3 recycling mistakes we’re all guilty of
Did you know that if a certain amount of non-recyclable items are spotted in your recycling bin, then everything will be processed as “non-recyclable” and added to landfill? We all know the importance of recycling but few of us are informed of the intricacies of the process. While it seems straight forward enough, many of us are making mistakes which end up jeopardizing the process. Here’s a simple guide to what should and shouldn’t be going in your recycling bin.
1. Eliminate plastic bags
Plastic bags often make their way into recycling bins and end up causing issues down the line at the recycling plant. The best way to eliminate them from your bins? Ensure they are only ever tossed in with your general waste. Better yet, switch to environmentally friendly green bags and remove plastic from your home for good.
2. Use the scrunch test
Plastics are divided into “soft” and “rigid” categories, with only the latter being recyclable. Soft plastic like bread bags, biscuit trays and packaging should be thrown in your rubbish bin. Rigid plastics like bottles, containers, fruit punnets and so on. that can’t be ‘scrunched’ can be thrown into the recycling bin.
3. Know your “combined” items
Combined and composite items like a newspaper wrapped in plastic or packaging that’s predominantly cardboard but contains another, non-recyclable material cannot be recycled. The best way to tackle these items is by separating out the components if you can – for instance, unwrap your newspaper, remove the plastic lid from your coffee cup and then place in the correct bins.
What’s your best tip for staying on top of the recycling in your home? Share it with us in the comments below.
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