These days there is a lot of confusing information on the web about recycling and reusing materials. It can be hard to know where to begin when there is so much information out there saying contradictory things. However, there is one undeniable fact in this debate, and that is that recycling is important. Not convinced? Here is just a select few of the great abundance of reasons why recycling is an essential part of our everyday lives.
How is it important for the environment?
Things that can't be recycled end up in a landfill. Landfills fill up rapidly but, because its contents can't be reused or recycled into something else, it can take literal hundreds of years to even begin to decay. This means that greenhouse gases and other damaging toxins are being released and polluting the ozone layer; a layer which has already become dangerously worn down and, in some places, completely removed. Such a layer aids in protecting the earth from being harmed by the sun's UV rays. When this protection isn't there, the earth heats up, causing icebergs to melt (and induce flooding) and untameable wildfires to start in rainforests, forests, and deserts. Such natural yet preventable disasters can maim whole ecosystems at a time, endangering species of plants and even wiping some out.
How is it important for animals and wildlife?
Recycling is immensely important for animals and wildlife. For one, non-perishable items such as plastic straws and beer can rings can harm and kill creatures that live near the landfill sites or in oceans. Turtles have been known to die of suffocation after getting straws such up their nostrils; raccoons, squirrels and even dogs have died choking thanks to a non-recyclable item winding around their necks. As if this danger wasn't enough, when ecosystems are threatened, so too are the homes of thousands of different species that live there. Species have gone extinct because there simply isn't a suitable habitat to live in anymore.
How is it important for humans?
Sadly, this is the only paragraph that many humans will care about. But there are many reasons recycling is important for humanity too. From a financial standpoint, it costs far more to create objects from entirely new materials, as opposed to refurbishing a recyclable item. This also uses less energy, preserving valuable resources for future generations to come. To return to the previous mention of the damaged ozone layer, this also has a negative impact on humanity. It's because of this that global warming is rising, which in turn is affecting people's health. Skin cancer rates are likely to rise thanks to this new level of UV exposure, putting more people at risk.
Recycling items such as food waste into compost can also give your gardens a boost, at a little-to-no cost. It's important that, if you do recycle, you use the correct litter and waste bins, as not doing so can again cause items to not be recycled, thus proving a waste of time and resources for your local government. Recycling food waste also helps to enrich the natural environment, creating a richer and more diverse landscape for ecosystems to thrive upon.
View Furnitubes' range of litter and recycling bins here.
Construction News
29/10/2019
Furnitubes Highlights The Importance Of Recycling


08/07/2025
Morgan Sindall Construction has announced the successful completion of the main building phase for the King Henry VIII 3-19 School redevelopment in Abergavenny, a transformative £62.5 million project delivered via the SEWSCAP framework. A celebration was held to mark the handover of the new building

08/07/2025
The government has today confirmed funding for over 50 road and rail infrastructure upgrades. These projects, which include long-awaited schemes such as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route and the Portishead to Bristol city centre rail line, are anticipated to provide a substantial boost to the con

08/07/2025
The shortlist for the 2025 Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards has been unveiled by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to champion the significant contributions of women across the industry, aiming to make female role

08/07/2025
Watts Group, a prominent property and construction consultancy, has today published the 30th edition of its widely respected 'Watts Pocket Handbook', marking nearly a decade since its previous release.
Recognised as a vital resource for professionals across the built environment, this latest editi

08/07/2025
A team of staff from Leeds College of Building (LCB) recently made their debut at 'The Big Construction Diversity Challenge 2025'. The annual event, held on Friday, 27 June 2025, at Newark Showground, serves as a key platform to promote the crucial importance of equality, diversity, and inclusion (E

08/07/2025
Dan McGrail has been officially appointed as the permanent Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, the UK's publicly-owned clean power company.
His appointment aims to accelerate the government's Plan for Change, with a core mission to establish the UK as a clean energy superpower. Mr McG

08/07/2025
Understanding Custom Rubber Diaphragms
Custom rubber diaphragms are essential components in various industrial applications, playing a crucial role in enhancing performance and efficiency. As a manufacturer specialising in these versatile components, we've witnessed firsthand the impact th

08/07/2025
Modular tiles are among the most popular option for flooring at the minute. These bring character and sophistication through their layout. Most frequently these are made from porcelain which makes them multifunctional and highly durable. Modular tiles are suitable for old and new properties and are

07/07/2025
Travelodge has officially broken ground on a new 100-room hotel in Loughton, marking the latest addition to the UK's first budget hotel brand's expanding portfolio.
The company, which operates more than 610 hotels across the UK, Ireland and Spain, is aiming to meet growing demand for affordable ac

07/07/2025
Oldham Council has officially unveiled Snipe Gardens, a newly created green space and pedestrian gateway designed to provide a welcoming entrance into the town centre.
Situated on the site of the former Snipe Inn pub, the new landscaped area links Oldham bus station with Henshaw Street. As one of t