November 15

America Recycles Day is celebrated nationally each year on and around November 15^th.  Recycling efforts have moved far beyond the blue bins in the corner of the room that hold unopened junk mail. A few other “R” words have also been added to the popular chant of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” such as “Repurpose” and “Refuse” are key players in the goal to reduce waste, litter, and use our resources wisely.

The benefits of recycling are more important now than ever.  Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, it conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals, and it prevents pollution by reducing the need for raw materials to be mined or harvested, processed, manufactured, and transported.

There is so much you can do to recycle and reduce waste every day!  But it’s very important that you check with your local recycling provider to know what they will accept in your recycling bin where you live, or at the recycling drop-off station in your community. Items like cardboard, metal cans, and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs, and items like plastic bags, electronics and batteries do NOT go in the curbside recycling bin.

So, you think you’re pretty knowledgeable about recycling?  Do you know if pizza boxes are fully recyclable, or if you can recycle regular household pots and pans?  You can test your recycling know-how with this Recycling Reality Check quiz from Keep America Beautiful, our parent affiliate organization.

If you’re already an experienced recycler, reducer, and re-user, we hope help inform others, especially children.  There are many programs that make learning about recycling fun.  Central Virginia Waste Management has a great resource page with Recycling Steward patch that kids (or groups of kids) can earn!  There are other fun games, activities, and educational programs on the page too.  The US Environmental Protection Agency also has a webpage full of ideas for kids, including the Planet Protectors Activities for Kids and Science Fair Fun.

One last thing, just for fun.  Check out this Foam Free video that presents a message about the “R” word “Refuse,” as consumers aim to make good choices about the containers used in the food and beverages they purchase. WHRO Public Media partnered with the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission (HRPDC) on the latest video, where viewers learn of the harmful effects that polystyrene can have on the environment, along with eco-friendly alternatives to polystyrene, and other waste-reduction behaviors.