Recycling is commonplace in most parts of the world today. Not all, however, practice the same technique. In fact, you might be surprised to know that some nations have very cool recycling strategies that even the developed countries including the U.S. can learn from.
Countries that are top in this environment-friendly practice normally have stringent laws and requirements. They even involve payment of fines.
Rome
In Rome, for example, residents there are provided with a recycling bin within 500 meters from their front door. If one fails to separate his wastes, he or she can be fined up to 619 Euros or an equivalent of US$833.
Germany
Germany is also very strict when it comes to recycling and using the bin system. Where dead animals are concerned, the Germans have a separate bin for them. They are then brought to nearby facilities where their fats are removed. Did you know that animals fat in the country is used in making lip balms and other products?
In terms of garbage disposal, Germany imposes a fee of about US$8.87 for simply emptying a 60-liter bin. This means that the fee increases if you have a larger bin.
Germans are also very particular about the proper disposal of their batteries. Even those traveling abroad are conscious of their responsibility of bringing back their used batteries and properly disposing of them in their home country.
Belgium
Belgium is known for using top of the line post shredder technologies in recycling scrap cars. Currently, their recycling rate is 91% for scrap cars and their goal by 2015 is to reach the 95% mark.
Belgium’s technology features a mechanical separation technique that enables the recovery of raw materials from the car’s shredder waste. These raw materials are then reused for other purposes.
Canada
Canada has its own way of recycling products most especially tires. These tires are normally reused in playgrounds or they are mixed with asphalt for road resurfacing.
The country’s latest recycling program involves cigarette butts considered to be among the world’s most littered items. For this program, recycling bins will placed around a city for purposes of collecting cigarette butts. The butts will then be used in making various products such as the plastic pallets.
Sweden
Sweden can be considered ahead of other nations in recycling because, in fact, it has run out of garbage. This is because the country uses its waste to provide heat and electricity to millions of homes.
Norway is now supplying waste to Sweden so it can continuously provide power to its citizens’ homes. Norway, of course, is being paid for it.