Recycling in Arizona

Recycling 101: Know the Basics. Put them to Work.

From an early age most of us have heard about recycling. But how many of us really understand its importance and the role we can play?

Recycling is a process that allows all of Arizona to reuse materials again and again in order to save our natural resources and landfill space. It involves separating, collecting, processing, marketing, purchasing and using materials that would otherwise have been disposed of in a landfill. Arizona residents and businesses recycled more than 23 percent of the solid waste generated in the state last year. Generations to follow need us to recycle more.

The Three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Recycling begins and ends with you. You can reduce the amount of landfill waste you generate by reducing, reusing and recycling (the three Rs). These are actions you can implement in your daily activities to help preserve our natural resources. Reduce the amount of waste you generate by purchasing items in larger containers to reduce the amount of product packaging. Reuse containers and donate clothes and toys to a local charity. Recycle by purchasing products made from and packaged in recycled content materials. In short, do your part!

The most common recycled materials are aluminum, cardboard, glass, newspaper, steel, office paper, plastic, oil, tires and yard waste. Recycling programs vary by community. Please check with your community recycling coordinator for more specific collection information, or contact us at AER to learn how we can help you start a recycling program in your neighborhood. Each of us can make a difference by learning what materials our community recycles, practicing the three Rs and encouraging others to participate in waste reduction activities.

Closing the Recycling Loop

The three arrows of the recycling symbol represent the collecting, processing and remanufacturing of recyclable materials into new products. To "close the loop" and promote recycling, consumers are encouraged to purchase products containing recycled materials or products packaged in recycled content materials. When shopping, check for labels that indicate whether the product or packaging is made, whole or in part, from recycled materials. Remember everyone can do their part by buying recycled products and recycling when possible.

Locate a 24-hour "Cash4Cans" depository, or find one of four Recycling Centers nearest you.