Recycling is one of the easiest ways to make a positive difference to the environment. It's quick, simple, and something most of us can do every day without even leaving our homes.
Being more mindful about waste doesn't have to involve major lifestyle changes. Small actions can have a big impact!
We have put together simple but really effective recycling tips below:
Recycling at home may be different where you live compared to other areas.
Make sure to check your local Council's website to see what goes in what bin.
South Yorkshire Council's Waste and Recycling pages:
Vapes and e-cigarettes that are not correctly disposed of can cause fires, endanger bin crews and cost waste treatment facilities millions every year due to fires.
Please keep them out of your wheelie bins at home.
For Doncaster residents, Vapes can be recycled at home. Households can leave vapes, e-cigarettes and most small batteries in a sealed clear bag on top of their blue recycling bin. Collection crews will collect them as part of their normal round. (Information from Doncaster.gov)
For Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield residents, please take them to proper vape disposal points or use retailers take-back schemes.
Did you know that in the UK around 336,000 tonnes of our unwanted clothing gets thrown away every year?
We all have clothing and textiles that are past there best, but these can be recycled too. Take them to a clothes bank or to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.
If they are still in good condition, consider selling them, donating them or giving them to friends and family.
Read more about clothing waste here.
The symbols on packaging can be confusing!
Check out Recycle Now's guide here which explains them a bit more.
Think you know your recycling symbols? Put your knowledge to the test with our recycling symbols quiz!
By recycling just one glass bottle, enough power is saved to power a light bulb for four hours.
Batteries can be recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Centres or taken to supermarkets or electrical stores.
All household batteries including 'button' batteries from watches.
Battery packs from laptops, mobile phones, power tools and remote control units.
Car batteries can also be recycled but only at designated collection points, not in your home recycling.
Consider using rechargeable batteries instead, these can be used over and over again.
These can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) or some items may be accepted by some large retailers for recycling.
Use Recycle Your Electricals tool to find a Electrical recycling point near you
If it is in good working condition, consider donating it to a charity shop or giving it to a friend or family member.
Why not add a separate bin or bag to put the recycling in your kitchen in? That way you can recycle all the glass bottles, jars, cans and cardboard you use.
For the energy it takes to make 1 brand new aluminium can, we could recycle 20 cans.
From loo roll tubes to shampoo and cleaning bottles, there are many items in our bathrooms that can be recycled.
Why not make it easier for yourself by placing a bag, box or bin in your bathroom to put all your recyclables in?
Read our blog on how to reduce plastic in the bathroom here.
Check out Recycle Now's postcode checker to see what you can recycle in your area.
Follow the link here.
