Recycling is the process of collecting, processing, and reusing materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. This practice involves converting waste materials into new products to prevent the waste of potentially useful materials, reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, and decrease energy usage. The recycling process typically includes the collection of recyclable materials, sorting and cleaning them, and then transforming them into new products or raw materials suitable for manufacturing. Commonly recycled materials include paper, glass, metals, and certain plastics. The overarching goal of recycling is to conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and mitigate the impact of waste on the environment. By promoting the circular economy, recycling contributes to sustainability efforts and can lead to economic benefits through the generation of new jobs and industries related to waste management and sustainable manufacturing.
**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…