5 Things You Thought Were Recyclable, That Aren't...

Posted by Kim C on

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 5 THINGS YOU THOUGHT WERE RECYCLABLE, THAT AREN'T

(The Big No No’s In Recycling)

8 out of 10 UK residents believe recycling makes a difference, research from the British Science Association (BSA) shows. Recycling might seem to be a straightforward system, yet when quizzed on exactly what items can go into their recycling bins, none of the 2,000 adult Brits surveyed got full marks.

Not all plastic, glass, and paper can actually be recycled in an equal manner and our mistakes can be very costly for our environment, wild life and can result in wasted council tax money.

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Here are 5 commonly mistaken non-recyclable items that you need to avoid putting in your recycling bin:

  • Brightly dyed paper since the coloured ink can actually leak and change the other items’ colour.
  • Paper towels and napkins are deemed unsuitable in the process of recycling since these can absorb some contaminants.
  • Cardboard containers coated with wax and juice boxes – Usually these do not have the mark of being recyclable, you should not recycle them at all.
  • Plastic bottle tops – Even though you can recycle plastic bottles, the tops are not regarded as appropriate for recycling.
  • Wet paper is also not recyclable due to the damage to fibres and possible contaminants.

Do You know of any other items that are commonly believed to be recyclable but actually aren't?

Let us know in the comments below ⬇️

Remember: Reusing is better than Recycling. Please choose Reusables whenever possible ✅

 

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21 comments


  • Hello guys, I’m sorry I’ve been trying to reply to your fab posts, but the system won’t let me reply individually. Thank you so much for your tips and it does seem that we do need some national consistency.
    Kim 💚

    Kim - Honest Miracle Family Organics on

  • Unfortunately you can no longer post plastic bottle tops to Lush. They are also only taking small amounts in their stores. It is such a good and well supported scheme that they are being overwhelmed.

    Margaret Keen on

  • I took my latest bag of white plastic bottle tops to my local Lush shop, and they did accept them, but will no longer be able to take any more as from September 1st 2019.

    Mrs Katherine Regan on

  • Sainsbury’s recycle plastic bags they have bin in the entrance

    JANET Fletcher on

  • I live in Nottinghamshire our council recycle juice/ milk/ soup cartons but you have take them to a bin in Eastwood area, i collect them in big bin bag take to the recycle bin when bag is full, and store the bag on hooks in the glass recycle bin.
    I recycle foil to you take that to another Beeston area, i think in that area to do when you have paint not need any more they take that too.
    And someone has said about Lush take bottle tops i will collect then too.

    JANET Fletcher on

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