South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

America Recycles Day (ARD), November 15, is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. The purpose of ARD is to continue to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment.

Soon to be celebrating its 13th year, ARD has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to improve their recycling habits at home and work as well as to buy products made with recycled material.

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It all comes back to you.

Even a small shift in your attitudes and actions, multiplied many times over by others accepting this challenge, can change the world.

Maybe you'll throw those soft drink cans in the recycle bin. Or buy recycled-content products. Or participate in an America Recycles Day event. Even organize one yourself!

The more you do, the better. Because even a little helps a lot. Learn more about buying recycled-content products by reading the "Buying Recycled ... and Beyond" fact sheet.

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The Basics ... The Benefits ...

With the involvement and enthusiasm of people like you, recycling is back! And so are thousands upon thousands of recycled products made from materials that would otherwise be piling up in our nation's landfills.

It doesn't just make sense. It makes a huge difference to our environment, our quality of life and our country's future. Check out the "Environmental Benefits of Recycling" fact sheet to learn more.

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Why It's Important ...

It’s just right to recycle. Recycling is good for the environment, human health and the economy. The recyclables that you place in your curbside bin or take to a drop-off center have value. By turning recyclables into material that can be bought and sold, recycling creates jobs and adds significantly to the nation’s economy. Recycling promotes the sustainable use of natural resources. Recycling saves energy. Recycling reduces pollution. Recycling lessens the need to build landfills and incinerators. Recycling works.

Check out the "Recycling at Home" fact sheet to learn more.

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How It Works ...

Recycling is a three-step process. The first step is collection – that’s when you put your recyclables into the bin or take them to a drop-off center. The second step is manufacturing – when the recyclables are processed into raw materials that are then manufactured into new products. The third step is buying recycled. You are not really recycling unless you are buying recycled-content products.

Read the "Recycling 101" fact sheet for more information.

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Interesting End Products

All the materials you recycle, such as aluminum, paper, plastic, glass and cardboard, are made into thousands of recycled-content products. You may be buying recycled and not know it. You go to the grocery store, right? Most cereal boxes, aluminum and steel cans, and glass bottles have recycled content. Many products you use at home, including paper towels, garden hoses, compost bins, detergent bottles, plastic lumber, paint, carpeting, insulation, clothing and shoes, can be made from recycled materials. Many office and school supplies such as notebooks, notebook paper, copy paper, legal pads, pens and pencils also can be made from recycled materials.

To learn more about purchasing recycled-content products and what you can do, check out the "Buying Recycled...and Beyond" and "Environmentally Friendly Shopping" fact sheets.

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How do your efforts make a difference?

Calculate your recycling impact to the environment by using this conversionator.

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For More Information ...

DHEC is the state contact and partner in activities planned to demonstrate the important role each of us plays in recycling and buying recycled.

For more information on how you can organize an America Recycles Day event, e-mail or call 1-800-768-7348.

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