14 Things You Can’t Recycle, But Thought You Could

Last week, I got stuck behind the rubbish truck on our one-lane drive. I was waiting for quite a while, as the bin man rushed around trying to empty all the recycling and compost bins as quickly as he could. I had just finished dropping Ben off at school, and I didn’t bother to take my phone that morning, so I was paying more attention to what was happening before my eyes.

First, I noticed that the amount of recycling from each household varried quite a bit, despite the fact that I knew some households had the same number of people and probably a similar income. Also, the bin man was picking out a lot of non-recyclables.

2/3 of all UK households are not sure which bin to use for one or more items”

This got me thinking; maybe families aren’t exactly sure what can, and can’t, be recycled. So, I did some research and made a handy list for you. I have to admit, there are a few things on the list that surprised me.

Over 2/3 of all UK households put things in the recycling, which can’t be recycled”

Things you can’t Recycle

1. Straws (plastic)
2. Coffee cups
3. kitchen roll
4. Plastic bags
5. Greasy takeaway boxes
6. Laminated foil packaging
7. Nail varnish bottles
8. Crisp packets
9. Food containers and personal care product bottles (lotion, shampoo, deodorant) that have NOT BEEN RINSED OUT
10. Plastic toys
11. Mirrors and glass (wine glasses, window panes)
12. Cutlery, pots and pans, including glass cookware lids
13. Sticky notes
14. Any type of paper that is shiny or glittery (look for less embellished gift wrap). Basically if you scrunch it, and it stays in a ball, then you can recycle it.

50% all UK households throw away items that can be recycled”

Things You Might Not Know You CAN Recycle

• Metal lids
• Empty aerosols with the plastic cap, but you must separate the cap
• Aluminium tubes (tomato puree) with the plastic cap REMOVED
• Plastic spray cleaner bottles with the trigger
• Food tins (chocolate tins, biscuits tins, tomato tins – but pop lids inside)
• Aluminium foil (if it’s still pretty clean)

For more about recycling, visit Recycle For London.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This is where we have a bit of fun with DIY, natural health & beauty trends, crystals, and of course our latest PROMOS.

As always, we are here to provide information and resources. Awake Organics is not affiliated with any of the third parties mentioned in this post. The content in this post is not sponsored, and is not intended as medical advice. Please read our General Health & Wellbeing Disclaimer for details.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave