Food, organic substances, landscape, wood waste and paper make up the largest category of solid waste found in most collection points across the country. Other types of solid waste make up only 1/3 of the collected solid waste in the United States. Fortunately, these substances remain some of the easiest for the consumer and recycling centers to recycle. Yard waste most often ends up recycled by individuals or local programs into mulch or fuel. Food often gets recycled into compost. Recycled paper companies use recycled paper to create a multitude of products such as masking tape, egg cartons and coffee filters, to name a few.
Tires, automobiles, antifreeze and oil all have recycling methods that prevent them from becoming harmful to the environment when discarded. In the past, tires have clogged landfills, roadsides and vacant property, creating breeding grounds for insects and rodents. Since 1990, however, tire recycling has risen to 80 percent of those discarded through various programs. Antifreeze and motor oil potentially harm the environment when not disposed of properly. Various methods now provide access to recycling technologies for these substances through local businesses. Automobiles that can no longer be used can also provide recycling materials. In fact, up to 80 percent of a discarded automobile can be recycled.
Improper disposal of hazardous household materials probably provides one of the bigger obstacles to recycling efforts, even though these substances can potentially cause harm to the environment. Recycling them not only protects the environment but also conserves resources and energy. Batteries, paint, cleaners and pesticides often end up in personal trashcans and find their way to solid waste facilities. However, there are recycling options for these, as well. Many communities have some sort of collection point for these items where they can then be collected and used by others as a recycling effort. Additionally, more businesses recently began to offer services to recycle these materials on site, which saves them money.
Household electronics provide an opportunity for donation as a means of recycling. Many organizations such as Goodwill and others take donation of electronics. Some require the item to be usable while some take broken items to repair and reuse. Some communities also offer special pick-up days or drop-off points for discarded electronics. Buying "green" electronics also helps the recycling efforts. These electronics contain a higher percentage of green materials that recycle easily.
Aluminum, plastics, glass and textiles often have community pick-up or drop-off recycling programs. Aluminum cans contain, on average, 40 percent recycled materials. Recycling aluminum is fast and simple. It conserves energy and resources. Estimates state that half of U.S. counties provide either curbside or drop-off plastic and glass recycling. Recycled drinking bottles are the most commonly recycled. Textiles often become recycled through clothing resale. Some small businesses also recycle textiles into rags and fiber products.