Janet Simpkins, founder and director of Adopt a River (and Adopt a Beach) Eco Solutions, offers these rules for recycling.
We all generate waste, that’s a fact, however we can certainly choose to dispose of this in a more responsible manner. Choosing a reputable recycler is key. You want to know that all your hard work doesn’t land up in landfill. The most convenient is a one-stop, drop-all kind of place, which are usually attached to large shopping malls and have someone employed to talk you through recycling 101.
- Paper is an industry staple and has been recycled for years.
- Plastic – most commonly split between PET (cold drink bottles) and HDPE (harder plastics) will be accepted and widely recycled now. Certain recyclers will take thin, soft plastics like bags and cling wrap – so drop off your bread, fruit and veggie bags too.
- Aluminium – cool drinks cans are a hot commodity and very much sought after.
- Other cans like tinned foods are commonly recycled.
- Glass: To ensure your glass is recycled you need to find a trusted recycler.
- E-waste: There are a number of sites that will help you dispose of unwanted electronics responsibly – Makro for example have a containerised model that accepts e-waste.