need to make the simple decision to recycle at home, and look for the post consumer label when purchasing new items.
