In the wake of bans on U.S. exports of contaminated recyclables, many U.S. recycling programs have cut back or eliminated entire categories of recyclable materials that they accept. The reasons are often economic, it’s simply not as profitable to recycle the material as before, because China paid for boatloads of materials. Now, U.S. recycling firms are re-calibrating their business and some will start to recycle glass, plastics, and paper that are currently rejected. In this Earth911 Quiz, you’ll be challenged to identify what is recyclable and what materials cannot be recycled at all.
Making smart sustainable choices requires practice. Earth911’s weekly sustainability quiz helps you hone your ability to recognize earth-friendly products and services. Through your daily choices — from transportation mode to purchases to waste disposal — you can make a positive difference.