For recycling to work, everyone has to participate in each phase of the loop. From government and industry, to organizations, small businesses, and people at home, every American can make recycling a part of their daily routine. Below are some ways in which businesses, local governments, and citizens can get involved:

Businesses

Visit the Web site for EPA’s Waste Wise program
Get involved with your local or state recycling organization. For a list of state organizations, visit the National Recycling Coalition’s Web site.
Buy recycled-content products. Visit the Web site for EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for a list of manufacturers of recycled-content products.

Local Governments

Improve the efficiency of your collection program. An EPA resource entitled Getting More for Less: Improving Collection Efficiency (EPA530-R-99-038) explains several important strategies for improving efficiency as well as case studies of communities that have reaped the benefits of improved solid waste collection.
Practice full cost accounting (FCA). Visit the FCA Web site for more information on using FCA to assist with identifying and assessing the costs of solid waste management.
Identify opportunities to increase recycling rates. Visit Pennsylvania’s Web site for examples of local government projects in Pennsylvania to help meet or exceed the state’s 35% recycling goal. Also view EPA’s guidance on measuring the success of your state or local recycling program.

Citizens

Recycle at home. Find out if there is a recycling program in your community. If so, participate in the program by separating and putting out your recyclables for curbside pickup or taking them to your local drop-off or buy-back center.
Shop smarter. Use products in containers that can be recycled in your community and items that can be repaired or reused. Also, support recycling markets by buying and using products made from recycled materials.