Bonus Feature — Reflections for America Recycles Day

As we close out our America Recycles Day series, Bill Griffith shared a few final thoughts on what recycling means today and where it’s headed next.

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A Message for America Recycles Day

“Every little bit helps — but focus on quality over quantity,” Bill reminds us.
“Your purchasing habits equal your disposal habits. Buy mindfully so you don’t have to throw things away later. Choose durable, long-lasting products that reduce waste before it starts.”

For organizations just getting started with recycling, Bill’s advice is simple but powerful:

• Take your time.
• Assess your waste streams.
• Build a baseline to understand what you’re collecting, what it costs, and where it goes.
• Then, validate that information with your hauler to ensure it is truly being captured for recycling.

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Looking Ahead: The Future of Recycling

When asked what the next decade might bring, Bill shared a hopeful vision for a more circular system:

“I’d love to see major manufacturers — especially beverage companies — using 100% post-consumer materials in their packaging. If all products were packaged in truly recyclable materials like aluminum, we’d see far less waste and litter.”

He notes that some industries, such as pharmaceuticals, face unique challenges around sterility and contamination. But innovation and design thinking will continue to close those gaps.

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What Gives Him Hope

“Companies are investing millions and sometimes even billions to improve recycling infrastructure,” Bill says. “We’re seeing major advancements in sorting technology and materials recovery. My hope is that recycling becomes standardized across states — transparent, efficient, and accessible for everyone.”

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Final Thought

This America Recycles Day, remember recycling is a shared responsibility. From individual choices to national systems, every mindful purchase, every sorted can, and every data-driven improvement moves us closer to a more circular, sustainable future.

This concludes our five-week America Recycles Day series! Whether you’re an organization, a facility manager, or a household, remember: successful recycling is intentional, measurable, and designed to make the right choice the easiest choice. If you’d like a helping hand on your recycling and waste diversion journey, please give us a call.