Recycled Content versus Recyclable
Do you know what the difference is between "recycled content" and "recyclable"? It has been brought to our attention that there is some confusion as to the difference between the two concepts. Here you go:
Recycled content refers to the amount of recycled material versus virgin materials in a products physical makeup. For example, if a products description specifies "made of 35% recycled materials", then that product has been made from at least 35% recycled items, such as from the plastic bottles you put in your recycling bin last month. Look for 'recycled content' when you make a purchase - you will be doing your part to reduce the use of virgin materials and to make practical use of 'stuff' that otherwise would have gone to a landfill.
If you purchase a soda in an aluminum can, plastic, or glass bottle, and that container has the universal recycling triangle with a number on it, then that container is recyclable. This is what you place in your recycling bin that later is provided to companies to add during the manufacture of new products.
Another note about 'recycled content': Remember, as Jefferson Lab purchasers, we are required to purchase products with recycled content, such as toner cartridges, binders, etc. (see Make a GREEN Purchasing commitment for 2003) We are also responsible for recycling materials such as paper, aluminum, plastic bottles, transparencies, etc. when we have finished using them.