Buy Recycled Products
Why Buy Recycled Products?
By purchasing products made from recycled materials, consumers can “close the recycling loop”.
By purchasing products made from recycled materials, consumers can “close the recycling loop”.
Recycling is a three-step process. The first step is the separation of recyclables. This is what South Brunswick residents have done so well over the last 15 years. The second step is the collection and processing of the recyclables. South Brunswick, through our contractor, handle this aspect. The third step is to have manufacturers use the recycled material to manufacture new products. This step is where we especially need your help. Manufacturers will not use recycled materials in their products unless businesses and consumers purchase those products. So it is up to each and every one of us to keep recycling working by buying recycled!
What does it mean to buy recycled?
First, you need to know the difference between recycled and recyclable.
A recyclable product is one that can be separated, collected, and recovered for recycling. However, not all materials with this symbol are accepted by South Brunswick.
A recycled product is one that is made from material that has been recycled – either post-consumer or pre-consumer.
Pre-consumer materials are recyclable materials used only in the manufacturing process. These materials do not reach the consumer and are reused.
Post-consumer materials are recyclable materials separated for recycling by business and residential consumers. It is important to buy products made with a significant percentage of post-consumer recycled materials.
Pre-consumer materials are recyclable materials used only in the manufacturing process. These materials do not reach the consumer and are reused.
Post-consumer materials are recyclable materials separated for recycling by business and residential consumers. It is important to buy products made with a significant percentage of post-consumer recycled materials.
Did You Know That You Are Already Purchasing Recycled Products? Many products that you probably already purchase are made from recycled materials. For example, chipboard that is grey on the inside (such as that used for cereal boxes) is made from a certain percentage of recycled materials. Glass bottles and aluminum or steel cans all contain an average of 25-50% of recycled materials, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. Newspapers often contain some recycled content as well.
Other Examples Of Products With Recycled Materials:
- Writing paper
- Greeting cards
- Cardboard storage boxes
- Cat litter
- Notepads/notebooks
- Toilet paper, facial tissues, napkins
- Clothing
- Plastic trash bags
- Plastic lumber
- Carpet
- Plastic garbage bags
- Door mats
- Garden hoses
- Re-refined motor oil
Public Works
Raymond T. Olsen
Director
540 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
732-329-4000 x7260
rolsen@sbtnj.net
South Brunswick NJ
Municipal Building
540 Ridge Road
Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852
Call Us - 732-329-4000