While paper has been a very important aspect of our lives, the careless and wasteful use of it can lead to a mounting garbage problem. The production of paper also is costly, and during these times where we hear a lot of horror stories regarding environmental degradation and pollution, the quest to save our forests requires that we lessen our consumption of paper and other wood by-products. Get a phone book, and check out the recycling companies in your area, or talk to the solid waste management or recycling coordinator in your local government. Some towns and cities help provide recycling bins and other containers or drop-off areas, which the recycling company will collect at a certain time. The recycling of aluminum cans pays approximately one cent per can, although the money can really add up if these are combined with other aluminum products. Glass is another common material that s accepted at recycling facilities. All types of glass can be recycled, and these include drinking glasses, glass food jars and other glass containers. Here s a look at how recycling helps protect the environment. Which Materials Are Recyclable? Recycling refers to the process or re-processing and using used materials, into new products, Recycling helps in preventing the waste of potentially-useful materials or components, and helps in reducing air and water pollution, and aids in the lowering of dangerous greenhouse gas emissions too. Apart from metal, glass, plastic, aluminum, textiles, paper and electronics, organic wastes can also be composted and made into fertilizer. Rubber tires can now also be shredded and turned into insulation, erosion barriers and other unique products. Here s a review of the popular and widely-accepted recycling programs of today. Let s take balanced and closer look at recycling plastic bottles. Plastic is A Commonly-Used, Non-Biodegradable Product Plastic is a material that s become a common fixture of our daily lives. We use plastic in different ways. It s estimated that 40 billion plastic bottles are produced in the US alone each year, and most of them are thrown away right after being used.