Why aren’t all plastics collected in our recycling bin?
There are over 50 different types of plastic and there is a high
demand for the types of plastic used to make plastic bottles from
companies around the world. Recycling needs to have an end use to
enable it to be recycled and the market for selling on other
plastics is not as well developed as the market for plastic
bottles. This makes it more difficult to have other plastics
recycled.
Why can’t we put in bottle lids, yoghurt pots and plastic
bags?
Bottle lids, yoghurt pots and plastic bags are all made from
different kinds of plastic to those that are used for plastic
bottles. Yoghurt pots are made from a type of polystyrene and there
are very limited outlets for this material. Due to the
contamination effect of the printing link on plastic carrier bags,
the material can only be used for low grade and dark colour
applications, such as bin liners. Many supermarkets accept plastic
bags for recycling, or you could try using reusable bags.
What can I do with plastic that can’t be recycled?
Firstly try to avoid buying products packaged in extra plastic
where possible and reuse containers such as margarine tubs. Toys
and video tapes may be given to charity or swapped. If this isn’t
possible put other plastic items in your black bin for disposal to
landfill.
The label says it can be recycled but it’s not a bottle- what
should I do?
The basic rule is if it’s plastic and it’s not a bottle - DO NOT
put it in your recycling bin.
You CAN recycle all plastic bottles, including:
- Plastic milk bottles
- Plastic drinks bottles
- Shampoo and conditioner bottles
- Detergent/washing liquid bottles
- Fabric softener bottles
- Shower gel bottles
- Bubble bath bottles
- Bleach and other household cleaners
You CANNOT recycle any other plastic in your recycling bin,
including:
- Plastic bags
- Plastic wrapping
- Plastic food wrapping
- Drink bottle lids
- Yoghurt pots
- Margarine/butter tubs
- Lunch boxes
- Fruit containers/punnets
- Food trays
- Plastic sheeting
- Hard plastics, such as toys, buckets, flower pots
- Video tapes
- Polystyrene
- Any other plastics