# 5 Terrible Things That Happen When You Don’t Recycle - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/06/5-terrible-things-that-happen-when-you-dont-recycle/ - Published: 2019-06-04T16:04:48-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy According to the [Environmental Protection Agency](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/11/epa-water-saving-tips-for-the-shower/), America produces over 258 million tons of waste every year. That which equals about a ton of trash per American citizen. The EPA states 75 percent of that waste can be recyclable or reusable. However our “throw out” culture doesn’t offer accessible disposing of unwanted goods. So before we talk anything, please [save the planet and use eco friendly cotton bags](https://cottonbag.co.uk/)! That which many Americans choose to carelessly toss. You know those people. They hate to recycle so “everything” into the garbage can. The results of this [⌊Waste per year⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_0220.jpg?quality=52&ssl=1) behavior quickly become disastrous. Therefore impacting not only natural environments but urban areas and human livelihoods. So, therefore, here are a few ways failing to recycle is bad. Finally, and or negatively impacts the world around us. ## **1. Landfill Growth** Nearly all of America’s trash goes into landfills. That trash becoming gigantic midden heaps. All that eventually gets covered with soil. Then and only then, “potentially” is used for urban development. Again and so you know the [positive idea behind landfills](https://www.advanceddisposal.com/for-mother-earth/education-zone/learn-about-landfills.aspx)? The idea is that trash will eventually decompose and settle. Thereby becoming or turning into fertile land. The problem; much of our waste is not biodegradable. Then plastics require between 10 and 1,000 years to begin breaking down. As a result, the chemicals used in them can leach into groundwater. Then they destroy the surrounding environments. #### 󠀁[⌊Recycling waste per year⌉⌊Recycling waste per year⌉󠀁[ ## **2. Marine Pollution** Not all garbage gets safely tucked into a landfill. At least 10 percent of all plastics created are in the oceans. Don’t kid yourselves.  Thereby creating [enormous gyres where the non-biodegradable waste](https://web.archive.org/web/20180714232939/http://garbagepatch.net:80/greatpacificoceangarbagepatchfacts/) is more plentiful than plankton. Most of the pollution comes from poor waste management on land. However, some are dumped by unscrupulous ocean liners. The plastics wreak havoc on marine environments. That’s animals ingesting or becoming entangled in the waste like fish nets. ## **3. Incineration** For many, burning trash seems a viable solution to land and water pollution. However, incineration might be even more disastrous than landfills. For one, many products and packaging materials are made using toxic chemicals. All that is released into the air during the burning process. For another, glass and plastics do not burn except at exceedingly high temperatures.  Therefore, requiring excessive amounts of fuel. Similarly then, it itself releases dangerous emissions. Studies have found that air pollution causes all sorts of terrible diseases. Consequently, including chronic asthma and cancer to birth defects. ## **4. Resource Waste** In conclusion, it isn’t just the items or materials themselves. Items are wasted when you throw something away. So all the effort and energy used to create those items get squandered. Between 2.5 and 4 percent of U.S.[ energy](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/10-largest-wind-project-development-2022/) consumption devotes itself to the manufacturing of plastic and plastic products. Similarly, at least 24 gallons of water are used to create just one pound of plastic. Furthermore and as well as about 2.5 million plastic bottles are produced every hour. Those water resources alone could be diverted to more beneficial endeavors if everyone recycled more. ## **5. Economic Trouble** Though it might seem an economic advantage to create disposable goods that must be repurchased, pollution actually hinders economic advancement in notable ways. For example, many beaches experience lower tourism because the sand and water is covered in trash; fishing and shipping industries have reportedly suffered losses of $365 million and $279 million thanks to debris-clogged waterways. Less trash is almost synonymous with more profit for much of the economy. ## **_How to Reduce Trash the Right Way_** We need to all lead where to recycle electronics. For example, Staples and Best Buy will accept donations for tax purposes or give you credit toward a purchase. Also, your local municipal government will know where to[ recycle electronics](https://allgreenrecycling.com/drop-off-locations/), or in the case of plastic equipment, you can get in touch with a [trustworthy dealer](https://revelationmachinery.com/pages/sell-used-plastic-equipment) to assist you in giving a second life to this equipment sitting in a corner. Though some waste is inevitable, it is possible to drastically reduce the amount of trash you personally produce. For example, one woman committed to a minimal-plastic lifestyle and managed to produce less than [16 ounces of waste over a two-year period](http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/12/all-my-trash-fits-in-a-single-mason-jar.html?gtm=top>m=top). Not everyone has the luxury of [avoiding plastic](https://thegoodhuman.com/earthtalk-is-5-plastic-safe/) and packaging so thoroughly. However, there are a number of effective ways you can increase your recycling efforts. 1. First, you should strive to reduce the number of purchases you make. This doesn’t necessarily mean becoming minimalist. Because instead, you should merely consider investing in a few well-designed and manufactured products. You know, rather than many cheap and disposable ones. 2. Next, you should research what objects around your home can be reused. In fact, most things can find new life. Also, many charities gladly pick up or take in items you don’t want to sell. Some of these items will directly improve the lives of the needy. Yet for others, especially valuables like digital devices, aka electronics. Or larger items like broken-down cars or boats. All can be [refurbished and sold for funds to benefit charities](https://www.boatangel.org/charities.php). 3. Finally, you should learn more about recycling and especially [where to recycle electronics](https://allgreenrecycling.com/drop-off-locations/) in your area. Not all cities have the resources to [recycle all types of materials](https://web.archive.org/web/20180625061109/http://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp). So instead of tossing any paper, plastic, or glass, go to the recycling bin. In conclusion, I understand, folks.  It’s not easy because you might need to find facilities. Facilities are designed to recycle specific goods like electronics. Again Staples and Best Buy WILL work in the USA. Finally and so items that are improperly recycled are likely to end up as pollution. [⌊5 terrible things that happen when you dont recycle⌉](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_0189.png?quality=50&ssl=1) The E-Waste Problem and How to Help created by **[Digital Doc](https://www.digitaldocrepair.com/)** ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)