It’s in everyone’s best interest to recycle as much as possible, but sometimes we need a creative push or some new information to keep the incentive alive.
The basics of recycling are already done in most households (separating plastics, tins, and glass so they can be collected for recycling), but there are other ways you can do your part in going green, too.
Below, we’ve outlined some recycling ideas for businesses that you can also do at home.
Know the Different Types of Recycling
Before starting your recycling journey, you need to know what the different recycling symbols mean.
There are six main recycling symbols that you’re likely to come across day-to-day, which we’ve explained in our previous blog post, ‘What Do the Different Recycling Symbols Mean?’.
Once you’re familiar with your green dots and mobius loops, you’re ready to get creative with your recycling!
Creative Ways to Recycle
Buy Recycled Products
Buying products that are made from recycled materials means your recycling journey has already started by the time your item makes it to your home. Many products are now made from recycled materials, from printer paper to bottled liquids and even some furniture.
Recycle Your Water
If you’re wondering how to recycle water, your local plumber can help. For example, you can reuse your shower water or rainwater to flush your toilet!
If this isn’t a viable option for you, consider collecting rainwater in buckets or pipe systems. You can then use this to water your plants; many types of plants specifically prefer rainwater, so this gives you the opportunity to bring some more exciting greenery into your home.
Composting Your Scraps
Biological nutrients from natural foods can be returned to your garden to aid future growth. Composting is a classic method of recycling that’s easy to do at home.
Most organic materials can be composted, but garden waste and green kitchen waste are the most ideal for this. You can create compost in your own back garden with something as simple as a hole in the ground.
Recycle Your Electronics
It’s not just paper, glass and plastic that can be recycled. Many materials, including your electronics, can be recycled, too. Many companies offer the ability to trade in an old electronic as a part-exchange for a new one, after which they can sell on, repair, or recycle the old product to give it a second life.
You also can (and should!) recycle old batteries by taking them to many supermarkets and recycling centres, as batteries can be incredibly dangerous when put into landfill.
Find out more about recycling batteries in our sister blog post, ‘How Does Recycling Batteries Work?’.
Carry Out a Waste Audit
This tip may be more relevant to businesses than individual households, but a good way of understanding the best way for you to recycle is by conducting a waste audit. For an assigned length of time (a week or a month), separate and weigh the different types of materials you throw away.
Once you’ve got an idea of how much waste you’re producing, and what type, you can set up or contribute to a material recovery program so that as little of it as possible ends up in landfill.
Optimise Your Recycling Process with Label Source
With Label Source’s environmental signs and tapes, you can make your recycling process clear and easy. From waste segregation to conservation notices, keep your environment as safe and eco-friendly as possible for people and the planet.
Get in touch to find out how we can help or check out our blog for the latest health and safety news.
