The Basics Of Plastic Recycling Derived from the Greek word plastikos , which means capable of being shaped or molded, plastic refers to a wide array of synthetic or semi-synthetic solids that are used in producing a wide variety of industrial products and items. When compared to materials such as metal and glass, plastics generally require a longer recycling process, because plastic has a high molecular weight, and it has larger polymer chains. Some US states are already far ahead of the rest when it comes to implementing recycling programs. In Portland, Oregon for example, recycling bins are in every street corner, while in Albuquerque, New Mexico, there is a clear lack of curbside recycling programs and facilities. Some US states are also offering used electronics recycling programs. Recycling Black And Gray water At Home Most of us don t even know that there s a definition for different types of waste water. There s black water and there s gray water. Water is considered gray when you wash clothes, clean vegetables, take a shower, brush your teeth or only lightly contaminate the water. The Terrible Environment Legacy of Styrofoam Because polystyrene is made from petroleum, it s highly-flammable and contains a toxic chemical called benzene. Styrofoam is known to take a long time to break down once it s disposed and thrown in a landfill. It has been noted that animals who ingest it incurred blocks in their digestive track, causing starvation and death. The European Union has also required lighting manufacturers to cap their CFL mercury content too. The US Environmental Protection Agency also estimates that if all CFL s produced in the US were dumped in landfills, this would amount to 0.13 metric tons, or 0.1% of all mercury emissions in the US. How To Properly Dispose And Recycle CFL s Here are some tips and precautions for the handling, disposal or recycling or compact fluorescent lamps. To easily find sellable scrap metal items, search at the curbside, as well as check your neighborhood junk shop to find valuable scrap metal items. You can also contact a business or shop that removes or fixes metal accessories from homes or motor vehicles. You can also sell the wiring from electrical items; however just make sure that you safely collect and keep them.