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> How to recycle different materials?

27.04.2011

> Story Source:http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk

Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment. Did you know that:

  • 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
  • 1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
  • 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
  • 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.

 

 

 

1)

  • All waste batteries are classified as hazardous waste and recycling is always the best option.
  • Ordinary household batteries do contain some hazardous chemicals so ideally should not be thrown out with the day to day rubbish.
  • Rechargeable batteries contain harmful metals, so should never be thrown away with daily rubbish, they should be returned to manufacturer for disposal or recycled elsewhere.
  • Local councils or garages sometimes offer battery-recycling services.
  • Contact your local council to see if they are running a battery collection scheme.
  • Contact the battery manufacturer for further recycling advice.
  • Ordinary batteries require a lot of energy to make, so in order to save energy, use rechargeable batteries and electricity mains instead of ordinary batteries.
  • Rechargable batteries are the most environmentally friendly option as can last for up to several hundred charging cycles resulting in less waste being produced.

 

 

 

2)

  • Glass is separated into 3 colours: green, brown and clear.
  • Take great care when handling broken glass, wear gloves if possible.
  • Deposit glass at your nearest recycling bank by throwing them into the appropriate container.
  • Many supermarkets have glass-recycling banks, enabling you to recycle glass on your weekly shop.
  • Most home recycle bins, provided by your local council, usually accept glass.
  • Make sure you wash out the bottle or jar before putting it into recycling bins.
  • Reuse glass whenever possible. Jars can be used as small containers and bottles can be used as vases.

 

 

3)

 

  • Metal is usually separated into 2 groups: aluminium and steel.
  • You can test which metal your waste is by using a magnet. Aluminium metal is non-magnetic whereas steel is magnetic.
  • There may be a symbol, such as an alu mark, on the product to indicate what metal it is made from.
  • Drink cans are usually made from aluminium and food cans are usually made from steel.
  • Most home recycling bins, provided by your local council, usually accept metal.
  • Deposit used cans at your local recycling bank.
  • Make sure drink and food cans are clean before recycling.
  • Aerosol containers can be recycled, but only when they are completely empty.
  • Metallic plastic film, such as chocolate wrappers, cannot be recycled.
  • Find out if there is a ‘cash for cans’ scheme operating near you.

 

 

4)

  • Donate usable furniture to charity shops, schools, community centres, friends or neighbours.
  • Sell furniture at garage sales or in auctions.
  • Clean and repair broken furniture before you sell/donate it.
  • Before you sell/donate your furniture, make sure it has the kite mark of approval to show that it meets British safety standards.