Where Does Recycling Go?
Steel Cans
Steel Cans are separated out from other recyclables by using a magnet. The cans are then crushed, compressed into bales, re-melted and turned into new steel products such as new cans, car doors, bridges and refrigerators.
Milk and Juice Cartons
Liquidpaperboard cartons (milk and juice cartons, including "long-life" cartons) are pulped and recycled into high quality office paper. A one-litre carton can be recycled back into 5 -7 A4 sheets. More information on Liquidpaperboard is available on Planet Ark's site.
Aluminium Cans
Aluminium Cans can be recycled over and over into new cans. Twenty recycled cans be made using the same amount of energy as required to produce one can from raw materials.
Newspapers/Paper/Cardboard
Australia is one of the world leaders in the recycling of old newspapers. Newspapers, "glossies" and magazines are recycled into cardboard and packaging, insulation products, animal bedding, mulch products, kitty litter and fire logs. Cardboard and other paper products (including writing paper, envelopes, cereal containers, novels and phone books) are re-processed to produce new cardboard.
Glass Jars and Bottles
Two types of glass beverage bottles are made in South Australia - multi-fill bottles are washed and refilled several times with the same product whereas beer, soft drink and wine single-fill bottles and jars are meant to be used only once and then returned to a recycler. These bottles are crushed and recycled into new bottles.
Plastics
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Now that you have gone to the trouble of putting out your recycling, don't forget to buy back the products made from your recycled materials!
When you choose to buy these products over products made from virgin materials, you are encouraging the development of further recycled goods, thus ensuring that kerbside recycling remains a viable operation.
Your efforts help reduce pollution, save energy and preserve natural resources. Help the environment by recycling not only your recycle bottles, glass jars and newspapers but also recycle plastic bags, greeting cards, copier/fax cartridges and bottles and even mobile phones. For more information about what and how to recycle visit one of the following websites for more information:
http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/
