PreCycle!
 

What about disposables? Yes, they�re convenient, but they add
to the waste stream. When thinking precycling�think reusable.
 

Shy away from paper plates, plastic dishes, paper napkins, disposable razors and lighters whenever possible. Look instead to cloth napkins, rechargeable batteries, thermos bottles and other reusable items. Because less packaging means less waste. And, last but not least, bring your own reusable grocery bags to the supermarket with you. Not only are you making a statement, but also a canvas or plastic bag can be used again and again.

Buying and insisting on recyclable and recycled product packaging will keep the recycling loop rolling. So, When you�re shopping, think before you buy, because you really can reach for a change.
 

Reach For A Change.

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Think Before You Buy.
There is more to recycling than just collecting aluminum cans,
bundling your newspapers, or even separating your plastics and glass. There�s the first step. And this first step is called Precycling.

Precycling is technically defined as:
The three arrows of the recycling symbol represent �collection,� which is the gathering of recyclable materials for recycling, �manufacturing,� which is the manufacturing of products and their packaging which is made of recycled materials, and �distribution,� which is making available new products made from the materials initially collected.

But what does this really mean to you and I as consumers?
Simply stated: Think before you buy.

Packaging That�s Recyclable.
The essential link in collection. Glass is 100% recyclable, meaning that no new or �virgin� materials need to be added for glass containers to become new glass containers. Further, glass can be recycled again and again without losing any of its qualities. In Hampton Roads, we can recycle the three colors of glass commonly found: green, brown and clear. If we recycle our glass packaging, the only waste left is the lid. Aluminum is another type of packaging, which is readily available and easily recycled. It is also 100% recyclable and can be recycled again and again. The most commonly recycled aluminum packaging is aluminum cans, but in some local municipal programs, aluminum foil and pie plates are being accepted. Packaging such as steel cans used for juice, vegetables and pet foods is also recyclable right here in Hampton Roads. Plastic packaging is by far the most confusing of all recyclable materials. Manufacturers have voluntarily labeled their container with a number 1-7 inside the recycling symbol, as illustrated to the left.

Here in Hampton Roads reliable opportunities for recycling plastic only exist for PET 1 and HDPE 2 bottled plastics. The most commonly accepted plastic within the industry is HDPE 2, which you can easily identify as plastic packaging with a neck.
When making purchases, look to buying products packaged in recyclable materials. It�s the essential link in collecting for recycling.