Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

How to recycle

Nearly two thirds of all household rubbish can be recycled which saves energy and raw materials. You can also do even more by avoiding waste in the first place, or repairing and re-using items.

Reduce waste

Recycling can help save materials and energy, but cutting down on waste in the first place is even better. For example, avoid excess packaging and unnecessary carrier bags, or buy products which you can use again instead of disposable items.

The best way of doing this is simply using less. Try asking yourself if you need a product before buying it and taking your own bags when you go shopping.

You can also be careful about what you buy. Choose items that will last longer and try to buy products you can use again instead of disposable items.

Re-use and repair

Repairing or re-using items means that they will last longer and won’t need replacing with new items so soon. Even when you have finished with something, someone else will often be able to use it – why not sell it, give it to charity or pass it on via sharing schemes like Freecycle or Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS)?

Recycle

If you haven’t already started, find out how to recycle your waste.

What can be recycled

An average family can double or even treble the amount they recycle. Most councils run doorstep collections for recyclable materials. Local civic amenity sites can also accept many other materials for recycling – everything from wood, shoes, textiles and TVs, to electrical equipment, light bulbs and fridges/freezers. Contact your local council to find out the location and opening times of your local waste and recycling centre.

Compost your garden and food waste

More than a third of household rubbish is organic, including garden and food waste. Many councils sell home composters, often at a reduced cost. You can also buy compost bins from local garden centres and DIY stores.

Safely and responsibly dispose of hazardous waste items

Some items contain hazardous materials and need to be carefully disposed of to avoid environmental problems like water pollution. For example, paint, batteries, electrical equipment and oil need to be disposed of at a proper facility. Examples of things that need to be disposed of at a proper facility include: paint, batteries, electrical equipment and oil.

Electrical equipment and batteries can all be recycled and the precious resources used to make new items.

Buy recycled products

Products made from recycled goods save raw materials and 'complete the circle' by increasing demand for recycled materials. As well as paper products, you can buy recycled household and fashion items such as shoulder bags, plastic trays, pencil cases and aluminium foil.

Do it online