But we need to do more. While the rate of recycling has doubled during the past 15 years, it remains at 32 percent - the rest is going into landfills and that includes 2.2 million tons of unwanted electronics - 80% of it in landfills. If the recycling rate could be bumped up to 10 percent for for aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging that would save enough energy to provide electricity to 1.8 million Americans for an entire year.

So whether you hang your hat, take the recycling pledge and do your part for the environment. 



I pledge to find out what materials I can and cannot recycle in my community.

I pledge to lead by example in my neighborhood by recycling.

I pledge to recycle batteries, cell phones and other electronic waste. Find an e-waste facility near me.

I pledge to email my elected officials to ask them to increase funding for my community's recycling programs.

I pledge to tell five friends that recycling is the easiest thing they can do to slow global warming. Email friends.

Recycling facts from the ARD
Recycling: