UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which only 17% was collected for recycling. (source: defra.gov.uk) This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% for their waste. There is still a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites which is harmful to the environment.

Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment.

Did you know that?

• 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
• 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
• 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
• 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

Some Interesting Facts

• Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled.
• The unreleased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours.
• The largest lake in the Britain could be filled with rubbish from the UK in 8 months.
• On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.
• As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted.
• Up to 80% of a vehicle can be recycled.
• 9 out of 10 people would recycle more if it were made easier.

How You Can Help and What Can you Do?

There are a number of ways to reduce and recycle rubbish in the home, at school, college or in the work place. In most cases it is better to choose items which create less rubbish, for example goods without excessive packaging.

Here are some areas below for more ideas of how you can help cut down on the amount of rubbish we produce. You could reduce the rubbish in your bin by over 50%.

Reduce

• don't buy heavily packed goods
• buy 'loose' food rather than pre-packaged
• stop junk mail and faxes through the Mailing Preference Service
• cancel delivery of unwanted newspapers, donate old magazines to waiting rooms
• use your own shopping bags when visiting the supermarket or use the doorstep delivery service
• grow your own vegetables. Many varieties can be grown in small gardens
• use a nappy laundry service, and save disposable ones for holidays and long journeys see the Real Nappy Association
• take a packed lunch to work or school in a reusable plastic container

Reuse

• reuse carrier bags. Each person in the UK uses an average of 134 plastic bags each year
• reuse scrap paper for writing notes, etc
• reuse envelopes - stick labels over the address
• rent or borrow items you don't use very often e.g. party decorations and crockery. Some supermarkets hire out glasses for parties, saving on disposable cups
• donate old computer and audio visual equipment to community groups or schools
• buy rechargeable items instead of disposable ones e.g. batteries and camera
• buy things in refillable containers e.g. washing powders
• buy concentrated products which use less packaging
• take old clothes and books to charity shops, or have a car boot sale
• look for long lasting (and energy efficient) appliances when buying new electrical items. Ensure these are well maintained to increase product life cycle
• consider using low energy bulbs which last longer and use less energy

Recycle

• choose products in packaging which you know can be recycled
• compost - lots of kitchen waste can be composted. Contact your local council for details of local composting schemes and details of any compost bin sales. Click here for further advice on composting in your garden
• buy products made from recycled materials. Most supermarkets now stock a wide range of these items, click here for some examples

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