Go Greener Tips

Recycling all types of plastics can be a costly process as it requires hand-sorting by trained staff. For this reason, some materials reclamation facilities will not be able to recycle all types of plastic. You should contact your local recycling facilities or waste carrier to find out which types of plastic they are currently recycling and whether this is likely to change in the future.

Can tetra packs (drinks cartons) be recycled?

Tetra packs can be recycled, but again you will need to check with your waste carrier and local recycling plant to see whether they have the facilities to do so.

Does my recycled waste end up in a landfill site?

Once your recyclable waste has been collected and brought to a materials reclamation facility it is then sorted using both automated and manual sorting processes. Any waste that cannot be recycled or waste that is too contaminated to be recycled, will be sent to landfill. You can reduce the risk of waste being sent to landfill by ensuring it is clean (see below) and recyclable by your local facility. 

Frequently asked questions about recycling 

We spend time sorting all our waste into different recycling bins and our waste carrier tips it all into the same container, does this mean it is not being recycled?

Many materials reclamation facilities will sort the recyclable waste upon arrival to the plant using a variety of manual and automated processes. For this reason, some waste carriers transport all the recyclable waste streams together.

Separating waste at the source (i.e. in the workplace) is good practice and can make people think more about what waste they are producing and where it ends up. However, in some instances it may be an easier option to have mixed recycling bins where all recyclable waste is collected. There is a greater risk of cross-contamination and confusion when collecting all mixed recycling in one bin so you will need to be sure there is clear signage and labelling of what can and can’t be placed in the recycling bins.

Why should I wash my recyclable waste?

Washing your recyclable waste will reduce the chances of contamination and ensure your waste is recycled. In many materials reclamation facilities the waste is partly hand sorted and consequently any contaminated materials or materials that cannot be recycled will be sent to landfill. Ensuring your recyclable waste is clean will also make storage prior to recycling easier by reducing odours in your recycling bins. Crushing cans, plastic bottles and cardboard boxes will also increase storage capacity and therefore increase the amount of waste you can recycle at any one time.

Further information… If you would like know more about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling and discover ways you can improve your business’ waste management scheme you can order our brand new electronic guide ‘Are You Rubbish With Waste’ for just £9.99. Please contact us on 0113 250 8688 or email info@ware4.co.uk for more information.www.ware4.co.uk.     

About the Author

Simon is Managing Director of Ware 4 Ltd, a UK based waste and recycling organisation. Ware 4 specialise in advising on, and providing, products to a variety of organisations in order to meet their recycling and waste management needs. If you are interested in finding out more about the services and products Ware 4 provides please do not hesitate to contact us. Tel: 0113 250 8688 Email: info@ware4.co.uk Fax: 05601 156 587.

Further reading:

[http://www.biggreenswitch.co.uk/green-projects/start-office-recycling-scheme]

Author: S Fisher
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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