Green houses
SAM WYLIE-HARRIS looks at the household items we should be recycling but probably aren’t
ALL want to do our best for the planet and recycling is right up there. But what can you do beyond filling up your usual recycling bags or bins, and putting them out on collection days?
Tim Duret, director of sustainable technology for resource management company Veolia UK, says there are many items we don’t usually think of – from hedge trimmings to laptops.
“It’s just knowing where and how best to dispose of your recycling, so we can keep as many materials as possible in a loop of use, ,” he says.
Let’s take a look at the items that can be recycled from around your home, room by room...
Kitchen
Plastic: “This can sometimes be a confusing subject, as many councils have specific rules for this material,” notes Tim. “Always check locally, but remember that all local authorities accept plastic bottles, so these must go in your recycling bin.”
Kettles: “A kettle that’s boiled too many times and no longer makes a good cup of tea can be recycled to recover precious metals and electronics.” He continues. “The best recycling option is to take the item to a household recycling centre, where all kettles will be bundled together and sent to a re-processor to extract the materials.” Washing machines: Similarly to kettles, Tim says washing machines, cookers, fridges and dishwashers can all be taken to recycling centres if they can’t be used anymore.
Bathroom
Personal care: Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, liquid soap... as Tim points out, they all tend to come in plastic bottles, which are perfect for recycling and can go through the recycling system again and again. He suggests keepwe ing the lids on unless there’s a pump system.
Toilet rolls: “We have a great record when it comes to recycling paper and card in the UK, but there are still some items we forget can be recycled,” says Tim. “The small cardboard toilet roll should not be overlooked. It’s an easy win to be more sustainable at home.”
Toothpaste tubes: Tim says progress is being made with these – but it’s not yet universal that manufacturers make this packaging recyclable. “It’s best to check the label and your council’s website, or look for a takeback scheme with the brand.”
Living room
TVS: “It’s estimated that less than 40% of the electronics and electrical equipment thrown away every year is recycled – but we have facilities that can recycle them.” Batteries: Tim explains that these contain valuable resources, but they need to be recycled in the right way to avoid any fire risks. “You can recycle bat- teries in supermarkets, some electronics stores, house- hold recycling centres and some councils even offer this service from the kerbside, so check online,” he urges.
Your Home
Old furniture: If you’re re-doing the living room and have a cupboard that doesn’t fit anymore, Tim says to sell it, donate it, or recycle it, so it can have a second life.
Furniture dropped off at recycling centres is either donated, repaired or recycled, so they can salvage as much of it as possible.
Bedroom
Clothes: Textile banks can be found on the street, as well as sometimes in supermarket car parks and recycling centres. Tim says clothes that can’t be re-worn or donated can be dropped off at banks where the fibres will be recycled. “Don’t put clothes in your household recycling bins, as they can get tangled in the recycling equipment,” he urges. Mobile phones: “Up to 80% of your phone is recyclable, so resist throwing it in the bin, as it could be really valuable – plus, it’s a fire risk,” he warns. “Instead, it could be a good opportunity to recycle your phone through the mobile phone provider or online.” Aerosols: Empty hairspray and deodorant aerosols can be recycled in most local authorities, says Tim. Check if they can go in your recycling bin on your council’s website.