NameCourseInstitutionDateRecyclingRecycling refers to the process of transforming waste into new products, with an emphasis on preventing waste into potentially useful materials, reducing energy consumption , reduction of water and air pollution, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. gas, as well as reducing the use of unexploited raw materials. Recycling is a main element of modern waste management, as well as a third element in the hierarchy of recycling, reuse and waste reduction. Additionally, there are various ISO standards related to recycling, including ISO 15270:2008 which concerns plastic waste, as well as ISO 14001:2004 which concerns the control of environmental management through recycling practices (Morgan 109). Recycling materials include water, glass, metal, paper, textiles, electronic devices as well as plastics. Although similar in effect, reusing or composting biodegradable waste, such as yard and food waste, is also considered recycling. Materials used for recycling are either collected curbside or taken to collection centers, where they are then sorted, refined and reprocessed into useful materials for manufacturing. Recycling has been a common practice throughout human history, with evidence dating back as far as 400 BC to the time of Plato. During periods when materials and resources were scarce, archaeological studies of ancient landfills indicate less household waste, including broken tools, pottery and ashes, implying that more waste was recycled due to the absence of raw materials. In pre-industrial times, evidence indicates that scrap metal was collected in European countries and melted down for permanent reuse. The age of industrialization creates......paper......and other physical wastes. Although recycling may be considered more expensive than producing products from raw materials, it is very profitable in the long term because it improves the well-being of current and future generations, while promoting environmental sustainability. Essentially, the lack of recycling could otherwise lead to an increase in trash and waste, which would otherwise be burned, and thus release more toxic gases into the air (Morris 94). Works Cited Green, Jen. Recycling. North Mankato, MN: Stargazer Books, 2006. Print. Hall, Eleanor J. Recycling. Farmington Hills, MI: KidHaven Press, 2005. Print. Morgan, Sally. Waste, recycling and reuse. London: Evans, 2009. Print. Morris, Neil. Recycling. Irvine, CA: QED Pub, 2008. Print.Silverman, Buffy. Recycling: reduce waste. Chicago, IL: Heinemann Library, 2008. Print.