recycling

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Processing of industrial and household waste (such as paper, glass, and some metals and plastics) so that the materials can be reused. This saves expenditure on scarce raw materials, slows down the depletion of non-renewable resources, and helps to reduce pollution. Aluminium is frequently recycled because of its value and special properties that allow it to be melted down and re-pressed without loss of quality, unlike paper and glass, which deteriorate when recycled.

The USA recycles only around 25% of its waste (1998), compared with around 33% in Japan. However, all US states encourage or require local recycling programmes to be set up. It was estimated in 1992 that 4,000 cities collected waste from 71 million people for recycling. Most of these programmes were set up 1989–92. Around 33% of newspapers, 22% of office paper, 64% of aluminium cans, 3% of plastic containers, and 20% of all glass bottles and jars were recycled.

The red, white, and black tricolour formed the basis of the flags of both North and South Yemen. Effective date: 22 May 1990. >>