Recycling tips

Recycling the bulk of our household wastes is fairly straight forward with kerbside collections of most materials in urban areas and glass recycling banks being common place. But what about all those other things that we throw out? What can we do about those? Is it actually possible to recycle everything? Well, its a good goal, but we're not fully equipped to do that just yet. Special offers on compost bins are helping to reduce organic waste and many charities will take old electrical equipment such as computers. Here at HampshireOnline we're hunting down the information that you need to help you on your way to recycling 100% of your waste.

Batteries
You many have noticed that many batteries now carry a label that means 'do not put in with household waste' but they neglect to tell you what to do! Eastleigh council are part of trials for a kerbside collection of batteries. We're still looking into what you should do with your batteries if you live outside of Eastleigh. It is illegal to put batteries marked with a crossed out wheelie bin symbol into your household bin so in the meantime, perhaps its best to collect your old batteries up in a cupboard until the facilities are made available or take them back to the retailer. If you have a friend in Eastleigh then perhaps you could put your batteries into their recycling bag?

Shredded paper
Shredded paper is another of those items that can't go into the recycling bin in most areas. We suggest finding a nearby cardboard bank, putting it into a wormery (make it wet first so its not sharp) or the more creative of you could make handmade paper out of it.

Yogurt pots, ice cream tubs and other plastics
Reusing plastic is more cost effective that recycling it. Where possible its good to keep plastic tubs such as ice cream tubs for lunch boxes and picnics. Many places such as supermarkets and charity shops will take plastic bags and reuse them. The best way to reduce the amount of plastic waste is by buying less packaged produce. Try writing to your local supermarket to ask them how they plan to reduce the amount of packaging they use. Find out more about plastic recycling from wasteonline. Try buying recycled plastic goods and support the scheme.

Egg boxes
Many small grocery shops and farm shops will reuse your old egg boxes.

Aluminium cans
You can make money whilst recycling by selling your aluminium cans. There are many places you can go across the country. To find out where follow this link.

Aluminium foil
Aluminium foil can be recycled and often is made into car parts. Many charities collect foil and there are recycling banks in Basingstoke.

Cling film
As far as we know, cling film cannot be recycled. We suggest that you find recyclable alternatives to cling film such as freezer bags (which can be washed and reused) or paper bags.

Find your nearest glass, battery, compost, metal, plastics or liquid recycling point with recyclenow

More recycling information from Waste Services
Recycle for Hampshire website

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