Recycling and litter reduction in a nutshell


See also funds available for recycling and for litter reduction

1. Recycling

"Recycling is processing used materials (waste) into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reduce energy usage, reduce air pollution (from incineration) and water pollution (from landfilling) by reducing the need for "conventional" waste disposal, and lower greenhouse gas emissions as compared to virgin production. Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third component of the "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" waste hierarchy."
Source: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling


Recommended recycling websites

MobileMuster - recycle old mobiles: http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/

Planet Ark: http://planetark.org/

Recycle Australia: http://www.recycleaustralia.org/index.php


2. Litter

"Litter can harm the environment in a number of different ways. It is a breeding ground for disease-causing insects and rodents. Its "ugliness" damages the appearance of scenic environments. Open containers such as paper cups or beverage cans can hold rainwater, providing breeding locations for mosquitoes which have been known to spread diseases such as West Nile Virus and Malaria. Uncollected litter can attract more, flowing into streams, and storm water drainage systems, local bays and estuaries. About 18% of litter, usually traveling through storm water systems, ends up in local streams, rivers, and waterways. About 80% of marine debris comes from land-based sources. Animals may get trapped or poisoned with litter in their habitats. Cigarette butts and filters are a threat to wildlife and have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds and whales, who have mistaken them for food."
Source: Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litter


Recommended litter reduction websites

Clean Up Australia: http://www.cleanup.org.au

Keep Australia Beautiful: http://www.kab.org.au/




Standards

Find Australian Standards on:
'Recycling'

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