This is not a new concept, and it has been practiced thousands of years ago. It started with simple ideas that do not involve machinery and tools. As years go by, it was made easy with the help of different techniques, processes, and machinery.

Where it started

During 400 BC or even earlier, the history of recycling came into being. During that time, it was part of Ancient Greece but was not used for environmental purposes and reducing garbage. Instead, Greeks use this concept as a means of preventing scarcity of resources during war. Experts also discovered detailed information about recycling during this era. Their own way of recycling is applied to farming tools and weapons as they refashion it once broken or decayed down.

The early Romans, recycle bronze coins and turn them into statues. Once finished, they sell it at a higher value. In the pre-industrial age, the history of recycling says that English people recycle bronze by melting down unused items. These items were then made into bricks, brick mortar, and other household items.

In the year 1691, the “reduce, reuse, recycle” history continued in Philadelphia via the Rittenhouse Paper Company, and 1895 in the state of New York. During this time, the government ordered to recycle paper for sanitation reasons. However, during World War I, the purpose of recycling was for environmental reasons specifically due to the scarcity of resources.

Recycling efforts in the present time

Today, the history of recycling continues. With the availability of technology, various machinery and tools have been invented. Moreover, there are hundreds of treatment and processing facilities that accommodate recyclable materials.

Aside from the government, private organizations also help in this advocacy, where everyone is encouraged to join. Protecting the environment is every person’s responsibility and in our own little way, we need to contribute and give our share.

1. Today, various countries practice recycling that involves materials like plastic, steel, glass, paper, aluminum, textile, vehicles, and electronic devices.

2. Recycling facts are widely disseminated not only among households but also in schools and workplaces. Moreover, several environmental projects are being done and everyone is encouraged to join.

3. The current concept of recycling is more systematic since recyclable materials are being sorted out properly. Just like glasses, it is sorted according to color. As per plastic, it is according to the type. In this way, it will be easy for recycling facilities to do their job.

4. The history of “reduce, reuse, recycle” involve turning materials into new products, reusing things that are still in good condition, or doing little efforts that will reduce wastes and garbage. There are so many things that we can do as we adapt this advocacy.

As long as this concept is practiced by people, it will continue to come up with advancements and innovations. When changes are made with processes and equipment, it only means improvement. With such, history will continue to be written and used for the coming generations.