America Recycles Day is celebrated every year on November 15. It’s a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of recycling, and it's an ideal time for Media residents and businesses to reflect on their recycling habits. Pennsylvania has a long history of recycling, beginning with our state's passing of Act 101 in 1988, which established the most extensive recycling programs in America at the time. Today, recycling is a $22.6 billion industry in Pennsylvania alone. However, there’s still work to be done—as of 2021, Pennsylvania only ranks #23 out of 50 states for recycling, according to Ball’s 50 States of Recycling infographic. Media Borough does its part, with an impressive 70% recycling participation rate!
According to Recycling Compliance expert Tracie Chu, implementing recycling programs and reducing waste can lead to significant economic benefits. Recycling can lower disposal costs, improve operational efficiency, and even create new revenue streams from recyclable materials. Businesses that embrace sustainability contribute to the local economy and build stronger relationships with customers who value eco-friendly practices.
Chu says that individuals also play a vital role in reducing waste and recycling. She says, “We can pay careful attention to each part of our decision-making process. Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Rot, and Research; the goal is to produce as little waste as possible to create a fully circular economy. Land is a finite resource. Landfills become unusable because they are contaminated.” Simple actions like recycling paper, plastics, and metals, composting organic waste, and cutting down on single-use items can reduce the community's carbon footprint. Media’s recycling and yard waste programs alone significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, and divert 30% of waste from landfills and incinerators.
Media also has a Food Compost Program that everyone can participate in. Composting reduces household waste by an additional 30% and turns food waste into valuable compost that enriches the soil for new food production. “Composting organic food waste is important too. When food waste goes straight to landfill, it creates methane gas, which is at least 82 times more harmful than CO2. Without proper treatment, burying food waste and organic matter leads to anaerobic decomposition which produces methane. Composting is an aerobic process, which, in comparison, creates more CO2 and less methane gas,” Chu further explains.
45-Gallon Recycling Bins are available for Media Borough Residents on the porch of the stone Cottage on the 4th Street side of Borough Hall.
As America Recycles Day approaches in November, it’s a perfect time for the Media community to recommit to recycling and waste reduction. We can ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations and preserve Media’s unique character and economic health.
Implementing recycling programs and reducing waste can lead to significant economic benefits. Recycling can lower disposal costs, improve operational efficiency and create local revenue streams. Composting reduces household waste by an additional 30% and turns food waste into valuable compost that enriches the soil for new food production.