Recycling Glossary

How the air we breathe is tainted by either human-made or natural particles, liquids, or gases. This contamination encompasses various sources, from factory emissions to the exhaust from our vehicles.

A term used to describe materials capable of decomposition by living organisms like bacteria or fungi. Some biodegradable materials can be used for composting. Items that biodegrade slowly contribute to landfill accumulation.

The materials that are typically included in curbside recycling programs.

The process of clearing forested areas, often to make way for agricultural development or human settlements. Deforestation disrupts the absorption of carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the atmosphere, impacting soil, groundwater, and local climate.

A government agency founded in 1970, tasked with safeguarding human health and the environment through consumer and business programs.

A measurement indicating how many miles a vehicle can travel on a gallon of gasoline, known as miles per gallon (MPG). Higher MPG values indicate a more eco-friendly vehicle with reduced reliance on non-renewable resources.

A term describing the increase in Earth's near-surface temperature. It is often associated with rising greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. Scientists generally agree that the Earth's surface has warmed by approximately 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years.

Products in households or businesses that are ignitable, corrosive, reactive, or toxic (e.g., used motor oil, oil-based paint, auto batteries, gasoline, pesticides). Proper disposal is crucial as these products can harm the environment. Many have eco-friendly alternatives.

Industrial solid waste refers to non-hazardous, solid materials generated by manufacturing, construction, and industrial processes, excluding hazardous waste.

An international agreement involving 137 developed countries, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, it set targets for emissions reduction. The United States signed but did not ratify the agreement.

Improperly discarded waste found on streets, sidewalks, lakes, and in the environment in general.

Waste generated by households, commercial establishments, industrial offices, or lunchrooms not classified as residual or hazardous waste. It encompasses all items destined for landfills, regardless of recyclability. Source-separated recyclables are not included.

A resource that cannot naturally regenerate or replenish and is thus finite. This term commonly applies to non-renewable energy sources like coal and oil, which deplete Earth's reserves.

Items produced with fewer harmful chemicals like pesticides, often considered a more environmentally friendly choice. Organic products are commonly associated with food and may also refer to carbon compounds formed by living organisms.

Material used to wrap, protect, identify, describe, display, promote, and maintain the cleanliness of consumer items. Reducing excessive packaging benefits the environment.

A term indicating that a product or its packaging can be recycled. However, the availability of recycling programs for specific materials may vary by location.

The process of diverting materials from landfills and reprocessing them into new products. It is one of the Three R's and is indicated by the recycling symbol.

A symbol featuring a chasing arrow diagram found on recyclable products. It represents the collection, processing into recycled products, and consumer purchase of items with recycled content, thus closing the recycling loop.

A concept related to systems that can maintain long-term viability within the current ecosystem, typically involving the use of renewable resources. Sustainability implies the ability to persist indefinitely, which is achieved through renewable resource utilization.

A set of principles crucial for sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. These steps involve reducing resource consumption, reusing products, and recycling materials to minimize waste.

A process in which worms decompose organic materials (e.g., vegetable scraps) in a controlled environment, producing nutrient-rich soil amendments.

Used water from homes or businesses, including human waste, rainwater runoff, and factory discharge. Wastewater can be treated in certified plants and reused for various purposes.

Xerography is a photocopying and printing process used in photocopiers and laser printers. Xerography recycling refers to the environmentally responsible disposal and recycling of materials used in this process, such as toner cartridges, drums, and other components. Recycling these items helps reduce electronic waste and conserve resources.

Yard waste recycling involves the collection and processing of organic materials from yards and gardens, such as grass clippings, leaves, branches, and other plant debris. These materials can be composted or turned into mulch, reducing the volume of waste in landfills and providing valuable organic matter for landscaping and gardening. Yard waste recycling helps promote sustainability and environmental stewardship.

While not a specific recycling process, the concept of "Zero Waste" is a holistic approach to waste reduction and sustainability. It aims to minimize waste generation, promote recycling and reuse, and ultimately send as little material as possible to landfills or incineration. Zero Waste initiatives encourage responsible resource management, efficient product design, and community engagement to achieve sustainability goals.