Recycling is an exceptionally important part of our waste removal routines, especially given how many of us are working from home now and generating more waste.
Currently, the UK recycles just under half of its waste, according to GPT Waste, and with so much more waste being generated in ordering deliveries, it is important to get on top of waste management.
Thankfully making your recycling easier is often just a matter of knowledge and organisation. Here are some tips to help you recycle as much as you can.
Know What Can And Can’t Be Recycled
Different councils have different rules on what can and can’t be recycled, so visit their website and check what you can put in which bin.
For example, only certain plastics can be recycled by some councils, so it is worth your while checking to see which type is allowed in your area.
Plastics are sometimes confusing because certain types of plastic cannot be recycled at all, so be aware and check the product’s packaging to be sure.
Prepare A Schedule
Your local council will have information on when your recycling collection day is, so make sure you make a note of what is collected on which days, and put reminders in the diary to help avoid missing collections.
Some Recycling Just Takes a bit more Effort
Most supermarkets offer recycling collections points for used batteries and shopping bags. You can also take your old electrical items, clothing and garden waste to household waste centres. Check their websites for details and opening times.
Check out your local “Upcycling” Options
Many items that you think of as rubbish can in fact be upcycled into other products. For example, the company Terracycle collects food pouches (from Ella’s Kitchen, Danone), used contact lens packs (Acuvue), Walkers crisp packets and more from hundreds of locations around the UK.
Remember your local charity shops and “Freecycle” schemes
Many unwanted items can simply have another home, via a charity shop. Local Facebook groups and Freecycle (a very impressive non-profit organisation) will help you find a new home, e.g. for old toys or many other household items.
Make a game of it!
Recycling can be made engaging if there’s a game or competitive element to it. E.g. give yourself a target putting less in your black/household waste bin for example. Or consider a motion sensor bin with dual compartments such as the Deluxe Phantom. This makes it interesting as well as easy, convenient and hygienic to separate your waste.
Look out for lower packaging or recycled products
Refills, larger pack sizes, products made from recycled materials themselves are all great ways to reduce the overall amount of packaging waste.
Recycle all around the house
Bathroom waste can often be recycled too, such as shampoo bottles and make-up bottles, so long as they’re cleaned out. Also in bedrooms, your study or living room, consider having a bin with two compartments can help prompt you and others to recycle more. Just make sure to check the guidelines of your local council as to what can and can’t be recycled.
All of this can stop you from falling into the habit of just using the one bin and letting rubbish that could be recycled go to landfill.
