Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. This process involves converting materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal into raw materials that can then be transformed into new products. The primary goals of recycling are to reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, decrease energy usage, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and minimize landfill waste. By recycling, resources are conserved, and the environmental impact of producing new materials is lessened. The recycling process typically involves several steps: collection (gathering recyclable items), sorting (separating materials by type), processing (cleaning and converting materials), and manufacturing (creating new products from the recycled materials). Recycling can occur at various levels, including residential, commercial, and industrial, and plays a vital role in sustainable waste management and environmental conservation.
**Changes to Austria's Bottle Deposit System Starting February 2025** In a move to combat declining bottle returns, Austria is set to significantly increase its bottle deposit rates. Effective from the…