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America Recycles Day 2017

11/13/2017

Vogel Disposal feels strongly that recycling is critical to the environment and economy of America, so in honor of America Recycles Day (November 15, 2017) we want to answer some frequently asked questions about recycling.

 

Does recycling really make a difference?

Yes, recycling absolutely makes a difference. We cannot overstate that. Recycling has important environmental, economic and social benefits.

To help you wrap your mind around the power of recycling, check out these facts provided by Recycle Across America:

  • Recycling a single aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for three hours.
  • Recycling five plastic bottles (PET) provides enough fiber to create one square foot of carpet or enough fiber fill to fill one ski jacket.
  • Recycling a stack of newspaper just 3 feet high saves one tree.
  • Recycling just one glass jar saves enough electricity to light an 11 watt CFL bulb for 20 hours.
  • Recycling 1 ton of cardboard saves 46 gallons of oil.

These are just the microscopic things recycling can do. In a bigger-picture perspective, recycling prevents the waste of useful materials, reduces the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduces energy usage, reduces air and water pollution, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

 

Doesn't it all end up in the landfill anyway?

No! Waste and recycling are collected by different trucks and have different destinations. Landfill waste is taken to Seneca Landfill, and recyclable materials are taken to TC Recycling in Mars, PA.

 

What happens to recycled materials?

Many of the hauling companies in Western PA (including Vogel Disposal) bring recyclable materials to TC Recycling, where they are sorted by type and then shipped to a recycler to be converted into or used as ingredients in the production of new materials. TC Recycling is one of the most advanced recycling facilities in Western PA. In 2017, TC Recycling invested several million dollars into state-of-the-art sorting and processing equipment quadrupling their recycling capacity. To see this state-of-the-art facility in action, check out TC Recycling's website.

To find out more about America Recycles Day, visit https://americarecyclesday.org. But recycling is a year-round commitment, and we hope you will join us in our dedication to recycling.