Recycling for the Future

This quarter, Patrick Allan, a Health & Wellbeing Consultant from Mercer Marsh Benefits, talks us through the importance of recycling at home.

Each day I think about the incredible amount of resources we as humans consume, and whilst I’m never going to be able to change the world, I hope my efforts make a contribution to protecting the environment.

I want to teach my children that there is a lot that can be done at home that can prevent that piece of plastic, cardboard, tin, or paper going to the landfill and instead have a new life.

The shortage of landfill capacity, against an increasing population and scarcity of resources, has led local governments to really think more about how they can support their residents to reduce waste and the reliance on raw materials. Less raw material results in less energy. Depending on how that energy is produced is a contributing factor to reducing greenhouse gases. So in essence, it’s a win-win for all and will ensure a brighter cleaner future for our younger generations. Recycling rates have increased tenfold over the past few years, and so they should. Germany and Sweden recycle 90% of their waste whereas the UK limps in at around a disappointing 45%. Between the home nations this fluctuates between 42% in Scotland through to 54% in Wales. This is against a target of 50% set by the EU back in 2017.

According to various councils, we could be recycling up to 70% of our waste, which will be a great contribution towards reducing our demand for raw materials thereby reducing carbon emissions and working towards a greener future - not only for us adults today, but also the children of the next generation.

Recycling rates are governed by local councils. If you are fortunate to live in a borough that supports recycling of various used packaging, then make a difference and make the most of it. The luckier ones of us may even have food waste recycling facilities, and as grotty as it sounds, given the amount of food waste that we generate, this could make a real and measurable difference.

Recycling Myths

This symbol found on many packages, doesn’t mean it has, can be or will be recycled. It simply means that the company producing it has financially contributed to the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe.

This symbol means that the packaging is capable of being recycled, not that it has or will be recycled by your local council.

This indicates the type of plastic resin to make the packaging. In the UK codes 1 or 2 are the most widely recycled. Resin 3 is typically not collected, 4 is plastic bags that need to be taken to your supermarket. Resin 5, 6 & 7 are difficult to recycle. Feeling savvy, check that number on the back of your packaging before buying that product.

Don’t be tricked by this green packaging. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it will break down any faster than other plastic and will be dependent on what facilities are accessible for your local council. In some cases, and if used to hold your food waste, it can actually contaminate the whole process and end up at the landfill anyway. Worth checking this one with your council.

Wrapping vegetables and fruit is an unnecessary waste of plastic. However, some is necessary. Research has found that shrink wrapped cucumber lasts over three times longer than an unwrapped one. A wrapped cucumber only loses 1.5% of its weight through evaporation after 14 days compared with 3.5% for an exposed one. A longer life means fewer deliveries and less food waste.

Everyday Recycling

By thinking what can and can’t be recycled, and taking small positive steps, it means at the manufacturing point, more will be recycled, so if you can, remember these simple tips:

  • Ensure a recycling bin or bag is easily accessible or visible at home
  • Put an extra bin in your bathroom to accommodate your used bottles and boxes
  • Nominate a household recycler
  • Rinse that food packaging before placing it the recycling bin. Contaminated bottles or plastic food trays can render your recycling useless and headed directly towards the landfill
  • Gift cards and wrapping paper - as long as it is not shiny and has no glitter on it, they can be recycled
  • Plastic bags/empty bread bags – reuse them or recycle them at your local supermarket (if facilities allow), they can’t be recycled at kerbside
  • Till Receipts can’t be recycled
  • Bottle lids and or jar Llids shouldn’t be removed

If you are ever unsure of what can and can’t be recycled go to the Recycle Now website put in your postcode and you’ll have everything at your fingertips.

Come on, let’s make a difference together.