Here are some things to remember about recycling: 

• We can help save resources, conserve energy, prevent pollution and extend the life of landfills sites by recycling materials.
• Recycling is a great thing to do.  Of course, it also uses energy and produces waste.  For example:  think of the fuel that is burned by all the trucks that collect and transport recyclable materials, the heat (energy) needed to melt plastic and aluminum for remanufacturing, and the sludge that results from newspaper de-inking.
• Rethink and Reduce and the two key Rs.  Here are some important questions to ask before we buy something new:

1.  Do we really need it?

2.  Can we use something else instead?

3.  Can it be repaired if it breaks?

4.  Can it be recycled?

5.  Consuming less is still the best way to reduce waste and minimize pollution.  What do we use that we don't really need?

• Buying recycled products (things made from recycled materials) closes the recycling loop.