Published: 09/05/2012 12:00 - Updated: 09/05/2012 11:57

Waste not, want not

Written byRecycling revolution

Once upon a time, the word ‘recycling’ may have meant nothing more to you than riding your bike down the same path over and over again.

Recycle Sign In 2012, recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. And not before time, too.

Basically the earth has limited resources and if we keep consuming them at the rate we are then very quickly there won’t be any left. Recycling means that instead of wasting the materials we throw away to become part of a landfill - or worse incinerated and turned into toxic gases - we can reuse them and put less strain on the earth’s resources.

From recycling more of everyday items like glass and plastic bottles to reusing carrier bags or composting at home, there are lots of opportunities for us to clean up our act.

Every year UK households produce millions of tonnes of waste of which only a relatively small percentage is collected for recycling. The figure is quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some of whom recycle more than 50% of their waste.

When you break the figures down some interesting facts and some startling details start to emerge:

One recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
If all cans in the UK were recycled, we would need 14 million fewer dustbins.
Each UK family uses an average of 500 glass bottles and jars annually.
One recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled.
Glass is 100% recyclable and can be used again and again.
Glass that is thrown away and ends up in landfills will never decompose.
On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.
70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.
Recycled paper produces 73% less air pollution than if it was made from raw materials.
12.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard are used annually in the UK.
275,000 tonnes of plastic are used each year in the UK, that’s about 15 million bottles per day.
Most families throw away about 40kg of plastic per year, which could otherwise be recycled.
Plastic can take up to 500 years to decompose.
As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted.
9 out of 10 people would recycle more if it were made easier.

Recycling reminders

Making a note on your calendar or fridge will provide a visual reminder of the day/dates your recycling is collected. Nine out of ten UK residents now have access to a doorstep recycling collection.

Keep it simple

Keep your recycling bin next to your main bin so you can take your rubbish and recycling out at the same time. If you don't already have a recycling box or bag you should contact your local council.

Whole house recycling

It's common for people to recycle in the kitchen but forget other rooms. Recycle the waste from all the bins in your house. For example, if your council accepts plastic bottles for recycling then all plastic bottles can go into your collection, including shampoo bottles.

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