Are crisp packets (and similar packaging) made of paper or metal or plastic?

These are usually plastic, and cannot be recycled. If you are not sure, use the "scrunch up" test - if you scrunch it up in your hand, and it springs back, it is plastic. If it stays crumpled, it is aluminium, and can be recycled. It won't be paper!

Why is it important to separate the different colours of glass?

Different prices are paid for different colours of glass, which is why it is important to separate them into the separate bring banks (usually clear, green, brown). Blue glass should be put into the Green glass bin. Many kerbside collection services, and indeed some bring banks, will only accept mixed colour glass, which is frequently sorted at a later stage.

How can I tell if a metal container is aluminium?

It often is marked "ALU", it is light-weight and shiny, it bends very easily, and it is non-magnetic. Typically, beverages such as soft-drinks, beer or cider, come in aluminium cans.

Why do I have to wash out the jars and tins?

If possible, jars and tins should be rinsed clean before they are recycled, then they won't contaminate the recycling process, or leave you with a dirty recycling container.  An easy way to do this is to use the last of the washing up water for rinsing your recyclables.

Can I recycle my broken mirror?

Afraid its double bad luck, because the coating on mirrors contaminates the glass, so mirrors can't be recycled and have to go with your rubbish.

Can you advise me where I can get storage containers to keep my recyclable materials in some kind of sorting boxes? my local council do not do any kind of scheme.

We are unable to offer you information on where to obtain these for free unfortunately, however, you may wish to purchase some storage containers such as the ones shown in the Shopping section.

You could also obtain these from high street stores and stationery stores.

Can I recycle envelopes with the rest of my paper? I read somewhere that it is not possible, but I hate to throw them away!

Yes, in many cases local authorities will accept envelopes with your regular kerbside collections or at your nearest paper bank.

Use the postcode search to get your Local authorities details and find out your local information.

Check out the can it be recycled section for more information on envelope recycling.

If that doesn't help, re-use envelopes by purchasing sticky labels (there are many worthwhile causes to support in this: Friends of the Earth 020 7490 1555, or Baby Milk Action 01223 464420 among many others) to put on envelopes that are sent to you.
It's cheaper too!

Do I need to remove the labels and metal rings from bottles and jars before recycling them?

It is better if you can remove labels and lids, but don’t worry too much because in the recycling process the bottles and jars are washed again, and after they’ve been crushed non-glass objects are removed.

Thinking about print on newspapers, is it safe to compost? and what about paper that is printed with PC computer cartridges?

It is safe to compost newspapers as long as they are ripped or shredded. Newspapers are regarded as the browns that you add to your compost bin, they give the compost its fibre and structure.

With regards to paper that is printed with PC computer cartridges, it is fine to compost them as long as they do not have an excessive amount of coloured ink or are printed on shiny/glossy paper.

For more information, tips and help visit our Home Composting website.