Recycle Week 2018: why should I recycle, how to recycle and how to reduce plastic consumption

Recycling waste correctly can have a hugely beneficial impact on our environment. Find out how by taking part in Recycle Week 2018.
Millions of tonnes of rubbish is produced each year
Alamy
Tom Herbert26 September 2018

More of us than ever before are recycling our waste, in an attempt to combat plastic pollution.

We are refusing to use straws, have jettisoned single-use plastic bags and have stopped drinking from disposable plastic water bottles.

Despite that, millions of tonnes of plastic waste are still generated in the UK each year. Much of it ends up in the ocean where it has a disastrous effect on wildlife and our planet.

So what can we do? Fortunately it's Recycle Week 2018 from September 24-30 and Recycle Now, the organisation behind Recycle Week, has plenty of ideas.

Craig Stephens, Recycle Now campaign manager, said: “This truly is the best Recycle Week yet, and we’re thrilled to have support from fantastic brands, retailers and businesses.

"More and more people are recycling, which really matters because it keeps materials in use and out of the environment."

Plastic pollution ends up in the water and on riverbanks, destroying wildlife
Getty

Why should I recycle?

Plastic pollution has a devastating impact on our planet.

It damages wildlife and habitats and washes into the ocean where it kills sea birds, mammals and turtles who get tangled in waste.

And because it doesn't biodegrade, it just floats around on the water before it is eventually eaten by marine species who mistake it as food.

Plastic contains chemicals, increasing the chances of disease and affecting reproduction. Many animals suffer for years before they die.

According to World Animal Protection, an estimated 15 to 51 trillion microplastic particles were floating in the world's oceans in 2014.

How can I reduce plastic consumption?

Buy fruit and veg that isn't covered in plastic packaging
Daniel Lynch

Carry a reusable water bottle around with you instead of buying one from the shops, and drink more tap water.

Don't use plastic straws when out and at home.

Drink your coffee from a reusable cup, not a disposable one.

Carry your own cutlery so you don't have to use disposable knives and forks.

Buy loose fruit and veg that isn't covered in plastic packaging.

When shopping, take a bag with you so you don't have to use a plastic one from the supermarket.

Avoid chewing gum – it contains plastic.

Top tips for recycling plastic waste

Recycling one bleach bottle could save enough energy to power a street light for six-and-a-half hours.

If it's plastic and shaped like a bottle you can recycle it. Just remember to crush bottles and replace lids. Trigger sprays can be left on.

Don't forget to recycle from the bathroom, because only 52 percent of us say we regularly do this.

According to Recycle Now, if everyone in the UK recycled one toothpaste box, it would save enough energy to run a fridge in over 2,000 homes for a year.

Toothpaste boxes, toilet roll tubes, aerosols, shower gels, soap, shampoo and conditioner bottles can all be recycled, just remember to take the pump dispenser off liquid soap bottles first.

Rinse out everything, remove traces of food from card packaging and take off the plastic film.

Leave the lids and caps on glass jam jars and bottles. But don't put Pyrex in the recycling – it melts at different temperatures to regular glass so has to be dealt with separately.

If you're not sure that a piece of paper can be recycled, scrunch it in your hand. If it doesn't spring back then it can be recycled. Remember to tear off glittery bits from birthday cards as well.

If you're not sure if an item can be recycled, visit www.recyclenow.com.

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in