Recycling Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 3

Recycling - Research Paper Example An all inclusive definition of the term recycling is that recycling essentially refers to a closed-loop stem designed with the sole purpose of attempting to try and optimize the utilization of various resources while greatly minimizing the production of waste for the benefit of humankind. This definition of recycling casts it as being a systematic alternative to the usual syndrome of Produce-Consume-Dispose that is seen to greatly govern the flow of various materials in the modern day society. Aquino (1995 p.1-10) equates the practice of recycling whereby materials are processed for reuse to the Middle Ages practice where alchemists used to try and turn various base metals into gold. Recycling is not a new concept and evidence of its practice can be traced back to the Romans who by pulling down stones form their Coliseum so as to reuse these stones in the paving of roads, are seen to be pioneers in the field of construction and demolition recycling. Throughout history, black smiths have constantly been engaged in recycling as they have always smelted down broken items such as hoes and swords an reforged new ones from the molten metal. Industrialization is seen to have greatly spurred the demand for cheaper goods and scrap metals were used in the production of numerous products as they were generally cheaper as compared to products produced from virgin ore. Traditional industries such as the American steel industry and the rail road bought large quantities of scrap metal t o be used in the creation of steel products and the building the railway respectively. Recycling efforts in the country were seen to increase during the World War II as due to widespread material shortages and crippling financial constraints nearly all recyclable items were collected for recycling and subsequent use in the war effort. In the twenty first century, the only