8 Mighty Recycling Tips

Over 94% of us recycle regularly, but with half of us still not recycling everything we can, there’s more we can do. If each of us re-used or recycled just one more thing each day, it would make a huge difference.

Become a mighty recycler, protect the planet and help get Wales to number in the world by doing the following:

1. If it’s plastic and bottle shaped, recycle it

Most of us recycle. In fact, over 90% of us recycle plastic bottles such as drinks bottles, cleaning product bottles and toiletry bottles. Don't forget to empty and crush the bottles, and replace the lids, trigger sprays or dispensers before recycling any cleaning bottles.

2. Put plastic pots in their place

For plastic pots, tubs and trays, just give them a quick rinse before recycling them; remember to remove the plastic film. There’s no need to get every spot of food off, and dishwashing them is a step too far – and a waste of energy!

3. Recycle aerosols from every room

Metal recyclables such as aerosols can be recycled again and again without losing quality. Don’t forget to recycle empty aerosols from your bedroom and bathroom, such as hairspray, deodorant and shaving gel aerosols. Recycling just one aerosol saves enough energy to power a hairdryer for 30 minutes.

4. Recycle all your food waste

When recycled, your food waste is turned into renewable energy. Just one recycled banana peel would create enough energy to charge two smartphones. Whilst the majority of us recycle our food waste, some food waste still ends up in the rubbish bin. Don’t forget waste such as teabags & coffee grounds, eggshells, bones and fruit and veg peelings can all be recycled.

5. Extend the life of your cardboard

You can re-use cardboard boxes for many things such as for storage, to create a playhouse for the children, or you could use them to collect your recycling to save you separating items later! Alternatively, you could pass them on to family or friends or to local schools for craft projects.

6. Crush those cans

If you crush your empty cans that will save room in your recycling bin and make them more efficient to transport.

7. Give it a quick squish

Give cans and plastic bottles a quick squish – that’ll save room in your recycling container and make them more efficient to transport. Scrunch foil items loosely together to help them get through the sorting process without getting lost.

8. If you’re not sure, check

If you’re not sure if, how or where you can recycle an item, visit our Recycling Locator.

Just put in your postcode and the answer will pop up.

To learn more about the mighty mission to help get Wales to number one, visit www.bemightyrecycle.org.uk