[Joe Bob]

How many categories are best for a total recycling system? It turns out there are twelve. (The examples after the category names are intended to suggest expansion; they are not limits by any means.)

Reusable goods, including intact or repairable home or industrial appliances; household goods; clothing; intact materials in demolition debris, such as lumber; building materials such as doors, windows, cabinets, and sinks; business supplies and equipment; lighting fixtures; and any manufactured item or naturally occurring object that can be repaired or used again as is.

Paper, including newsprint; ledger paper; computer paper; corrugated cardboard; and mixed paper.

Metals, both ferrous and nonferrous, including cans; parts from abandoned vehicles; plumbing; fences; metal doors and screens; tools; machinery; and any other discarded metal objects.

Glass, including glass containers and window glass.

Textiles, including nonreusable clothing; upholstery; and pieces of fabric.

Plastics, including beverage containers; plastic packaging; plastic cases of consumer goods such as telephones or electronic equipment; films and tires

Plant debris, including leaves and cuttings; trimmings from trees, shrubs, and grass; whole plants, and sawdust.

Putrescibles, including animal, fruit, and vegetable debris; cooked food; manures; offal; and sewage sludge.

Wood, including unreusable lumber; tree rounds; and pallets.

Ceramics, including rock; tile; china; brick; concrete; plaster; and asphalt.

Soils, including excavation soils from barren or developed land; and excess soils from people's yards.

Chemicals, including acids; bases; solvents; fuels; lubricating oils; and medicines