There are many reasons why we have to recycle. Some of these are stipulated below:

1. The lowering of toxicity levels of substances. By recycling toxic materials, we keep the levels of toxicity at manageable levels.
2. Recycling can save the cutting down of trees. We note that trees are a vital source of a number of products.
3. Wildlife habitat and biodiversity can be protected since the cutting down of trees or vegetation cover will generally lead to the loss of wetlands and dens.
4. Recycling helps curb global warming because this cuts down on the energy used in the manufacturing process and this can reduce emission of green house gases and other pollutants.
5. Recycling can stem the flow of water pollution as making goods from recycled materials generates far less pollution than manufacturing from fresh materials.
6. Recycling reduces the need for land fills e.g. due to cyanide, dioxins, mercury etc.
7. Recyclying reduces the need for incinerators. The sorting of the different rubbish from municipal incinerators cuts down the would-be high pollution effects.
8. Recyling actually creates jobs and promotes economic development.
9. Cities may benefit by selling recylables.
10. The purchase of recycled materials contributes to increased demand for recycled products which can lead to further investments in health, entertainment etc.