Plastic recycling solutions start at home

Sir, – Regarding the recent article in The Courier on the cost of processing contaminated domestic recycling bins, confusion over what types of plastic can be recycled or not, is a real issue.

Most people will be familiar with the widely used recycling logo.

But what if this is not actually present on say bacon packaging, but a triangular logo is present with a code letter; is this a recyclable item?

There are two solutions available in deciding which is which. If there is no recyclable logo, then it should go to general waste. Or preferably, governments must pass legislation to make all plastic packaging capable of being recycled.

But then, as I have written previously, we managed very well 50 years ago and more, without all this plastic blighting the land, lakes, rivers and seas.

The other aspect to bin contamination is of course laziness on behalf of the householder – not rinsing out containers prior to placing in the bin, not caring what bin it goes in.

The same goes for the general waste bin, whereby food and liquids fill the bottom of the bin creating a disgusting layer of stinking fly food.

Such people will be the first to complain to the council about insect and fly infestations, due solely to laziness and “couldn’t care less” attitudes.

The answer is obvious, don’t empty poorlymanaged bins, but then where will the contents eventually be found? Geoff Bray. Heather Croft, Letham.

Rubbish problems are down to householder laziness, not just the government, argues one correspondent.