Recycling is something everyone can do to for the environment. Unfortunately, it can be confusing sometimes to know what to recycle or how to organize it. Recently, a push for standardized recycling labels has spread across the U.S. By coming up w

ith an effective labeling system consumers can dispose of their recyclables properly and without the added confusion. Using the proper recycling bins and garbage collection service can make a huge difference in homes, schools and businesses with little effort. Several non-profit groups, such as Recycle Across America, are dedicated to bringing recycling solutions like standardized labels to encourage Americans to do their part to conserve the planet. Here are some reasons standardized recycling labels just make common sense.

Simplifies the Process

The recycling logo helps consumers identify eco-friendly products. What it doesn’t do effectively, is tell the consumer how to dispose of the waste. A standardized label would allow a consumer to look at the logo and know exactly where to put the waste in relation to other recyclable materials. According to Packaging Digest, several companies are already implementing a labeling system plan.

Easily Understood

Standardized labels would make it easier to differentiate what type of material the product is made of and where it should be disposed of. Consumers could tell one material from another and place the waste in the appropriate receptacles at recycling centers.

Less Contamination

A standardized labeling system would mean less contamination between recyclable containers. It would be easier for consumers to determine which type of plastics should be placed together or which types of glass could be mixed. Less contamination means that haulers and processors would spend less time sorting contaminants from acceptable waste materials.

Less Confusion

A standardized label would mean less confusion at the recycling waste centers. Matching the label to ones located on the containers would help to reduce contamination and would make processing the materials much easier than before.

Effective Way to Teach Recycling

Using a standardized label for all recyclables would make it easier to teach recycling to both children and adults. It would help differentiate them more easily. The program could be taught and used in schools, homes and businesses and posted on the Internet for easy referral. One school district that implemented this plan resulted in a 47 percent recycling increase.

Reduces Expenses

With a standardized label in place, expenses would be reduced. Much less time would be wasted by processors who must hand sort contaminants from acceptable recycled waste. It would also reduce the expense associated with having to dispose of materials that are not acceptable.

Saves Time

Hand processing unacceptable material from recyclables takes time and wastes money that could be spent in expanding the

recycling program. It would also save time on the part of the consumer as well. By having a standardized label in place, it would take much less time to determine which receptacle an article should be placed in when being dropped off at a recycling center.

Protecting the environment is important to all of us. As the popularity of recycling increases and more people come on board to support local programs, standardized labeling is a natural next

step. Such a system is a way to increase the efficiency of the programs that are already in place and make the transition to a recycling program easier for those who don’t already have one.