We are all responsible for helping to save the planet and even the smallest changes can make a big impact.

Here are some of the reasons why you should be recycling as much of your household waste as possible:

• Recycling reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and reduces the amount of waste that is sent to incinerators.
• When you recycle, you’re playing your part in helping to minimise the detrimental impact pollution has on our planet, meaning fewer forests are cut down and there is less pollution of our water, soil, and air.
• Recycling is also a great way to conserve finite natural resources. This, in turn, reduces the need to extract raw materials from the earth or grow and harvest new materials.
• Recycling helps to save energy as making products from recycled materials uses less energy than making new ones. The difference in energy used can be significant.

There are also economic benefits to recycling, such as job generation, and it is significantly cheaper for councils and businesses to dispose of recycled waste than general waste, saving money that can be spent on other services.

Although it might feel like a time-consuming task, if you want to recycle efficiently, it’s important that you separate your waste properly. Waste sorting ensures that different types of waste do not contaminate each other, causing problems further down the line. 

Most waste can be separated into the following categories:

• Glass
• Paper and cardboard
• Aluminium
• Hazardous materials
• Clothing
• Kitchen waste
• Plastic

When separating your waste, you should also check the packaging to ensure that the whole item is recyclable. Some products are only partially recyclable, meaning you will need to separate the different parts.

In theory, almost anything can be recycled. However, recycling plants and councils don’t accept all materials, simply because it isn’t always effective or economical to do so.

Common household items that can be recycled include:

• Plastic bottles
• Foil (check with your local council)
• Cardboard
• Drinks cans
• Clothes
• Paper
• Food and beverage containers
• Glass bottles and jars

To prevent issues with contamination, you should also be aware of what you can’t recycle.

Here are some of the day-to-day items you should typically avoid putting in your recycling bin:

• Toothpaste and other squeezable tubes
• Pyrex dishes
• Crisp packets
• Plastic sleeves on drinks bottles
• Cotton wool and make-up removal pads
• Batteries, including lithium-ion batteries
• Clingfilm
• Nappies
• Electronics 
• Food & food soiled recyclables
• Broken glass
• Lightbulbs.

Putting things that can’t be recycled into your recycling bin can increase the time and cost involved in recycling, or even ruin other good quality recycling materials.

After collection, recyclable objects are taken to a sorting facility where they are loaded onto a conveyor belt for sorting. Sorting facilities have state-of-the-art technology to help them effectively separate the materials. Once this has been done the items are then turned into recyclables for re-sale.

A circular economy is an industrial system that is regenerative by both intention and design.

In recycling, the circular economy is all about how we can design waste out of products and processes, how we can keep products and materials in use, and how we can preserve and enhance renewable resources.

Here at HIPPO Waste, we provide a range of HIPPOBAGs, Skip Hire and Man & Van services that have been designed to offer convenient, cost-effective, responsible, and reliable options for waste disposal that works for you.

We care about the environment and want to ensure we can love and enjoy it for years to come. For that reason, we are proud to state that we recycle and divert over 95% of all waste collected from landfill.

Our ongoing efforts are focused on maintaining and enhancing our recycling initiatives for the betterment of the environment.

How should I prepare items for recycling?

Rinse and clean food containers, remove labels and lids, flatten cardboard boxes, and sort materials according to your local council's guidelines. This helps ensure the recycling process is efficient and contamination-free.

Can I recycle plastic bags and other soft plastics?

Generally, soft plastics like plastic bags, cling film, and bubble wrap are not accepted in household recycling bins. Some supermarkets provide dedicated collection points for plastic bags and soft plastics. Always check with your local council for specific guidelines.

What is the difference between 'reuse' and 'recycling'?

Reuse refers to using an item multiple times without changing its form, while recycling involves processing materials to create new products. Reusing items is often considered more sustainable than recycling, as it requires less energy and resources.

How can I find my nearest recycling centre?

Visit your local council's website for information on recycling centres and collection points in your area. Alternatively, search online using a recycling centre locator tool.

Can I recycle electronic waste (e-waste)?

Yes, e-waste can be recycled, but it needs to be handled separately from regular household recycling. Visit your local council's website for information on e-waste collection points or drop-off centres.

Can I recycle batteries and light bulbs?

Batteries and light bulbs should not be placed in your household recycling bin. Many retailers and local council facilities offer dedicated collection points for these items. Always consult your local council's guidelines for proper disposal.