Recycling is the act of processing used or abandoned materials for use in creating new products.
This can involve using recyclable materials to make a new version of the same thing (e.g. using used glass bottles to produce new glass bottles) or using them to make something entirely different (e.g. using beverage cartons to make recyclable paper bags).
Over 2/3 of the average household bin is recyclable. Approximately a quarter of the bin is used packaging that can be recycled, with a further third being compostable kitchen and garden waste. There is a clear opportunity for Irish householders to make a difference here and contribute towards achieving Ireland’s EU packaging recovery and recycling targets.
This can involve using recyclable materials to make a new version of the same thing (e.g. using used glass bottles to produce new glass bottles) or using them to make something entirely different (e.g. using beverage cartons to make recyclable paper bags).
Over 2/3 of the average household bin is recyclable. Approximately a quarter of the bin is used packaging that can be recycled, with a further third being compostable kitchen and garden waste. There is a clear opportunity for Irish householders to make a difference here and contribute towards achieving Ireland’s EU packaging recovery and recycling targets.
1 - First of all, if your home is serviced by a kerbside collection for recycling make sure you are fully aware of all the different packaging types and recyclables that they will collect. Contact your local authority or local waste contractor to get an update on what they accept as they often collect a wider range of recyclable materials than you may be aware of.
2 - If you do not have a kerbside collection for recycling, make optimum use of your local recycling facilities. To find out where your local bring bank/recycling centre site is, please click here.
3 - To start recycling simply begin by segregating your household waste into three types:
a. Recycling
b. Compostables
c. Residual waste
4 - Get different containers for each of the above and label each one clearly. Clear a handy but obvious place for them where all members of the household will see and use them e.g. corner of the kitchen, utility room, garage etc.
5 - You may find it easier to have separate containers for all of your different recycling materials e.g. glass, aluminum cans etc. Alternatively to save space, collect your recyclables in one container and separate them at your local bring bank/recycling centre.
6 - Make sure the containers you use are easy to clean out.
7 - It is also important to choose a container size which is easy for you to carry when full and transport to your local bring bank/recycling centre.
8 - The following chart will help you handle your recycling at home:
PACKAGING TYPE & INSTRUCTIONS
Glass bottles and jars Rinse and remove lids
Aluminium drinks cans Wash and squash
Steel food cans Rinse
Cardboard packaging Flatten it, keep it clean and dry
Beverage cartons Wash and squash
Plastic bottles Wash and squash and remove lids
9 - By following these instructions on handling your recycling you will get the maximum use out of your recycling wheelie bin and/or containers.
10 - Flattening or squashing your used packaging means you will be able to fit more into your recycling containers at home. This also benefits your local recycling facility in the same way.
11 - Rinsing recyclables will eliminate any smell or insect problems and the mess of spilled contents in your recycling containers. It also prevents the contamination of other used packaging like cardboard which if wet cannot be successfully recycled.
12 - To find out where your local bring bank/civic amenity site is, please click here.
2 - If you do not have a kerbside collection for recycling, make optimum use of your local recycling facilities. To find out where your local bring bank/recycling centre site is, please click here.
3 - To start recycling simply begin by segregating your household waste into three types:
a. Recycling
b. Compostables
c. Residual waste
4 - Get different containers for each of the above and label each one clearly. Clear a handy but obvious place for them where all members of the household will see and use them e.g. corner of the kitchen, utility room, garage etc.
5 - You may find it easier to have separate containers for all of your different recycling materials e.g. glass, aluminum cans etc. Alternatively to save space, collect your recyclables in one container and separate them at your local bring bank/recycling centre.
6 - Make sure the containers you use are easy to clean out.
7 - It is also important to choose a container size which is easy for you to carry when full and transport to your local bring bank/recycling centre.
8 - The following chart will help you handle your recycling at home:
PACKAGING TYPE & INSTRUCTIONS
Glass bottles and jars Rinse and remove lids
Aluminium drinks cans Wash and squash
Steel food cans Rinse
Cardboard packaging Flatten it, keep it clean and dry
Beverage cartons Wash and squash
Plastic bottles Wash and squash and remove lids
9 - By following these instructions on handling your recycling you will get the maximum use out of your recycling wheelie bin and/or containers.
10 - Flattening or squashing your used packaging means you will be able to fit more into your recycling containers at home. This also benefits your local recycling facility in the same way.
11 - Rinsing recyclables will eliminate any smell or insect problems and the mess of spilled contents in your recycling containers. It also prevents the contamination of other used packaging like cardboard which if wet cannot be successfully recycled.
12 - To find out where your local bring bank/civic amenity site is, please click here.
1 comment:
Thanks for the tips for setting up a wormery and home composting, had meant to start this for ages ! Decided 2007 was the time to do it.
Post a Comment