There are several advantages of a bottle recycling depot. These include reducing litter, increasing recycling rates, and creating jobs. Another advantage of this facility is that you can use your old bottles for future use. For example, if you need a new bottle for your company’s marketing campaign, you can go to a Bottle Recycling Depot location, pick up your new bottle, and recycle your old one. Next, you can put the new bottle in your recycling bin and use it again.
Reduces roadside litter
Reducing roadside litter is a pressing issue in many parts of the country, and the Bottle Bill has helped to address this issue. This legislation diverted deposit containers from the waste stream and coincided with a decline in roadside litter. The legislation also led to the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), which manage the material stream.
The Bottle Bill was originally introduced in 1971 and was the first bottle bill in the U.S. It was conceived to combat a growing problem of roadside litter. It was reported in 1975 that 4 billion beverage containers were discarded along the roads. Most of these containers were made of glass, paper, corrugated cardboard, and metal cans, with plastics being considered a relatively novel recyclable material until the late 1980s.
Some studies from the 1970s have shown dramatic litter reduction in an area after bottle deposit legislation was implemented. In Oregon, for example, bottle deposits reduced roadside litter by 66% and total litter by 9%; in Michigan, meanwhile, bottle deposit legislation reduced total litter by 41% and beverage-related litter by 82%. In Vermont, bottle deposit legislation had an even greater effect, with a 76% decrease in roadside litter and a 66% reduction in litter caused by beverage containers.
Increases recycling rates
Plastic bottle recycling has fallen slightly in the U.S. this year, despite efforts to encourage recycling. Although the recycling rate is still relatively high, the industry is looking to do more to improve sustainability. The American Chemistry Council and the Association of Plastic Recyclers reported that the country’s bottle recycling rate declined by 2.4 percent in 2016.
A new study suggests that deposit-return systems increase recycling rates. Those states with deposit-return systems see an average of twice-as-high recycling rates. However, there is a downside to these programs. These programs require more labour and reverse vending machine equipment, which increases costs for municipalities and businesses. Further research is needed to determine whether these schemes work. But for now, they are the most popular recycling solution.
While many beverage container recycling programs are outdated, others are more progressive. For example, Massachusetts hasn’t raised its bottle deposit since 1982. However, when the deposit was increased to 10 cents, recycling rates increased by 14 billion bottles. In addition to that, state governments have been mandating recycling. It is an important first step towards closing the supply-demand gap for recycled materials.
Creates jobs
Recycling is a great way to create jobs and save the environment. The Carolinas Plastics Recycling Council (CPRC) is working to promote plastic recycling in the region. They have partnered with the National Association for PET Container Resources to create a video, “Your Bottles Mean Jobs,” highlighting the 3,500 jobs created by plastic bottle recycling in the Carolinas. These jobs are created through recycling processes such as bottle sorting, recycling raw materials, and manufacturing polyester fibre from recycled PET bottles. It reduces the costs of waste disposal and saves local governments money.
Increasing recycling rates can create more jobs and boost the economy. Recycling is more labour-intensive than landfilling and incineration, so building a recycling industry is an excellent way to generate income. According to a recent study by Tellus Economics, increasing the recycling rate from 34% to 75% could create nearly 1.5 million new jobs.
Recycling plastic bottles helps protect the environment by cutting the amount of trash dumped in landfills. It also creates jobs for people who collect recyclable materials and those who work at recycling facilities. The economic benefits of recycling go beyond the environment, however. Recycling reduces pollution by reducing the amount of trash in our waterways.
Some states have introduced deposit systems for beverage containers. These systems reward consumers for recycling by adding a small fee to their purchases. The deposit system makes it easier for consumers to recycle since it is cheaper than dumping waste in the streets.
Diverts waste from landfills
California’s bottle recycling depots accept a variety of materials, including household and automotive chemicals, paint, fuels, and pesticides. This recycling program encourages residents and businesses to recycle more and avoid filling landfills with hazardous materials. These programs also help to delay the building of new landfills.
One of the most important steps to divert waste from landfills is reducing the amount of discarded trash. It can be accomplished by reducing the number of single-use products you purchase. Instead, invest in reusable products that can be used again. Another effective way to reduce waste is to repair and maintain vehicles. This practice helps prevent the accumulation of waste tires, which are often unwanted and can cause environmental problems.
Reduces energy costs
Recycled bottles are great for the environment. They require less energy to produce than virgin materials. A ton of recycled aluminium or PET plastic container conserves over seven thousand kilowatt hours of energy. In addition, recycled glass containers reduce the energy needed to operate glass furnaces and extend their life. When you are out and about, try to hold onto empty beverage containers until you get to the recycling depot. If possible, keep an extra bag in your car as well. It prevents the bottles from rolling around in your car.
Recycled PET jars and bottles are usually sent to a materials recovery facility. These facilities process the bottles and then package them in bales. In North America, five reclamation facilities process recovered PET and sell it as recycled plastic. In 2015, nearly half of Canada’s recycled PET was exported as “fibre,” a product used in carpets, stuffing, and fleece sweaters.