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Waste Reduction & Recycling

Although it might seem to be a fairly modern concept, recycling as a means of reducing waste has been around for centuries. According to All Recycling Facts, there has been evidence at archeological sites in Turkey that indicate that glass was being recycled in Byzantine times. As resources are used by more and more people, it's important to understand that waste reduction and recycling are vital to sustaining our environmental health.

  1. Early Waste

    • The website Waste Online reports that prior to the Industrial Age, most waste was simply the ash that came from fires, as well as wood, animal and human bodies and rotting vegetables. At that time, the waste was simply pitched into a hole in the ground and it turned into compost.

    Early Recycling

    • Evidence has been found that shows the early Romans melted down bronze coins and formed statues out of them. The statues were then sold for a higher value than the coins themselves were worth, creating an early profit from recycling.

    Early Dumps

    • The website Environmental Chemistry tells us that Athens, Greece was responsible for the first "dump" in the western world. At the time, the ordinances decreed that the waste would have to be dumped at least a mile outside the city limits.

    Waste Reduction Plants

    • In 1896, waste reduction plants were created. These early plants were used for packing organic waste, but it soon became obvious that they were going to have to be shut down. Local residents complained that the stench from the plants was intolerable.

    Recycling Needs

    • New York in 1898 ushered in the concept of recycling by having the first facility that actually went through the trash and sorted it out. Metals and glass material that could be used was carted away, while paper and combustible material was placed within an incinerator.

    Earth Day

    • In 1970, the United States celebrated the first Earth Day. The intent was to raise awareness of both the need to reduce waste and the importance of recycling. Although primarily geared for school children, corporations also seized on Earth Day as an opportunity to both generate good will and good publicity.

    Present Day

    • Currently, advances are being made in both waste reduction and recycling. Many companies are going "paperless," preferring to conduct all business electronically. In addition, most major cities have a strong recycling program in place, helping to reduce excess waste.

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