New Year and new ways for sustainable recycling
Top ten environmental ways to recycle more and reduce waste as we enter 2022
During the festive season, it can be easy for us to use more resources that leave us with more things to throw out in the New Year. DJB Recycling is a Yorkshire-based centre that aims to dispose of waste correctly and properly.
The operation covers the whole of the UK to provide a solution aimed at reducing impact on landfill, writes Christine Emelone.
The group also works toward increasing sustainable living while reducing costs.
Here are experts’ top ten ways to become a better recycler in 2022.
1 Have a recycling box
Even if you just keep a bag next to your general waste bin, this will act as a good reminder to everyone at home when they go to throw something out.
2 Know what needs recycling
Make sure you check your local council’s guide on what products go in each bin as they will help them enormously. You can find this on their website.
3 Recycle more than once
Although this one may sound obvious, it is very important to keep in mind! Glass and metals can be recycled indefinitely- so go ahead and keep recycling them!
There is no need to add additional raw material in the recycling process. The quality of recycled paper has increased dramatically over the past few years.
But even when the recycled paper loses its quality, it can still be made into lower quality paper-based materials. The only material that can be recycled once or twice is plastic.
4 Place waste in the right bin
One of the biggest challenges faced in recycling is materials placed in the wrong container, which can cause various issues along the way.
It is not only time-consuming to remove them from the stream but can also cause damage to the recycling machinery. If too many items end up contaminating the stream, the entire load will be diverted to landfill.
5 Re-use your stuff
Whether it’s as simple as reusing a bag for life when you go shopping instead of buying a plastic bag each time, each act helps towards a more sustainable environment.
This also allows us to save more and reduce the amount of waste we produce on a daily basis.
6 Rinse glass before recycling
This is crucial as it stops other recyclables from being contaminated. You can reuse the water you’ve previously used from the washing up or pop them in the dishwasher.
7 Recycle your electronics
Make sure to do your best to recycle when throwing away electronics, donating your old devices to charitable organisations.
If they are unusable you’ll have to take them to your local recycling centre, which can be found online, or to select supermarkets who may offer an electronics bin free of charge.
8 Use public transport
Instead of using your car, you could walk, cycle or use public transport as a sustainable way of travelling to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
9 Donate your old clothes
Rather than throwing away your old clothes, donate them to charity and contribute to a great cause, helping to reduce waste and increase sustainability in our environment.
10 Avoid ‘Fast Fashion’ stores
The best way to avoid ‘fast fashion’ or simply becoming a more sustainable shopper is by cutting down on your shopping in general.
Instead invest in a few items of high-quality clothes each year that will last season after season.