Some US states are also offering used electronics recycling programs. Cities like Gallup, New Mexico have recycling initiatives where residents are paid one cent for each pound of plastic bottle they turn-over for recycling. Positive Recycling Facts And Figures To Cheer About The last time the US Environment Protection Agency released data regarding The national recycling data was way back in 2005. When compared to materials such as metal and glass, plastics generally require a longer recycling process, because plastic has a high molecular weight, and it has larger polymer chains. Heating is generally not enough to dissolve a plastic material's large molecules, as compared to organic molecules. The lack of household wastes in ancient dumpsites has clearly shown that more waste was being recycled, due to the scarcity of new materials. Recycling During The Pre-Industrial Age During pre-industrial times, there was clear evidence of the collection of scrap metals like bronze, iron and steel in Europe. Most city and municipal recycling agencies collect different types of cardboard, along with other common recyclables such as metal, glass, plastic, textiles, aluminum and electronic products. Consumers can also deliver cardboard by bulk to a recycling facility. By promoting the recycling of cardboard and other materials, we help promote the use of recycled materials, and also help reduce the number of trees that need to be harvested for producing paper products such as cardboard. One method for handling and recycling hazardous wastes is called waste reclamation. Through this method, a toxic or hazardous product is put through a process which makes it reusable again. Many chemical wastes can actually be reused through this recycling method. Examples include mercury, which can be retrieved from mercury barometers and reused again for different purposes. The recycling of aluminum cans pays approximately one cent per can, although the money can really add up if these are combined with other aluminum products. Glass is another common material that s accepted at recycling facilities. All types of glass can be recycled, and these include drinking glasses, glass food jars and other glass containers.