Happy America Recycles Day!
However, some may be unsure of how to sort waste, beyond the photos represented in the new standard labels at UMBC.
That's why UMBC's eco-ambassadors helped to develop more detailed information about what to compost and recycle on campus:
Why take 3 seconds to sort? Well, did you know:
- UMBC's recycling, composting and landfill bags are color coded? That's why housekeeping is able to collect the bags in one cart: the green bag is composting, the blue bags are recycling and the black are landfill!
Do you see any errors in the way waste is sorted? Contact recycle@umbc.edu by email to notify our recycling manager!
Here are some fascinating facts about recycling & composting:
Recycling 1 ton of plastic bottles saves the equivalent energy of a 2 person household for... 1 year
Recycling a 1 aluminum can saves enough energy to power a TV for 3 hours
Making a can from recycled materials rather than raw materials saves how much water & energy? 95%!
Making recycled paper (instead of manufacturing paper from virgin forests) reduces air pollution by 95%
Making glass from recycled material cuts related water pollution by 50%
Recycling 1 glass jar saves enough electricity to run an 11 watt bulb for 20 hours
Making recycled cardboard (instead of new) saves 75% of energy