Hands up if you’re confused about what and where you can recycle stuff. We are being continually asked about how, what and where plastic packaging can be disposed of. There isn’t currently a definitive “go to” central information point, which is pretty much what the country is currently crying out for. Here are a few pointers and helpful links.
Firstly, you need to establish what it is you are trying to recycle. Plastic items will normally have a code on them – either words, initials or a number in a triangle, like so:
The main types are grouped as follows:
- 1 – PETE – Polyethylene Terephalate Ethylene
- 2 – HDPE – High Density Polyethylene
- 3 – PVC – Polyvinyl Cloride
- 4 – LDPE – Low Density Polyethylene
- 5 – PP – Polypropylene
- 6 – PS – Polystyrene
- 7 – OTHER – Plastics not mentioned above, or combinations of plastics
Now you know what it is, what do you do with it? Time to hunt for a big bin. You might find them in a supermarket carpark, or occasionally outside a library or open space. Anything made from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is widely recycled, and you can put this in your curbside bin. Our PET range is steadily growing, and we now stock Pints, Half Pints, Carafes and Deli Pots. On each product page, we display the recycling triangle with its relevant number, so you know exactly what you’re buying in advance. (Of course, if no bins are available, double check with your local council)
If you’re struggling to locate recycling facilities near you, or would like to expand your knowledge, the following links may be of interest.
How to recycle in the UK: Which Review – How to Recycle
Types of plastic and their uses in the food packaging industry: http://www.cleanplanetnow.com/index.php/resources/oceans-plastics/29-resources/recycling-and-plastic
Local recycling: https://www.recyclenow.com/local-recycling
Finally, single use plastic doesn’t mean you only use it once. I store art supplies in Tamper Evident Containers, I’ve grown seeds in adapted Plastic Bottles and I’ve a cheeky stash of chocolate biscuits in one of our Deli Pots. (Please don’t tell the other half)
Kate 🙂
