Every year on November 15, we pay homage to the crucial practice of recycling through National Recycling Day. This global occasion is not merely a celebration, but a vital prompt to reduce waste, conserve our planet’s resources, and protect our environment.
By making the most of what we have, we’re able to save energy, lower pollution levels, decrease waste, foster job creation, and nurture a sustainable lifestyle. Join us on this day as we strive toward creating a brighter, greener, and cleaner future for all.
History of National Recycling Day
National Recycling Day or America Recycles Day encourages Americans to endorse recycling and the patronage of recycled products. The concept was brought to life in 1994 in Texas by 2 employees of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. They established Texas Recycles Day to educate the public about the advantages of recycling and purchasing recycled products.
Texas Governor George W. Bush to declare it an official statewide observance. In 1997, the National Recycling Coalition, a non-profit committed to advocating recycling in the United States, extended the program nationwide. Thus, the first official National Recycling Day was celebrated on November 15, 1997, aligning with Texas Recycles Day.
The objective of this day has always been to highlight the societal, environmental, and economic gains from recycling. They aim to inspire more people to participate in the movement to improve our natural environment. The focus is on the small steps individuals and companies can take to incorporate recycling into their daily routines and to buy more recycled products.
In 2010, Keep America Beautiful assumed responsibility for America Recycles Day. As a non-profit, they educate and motivate individuals to enhance and beautify their local communities.
National Recycling Day Timeline
First Recycling Plant
The first recycling plant was started in New York City, where it processed trash and sorted out various metals for recycling.
First Aluminum Can Recycling Plants
The first aluminum can recycling plants opened in Chicago and Cleveland, sparking the popularity of can recycling.
The use of Plastic
Plastics start to replace aluminum and steel cans. This presents a new challenge: plastic waste.
First Earth Day
The modern environmental movement is born, and recycling becomes a key component in the Western world.
Introduction of Curbside Recycling
The city of Woodbury, New Jersey, started the first curbside recycling program.
National Recycling Day
The National Recycling Coalition establishes America Recycles Day on November 15.
Continued Efforts for Recycling
Efforts for a more sustainable future continue today with both international initiatives and local efforts.
Ideas to Celebrate National Recycling Day
Organize a Community Clean-Up
Set up a local community clean-up event where everyone helps clean local parks, beaches, or neighborhoods. Promote recycling during the event by providing containers for recyclables and rubbish.
A Recycling Seminar
Develop a seminar where you invite local environmental experts to talk about the importance of recycling and share tips on how to recycle effectively at home and in the workplace.
Start a Recycling Challenge
Start a challenge within your school, office, or neighborhood where participants try to produce the least amount of waste possible or collect the most amount of recyclables within a set period.
Build a Communal Compost Pile
Organize a communal compost pile in your neighborhood. This would reduce food waste going to the landfill and provide nutrient-rich compost for local gardens.
Film Screening
Host a screening of a documentary that promotes the importance of recycling and the consequences of improper waste management. This could raise awareness and spark conversations about recycling.
Visit a Recycling Plant
Arrange a tour of a local recycling facility. This could be interesting and educational, showing firsthand the process that our recyclables go through to be reused.
7 Interesting Facts About Recycling
Most Recycled Product
The most recycled product in the world is the automobile. More than 95% of all vehicles are recycled globally each year.
Benefits of Recycling Aluminum
Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for 2 hours. In addition, aluminum cans can be recycled and put back on a store shelf within 60 days.
Global Warming and Recycling
Recycling can significantly help in combating global warming. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
Number of Lives
A glass container can go from a recycling bin to a store shelf in as few as 30 days, and can be reused an infinite number of times.
Lifetime of Plastic Bags
Plastic bags take between 15 to 1,000 years to break down in the environment. Despite this, only 1% of plastic bags are recycled each year.
Recycling and Job Creation
According to the National Recycling Coalition, every ton of recycled goods creates six jobs in sorting and manufacturing.
Electronic Waste
E-waste represents 2% of America's trash in landfills, but it equals 70% of overall toxic waste. The extreme amount of lead in electronics alone causes damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems, the blood and the kidneys.
National Recycling Day FAQs
Next National Recycling Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 15th | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 15th | Friday |
| 2025 | November 15th | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 15th | Sunday |
| 2027 | November 15th | Monday |
| What is the pattern? | Every November 15th | |
National Recycling Day Word Search
- Recycling
- Sustainability
- Conservation
- Environment
- Wastage
- Reuse