HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

KNOW your logos. The so-called green dot logo (right) is now commonly used but it doesn’t guarantee the product is recyclable. Rather, it signals that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging.

DIFFERENT councils are able to process and recycle different combinations of packaging, so check the rules in your area using the online tool at recyclenow.com.

IF YOU’RE swamped in plastic items that your council won’t take, see if your local supermarket has a ‘carrier bag recycling bin’. These will often accept a wide range of thin plastics in addition to bags, such as plastic ring joiners from can multi-packs, freezer bags and plastic cereal bags — the type used for muesli.

LOOK for other places to recycle: terracycle.co.uk lists schemes that can help you recycle everything from coffee pods to Biros and cigarette butts. Many benefit charities, which get to keep a percentage of any profits once recyclables are sold on.