Eco - Recycling

Recycling your household waste couldn’t be easier. These simple tips will help you start to recycle now!
Keep it simple

Make space next to your bin for a recycling container - then it's as simple to recycle as it is to throw it away.

Make life easy
If your local authority collects recyclable materials (e.g. paper, glass) as part of its waste collection service - take advantage! If not, Use the postcode locator to find your nearest recycling centre.

Remember those jars
Bottle banks also take glass jars (like your marmalade jar, pickled onions jar, spice jars ...) and clear glass is especially desireable.

Savvy Shopping
Make a shopping list so you buy only what you need
Choose a bag for life instead of plastic carrier bags
Buy refills – many cleaning products are available as refills
Try reusable alternatives to throwaway items such as razors
Avoid convenience foods with layers of packaging
Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packed
Buy goods with a high recycled content
 
Routine recycling
Make a visit to a bottle, can or other type of recycling bank part of your routine – most supermarkets have recycling facilities so don’t forget to drop before you shop! Use our postcode locator to find your nearest facilities

Squash em and wash em!
When you’re recycling cans, squash them so they take up less room – and wash out food cans first

Wrapping paper
Some wrapping paper can be recycled - but only if it is plain white with simple printing. Be sure to remove all tape, ribbons, and bows, and fold it (don't scrunch it) when you place in your recycling container.

Engine Oil
Get rid of old engine oil safely and cleanly by calling 08708 506506 or www.oilbankline.org.uk

Hazardous waste solutions
Go to the NHWF's (National Household Hazardous Waste Fourm) Virtual House and see if you’ve got any hazardous waste lying around at home – you’ll also find out how to dispose of it safely.

Clear it out!
Recycle your clothes, books and unwanted gifts at charity shops, clothes banks or via charity bags at your doorstep.

Don’t dump old furniture
Look up details of furniture recyclers in your local phone book. Or, try the Furniture Re-use Network.

Brita Water Filters
If you use Brita Water Filters, don't just bin them when you’re finished, recycle them by simply collecting up 6 and sending them to: Brita Recycling, FREEPOST NAT 17876, Bicester, OX26 4BR. (Ian G's Top Tip)

Re-paint
Donate your left-over paint to www.communityrepaint.org.uk

Take away
If you get chinese/indian take away food that comes in plastic containers; wash them out and they can be used as tupperware for packed lunches or food storage. (Dawn's Top Tip)

All information here courtesy of WRAP and reproduced here with their permission. More recycling ideas can be found on www.recyclenow.org.uk