What's the issue with recycling?

Why do we need to worry about recycling?

• It is estimated that, every hour, the people of Britain throw away enough rubbish to fill the Royal Albert Hall.
• Most of this waste is incinerated or piled into landfill sites—both of which damage the environment.
• Recycling is vital if we are to preserve the world's natural resources, reduce the amount of rubbish polluting the land and prevent climate change through the release of dangerous toxins such as methane gas.

How does recycling work?

• At least half of our household rubbish can be recycled, although services vary from council to council.
• Most households receive a doorstep recycling collection. There are roadside recycling bins and other facilities available too.
• Aluminium, glass, paper, plastic, textiles, steel and wood can all be treated, processed and sold to manufacturers for use in new products.

Is recycling enough?

• Campaigners stress that it is not enough for us to recycle our rubbish and feel that we have done our bit. The slogan Reduce, Reuse, Recycle calls for preventative action by minimising waste.
• As well as recycling, we should be careful not to buy more than we need, avoid disposable and over-packaged goods and reuse, refill, share, donate and sell old materials wherever we can. There are hundreds of ways to do this, from reusing plastic bags to starting a compost bin.

Do biodegradables really break down?

• Biodegradable items should, in theory, be broken down by bacteria. However, elements such as water, micro-organisms and oxygen are often lacking in tightly packed landfills, so that breakdown is inhibited and dangerous gases and liquids are produced.

What about incineration?

• Incineration is not the answer. It wastes energy and can cause pollution and generate potentially harmful chemicals.

Do the benefits of recycling outweigh the costs?

• Influential environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Defence Council confirm that the environmental gain of recycling by far outweighs the costs invested in the recycling industry.

Why are we encouraged to compost?

• Composting is another form of recycling. It is the controlled breakdown of biodegradable materials such as garden and kitchen waste.
• Composting improves soil nutrient levels without the need for fertilisers.

What about recycled products?

• Don't forget that buying recycled products is important if we are to complete the cycle of material reuse.
• When you shop, look for products that contain recycled ingredients including paper, bin liners and glasses.

What else can I do?

• Contact your local council to ask about recycling services and recycling initiatives in your area.