RECYCLING IS THE NEED OF THE HOUR!

 

RECYCLING

Recycling is the process of converting useless products which would otherwise be considered trash into useful and beneficial products. Recycling waste products is necessary because it helps us to reduce waste and reuse waste as the waste materials are transformed into useful products. The entire purpose of recycling is to minimise the production of waste in massive quantities and conserve energy as a result. The recyclability of a product depends on its ability to retain or acquire the properties that it possessed in its original state. Thus, recycling is a traditional method which is widely applied by countries all over the world even today. Waste can be recycled in all forms and states, be it solid, or a liquid, or gaseous, or even semi-solid. In the era of urbanisation and industrialisation, all nations, especially the developed countries, produce waste on a large scale. Hence, it is the need of the hour to not only treat the waste but also reduce and reuse it.

Recycling is a key component of the modern waste reduction process. It complements and supplements the other two Rs, namely, reuse and reduce. Since reusing and reducing waste heavily relies on recycling waste, one may affirm that recycling is of paramount importance. Recycling aims at reducing pollution, encouraging environmental sustainability, and reducing the consumption of raw materials by substituting them with waste outputs out of the economic system. The process of recycling involves three phases: collection of waste materials, their manufacture into new and useful products, and their purchase in the market. The need to recycle products in a country depends on various environmental and economic factors, and also on how economically and fiscally feasible it is.

Recycling reduces the scope for waste disposal, thereby reducing pollution and deposition of solid wastes in landfills. It also reduces the need for incineration which causes air pollution. The materials that are used for recycling serve as a substitute for scarce and non-renewable sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, and even trees. Typical materials that can be recycled are ferrous metals like iron and steel, aluminum cans, glass, wood, paper, cellulose and plastics. However, black plastic or dark plastic cannot be recycled since it is non-biodegradable, and clutters drains and chokes living creatures.

Developed economies must be urged to recycle their waste products to a larger extent. There have been many cases of American nations dumping their hazardous wastes on the coasts of African and Asian nations. This is not only morally incorrect but also leads to the spread of deadly diseases. Recycling reaps benefits galore. It helps in maintaining the oxygen-carbon dioxide balance in the ecosystem and reduces carbon emissions, thereby reducing the carbon footprint. It also promotes judicious usage of energy and generates employment in various sectors.

With the onset of the era of digitalisation, recycling of electronic wastes in the form of gadgets and devices has also acquired much significance. Recycling must begin at home with simple items, and should be taught to all children at a young age so that eventually, it turns into a way of life. Plastic bags may be used to collect soiled litter. Milk cartons or broken glasses may be used as flowerpots. Empty bottles may be used as paint bottles. Jeans that no longer fit may be cut and used as cloth for dusting or cleaning. Old newspapers may be used for packing and wrapping items. Unclean water may be used for gardening and watering house plants. Many discarded cell phones find their final home in the landfills. Thus, any item that seems obsolete and redundant may still be used to manufacture useful and beneficial ones.