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What is Recycling?
Recycling is placing items that can be made into new products or materials in the recycling bin or taking them to a drop-off center. But, there’s a little more to it than that.
Recycling is a three-step process.
- The first step is collection — that’s when you put your recyclables into the bin or take them to a drop-off center.
- The second step is manufacturing when the recyclables are processed into raw materials that are then manufactured into new products.
- The third step is buying recycled. You are not really recycling unless you are buying recycled-content products.
You have seen the recycling symbol, right? The three arrows represent steps that complete the recycling loop.
Understanding how recycling works is key to protecting the natural beauty and tranquility of Fairfield County. This page provides a straightforward guide to the recycling process and helps you play a role in making our community better every day.
The Three Steps of Recycling
Recycling is a three-step process that forms a closed loop, symbolized by the universal recycling icon with its three arrows.
- Collection: This is the first step, where you put recyclables into a designated bin or take them to a drop-off center.
- Manufacturing: Recyclables are then processed into new raw materials, which are used to create new products.
- Buying Recycled: The final and most crucial step is purchasing products made from recycled materials. The process of recycling isn't truly complete until you buy recycled-content products.
By completing all three steps, you help support a sustainable economy and contribute to a healthier environment for everyone in Fairfield County.