One of Texas Recycling’s favorite days of the year is almost here. Every November 15, communities across the country celebrate America Recycles Day, the only nationally recognized day dedicated to recycling and recycling education.

It is a day to learn what can be recycled, where to take it and how small habits at home and at work add up. And as Texans, we have one more reason to celebrate: the whole idea started right here in Texas.

We all understand why recycling matters. But certain types of metal recycling rarely cross people’s minds—even among the most environmentally conscious of us. One category that deserves more attention is the scrap metal known simply as TIN. Tin metal recycling is everywhere: in your home, your car, your workplace, even the parks and shopping centers you visit every week. It’s a foundational part of modern metal recycling, yet most people walk right past it without a second thought.

Every day, businesses across the country generate thousands of tons of recyclable materials through manufacturing, shipping, construction, warehousing and daily operations. Without a proper recycling strategy, valuable materials such as cardboard, paper and industrial metals can become unnecessary disposal costs instead of resources that can be recovered and reused. While many people think of recycling as something that happens at home, the recycling industry plays a much larger role behind the scenes. Commercial recycling companies help manufacturers, distribution centers, construction companies and other organizations recover valuable materials, reduce landfill waste and support a more sustainable economy.