READING 2 Frequently Asked Questions: Recycling Plastic in Your Home

In the U.S., people buy over a billion plastic bottles every year. We recycle only 25% of them.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Recycling Plastic in Your Home

Read the following FAQs. Pay special attention to the words in bold. 8.3

Q: Why should I recycle plastic?

A: In the United States, we produce tons of plastic waste every year, but we recycle only about nine percent of it. A lot of this plastic goes into the ocean, and it is killing sea animals. Plastic is appearing in our food and drinking water now, too. As one expert said recently: We’d better do something about this problem. . . before it’s too late. Everyone ought to recycle and use less plastic.

Q: Where should I recycle plastic items?

A: If your city has a recycling program, your dorm or home will have a bin. (It’s usually blue or gray.)

You should put your plastic items here. Note: In many U.S. cities, all recyclable items (plastic, glass, paper, metal) go in the same bin. However, in some cities (e.g., New York City), plastic, glass, and metal items go in one bin and paper in another. If you aren’t sure what to do, you’d better check online. Residents can be fined1 for not putting items in the correct bin.

Q: Should I put plastic bags in the recycling bin?

A: No, you shouldn’t. Many recycling centers do not take them. If possible, you ought to keep the plastic bags and take them to a supermarket. Many stores recycle them.

Q: Should I clean plastic containers first?

A: Yes, you should. Dirty bottles and other containers cannot be recycled, so you shouldn’t leave food or liquid in them. Also, you ought to remove the caps2 from bottles and jars. (The cap and container are usually different kinds of plastic.)

Q: I want to use less plastic, but it’s hard. What should

I do?

A: Over 40 percent of all plastic waste comes from single-use plastics (shopping bags, cups, bottles).

You ought to stop using these items. Instead, you should buy and use your own bag or bottle. Many coffeeshops and stores give a discount3 when you bring your own bottle or bag. By doing this, you can make a big difference—and you’ll save money, too!

1 fined: charged money as a punishment for breaking a rule 2 cap: the cover on top of a bottle, jar, or other container 3 discount: a little bit of money subtracted from the regular price