A surprising amount of our waste can be recycled. It’s just a case of spotting the things that can be, and where they need to be disposed of. There are different types of recycling bins for the more common items that you have at home, and places you can go to dispose of more unusual items.
If you run a business it’s very likely you accumulate a lot of waste. Gaskells will conduct a free site audit to determine how much of each type of waste is being produced, and recommend the most convenient recycling collection service for you.
Waste paper and cardboard recycling
Every tonne of recycled paper saves up to 17 trees. Given that we accumulate 12.5 million tonnes of paper waste a year in the UK, it’s vital we recycle as much as is possible. Many types of paper can be recycled, check to see if the paper have foil or plastic covering as it may have to go into the general waste. Paper and card generally go into the blue bin.
Types of recyclable plastic
There are around 50 different grades of plastic, but which type of plastic can be recycled? It is believed that some plastics will take up to 500 years to biodegrade so recycling them correctly is imperative. Plastic items like bottles are made from high-grade plastic and can be recycled. But thin plastics like plastic bags and cling film cannot. Recyclable plastics generally go in the brown bin.
Metal recycling
Which metals are recycled in the UK? Iron and steel are the most common types of metal that we recycle. How do you dispose of metal scraps? Metal objects need to be taken to a tip to be recycled properly or can be collected. In the home, metal trays and foil can be recycled in the brown bin, or the same bin as plastic bottles.
What is WEEE recycling?
WEEE stands for waste electrical and electronic equipment, and this is anything that needs electricity to power it. Electric items are made of many components so they don’t count as one type of recycling. They could also be dangerous, so electronics recycling is important to ensure they are taken apart professionally. WEEE recycling can be taken as part of a waste collection service, or brought to your local tip.
Wood recycling
What is recycled wood? Otherwise called timber recycling, this is the process of using waste wood to make new products. Clean timber, joists, lumber and stumps or branches can all be recycled. If the wood has been treated with chemicals it must go into the general waste though. Gaskells can provide you with a recurring collection for any recyclable wood or otherwise.
What is glass recycling?
Used glass bottles and jars are 100% recyclable and can be put in the brown bin. Recycling old glasses, windows, pyrex and crystal is not possible, as these have been made in a different way. If you run a pub or bar, you might accumulate a lot of glass waste in which case a regular collection might be necessary.
Clothes and textile recycling
If your old clothes are suitable to give to be used again, clothes recycling is the next step. Clothes recycling bins and textile recycling banks will be available through your local council and are often found nearby supermarkets.
Inert waste
Inert waste is made of material which will make a long time to breakdown, but it not harmful to humans or the environment. Examples of inert waste are bricks, concrete, drywall; unrecyclable wood, plastic and glass. These things can be taken to the tip, or you can arrange a collection.
Food waste
Food waste is often turned into useful energy which powers homes and the local community. Almost any food can go into the small green bin for food waste, just ensure there is not packaging left on it. Be sure not to put plastic bags, soil or Japanese Knotweed into the food waste bin as these are harmful.
Recycling can be complicated sometimes, especially if you produce a lot of waste. Get in touch with Gaskells today to begin planning the best recycling solution for your business.