The UK packaging industry has been accused of exaggerating how much of its plastic gets recycled. In a recent report it has been stated that packaging firms only contribute a small amount of its substantial waste management bill. The government are still facing calls for a deposit return scheme but face opposition from packaging industry firms.
March 18th is the first ever Global Recycling Day, it aims to highlight that recycling is one of the biggest tools to help tackle climate change. You can get involved by signing the petition using the link in the article or join the debate on social media.
This weeks edition of Recycling Roundup features stories include a fine for a recycling company in Sussex after an explosion, Chiltern Railways are the first train operator to recycle coffee cups and beach cleans in Jersey have gained support from a company which turns waste into reusable materials.
The constant advancement of technology means we are always after the latest gadgets which results in users throwing away 1.4 million tonnes of unwanted electricals each year. Until recently most ended up in landfill which caused a massive problem for the environment with the release of CFC gases, these gases than cause damage
Inmates at HMP Northumberland are set to take part in a scheme to turn old Virgin Trains uniforms into textiles, with the aim to reduce offending rates by preparing prisoners for life after prison and to support a local homeless charity by donating the then upcycled clothing.
This weeks Recycling Roundup contains stories including residents in Ealing can now use an app for information on recycling in their local area, staff at Oxfordshire's household recycling centre being given body cameras to help tackle abuse they are given from customers and finally residents in Shropshire have been complaining to the council because they have not been given lids for their recycling boxes.
Dorset residents are being encouraged to recycle their empty coffee cups as well as food and drinks cartons at the designated recycling banks across the county. They are being encourage to use reusable cups when they go and buy their hot drinks because most coffee shops allow the use of their own cup.
Lightbulbs are essential to our homes and businesses, in recent years they have changed from the incandescent bulbs which are now banned to low energe and LED bulbs, but with this change comes the challenge of recycling. In 2016 6000 tonnes of lamps were collected and recycled with only 1% being LED lamps.
Although most businesses have made the move from paper to storing everything digitally but there are still some companies which prefer to maintain paper files. Around 99% of shredded paper is recycled but also helps keep sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Every tonne of paper that is recycled, 4 barrels of oil are saved which on average can power a hoke for 6 months.
Resource London and Peabdody have joined forces to look at barriers to recycling in flats in urban areas to see if they can increase the recycling rates in London. 37% of London residential accommodations are made up of flats and it has shown that residents that live in flats recycle half as much waste as people living in houses, despite raising from 32% to 33% it is still below the nationwide rate of 44%.