Recycling is quick, simple and something that we all can do without even leaving our homes!
We need to consider what we buy, how we use it and how we dispose of it.
By becoming mindful and thinking about the way that we dispose of our waste, we can save both the environment and money.
We have put together simple but really effective recycling ideas.
Recycling at home may be different where you live compared to other areas.
Make sure to check your local Councils website to see what goes in what bin.
It is important to put the right things in the right bins so make sure you know what is correct.
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.
Before you place your cardboard boxes in your bin, make sure that you flatten them. If you have a big box, break it up into smaller pieces.
This way you can fit more in your bin and recycle more!
Make sure to wash and squash your plastic bottles before placing them in the correct recycling bin.
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 reusing here
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.
Link here
