5 top tips to reduce contamination
Putting the right stuff in the right bin is important. The wrong stuff is called contamination and when contaminated loads of recycling are found, it can potentially result in the whole lorry full being sent to landfill.
Top tips to help reduce contamination in your bin:
- Look out for recycling labels on packaging to help identify whether it is recyclable or not
- Leave metal caps and lids on glass jars and bottles
- Empty and rinse all containers
- Don't forget to recycle items from all rooms in the house - e.g. shampoo bottles from the bathroom
- If in doubt, check before you chuck using the Recycling Locator
Common myths - unfortunately you cannot recycle these items:
- Glass cookware and ovenware, drinking glasses or ceramics – although it may sound unusual, these items cannot be collected for recycling from your home. Use the Recycling Locator to find your nearest recycling facility for these items
- Cutlery, crockery, pots and pans cannot be recycled at home but can be taken to your local recycling facility
- Nappies cannot be recycled. Many people think they can be recycled as they are made from paper pulp but they can’t!
