Recyclables - Environmental Impact

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that by increasing our national recycling rate to 3 percent from the current 25 percent rate and by cutting the amount of waste we generate, people could reduce the annual greenhouse gas emissions by an additional 24.5 million metric tons of carbon. Less waste would lessen the need for landfills, which take up valuable space. In addition, groundwater pollution would also lessen due to the decreased level of toxics entering the water system. By recycling people conserve nonrenewable recourses such as oil, which will assist in keeping the demand for oil low.