Ethan Clarke
Plastic waste is a significant environmental problem, and it is crucial that we all play our part in reducing it. While recycling plastic is essential, it is not always easy to navigate. Recycling regulations vary across cities and communities, so it is important to check what types of plastic are accepted in your local area. Individuals can also reduce their plastic waste by reusing plastic items and opting for products with less packaging or made from recycled plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling | Can be confusing due to different types of plastic and varying local rules |
| Plastic bags and wraps | Can be recycled at many grocery and retail stores |
| Plastic bottles | Can be recycled at most local authorities in the UK; no need to flatten them |
| Plastic products | Look for products made with recycled plastic |
| Plastic film | Can be recycled in some places, look for the How2Recycle label |
| Symbols | Can help identify the type of plastic and how to recycle it |
| Biobased plastics | Check the label for compostability and recyclability |
| Local rules | Check with your local program to confirm what can be recycled in your area |
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What You'll Learn
Reuse plastic items where possible, e.g. plastic bags, bottles, containers
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with the low recycling rate of single-use plastic items causing negative impacts on wildlife, nature, and humans. One way to reduce plastic waste is to reuse plastic items wherever possible. Here are some ways to reuse plastic bags, bottles, and containers:
Plastic bags
- Storage: Use plastic bags to store items such as Christmas tree branches, children's toys, jewellery, or toiletries when travelling.
- Crafts and decorations: Create decorations such as wreaths, pompoms, or ghosts for Halloween. You can also make coasters, a rug, or even a handbag out of plastic bags.
- Painting: When painting, use a plastic bag to wrap your paintbrush to prevent it from drying out.
- Shopping: Some shops offer a small discount if you bring your own bag, so reuse plastic bags for your shopping.
Plastic bottles
- Toys: Plastic bottles can be cut and crafted into toys such as airplanes, cars, or jet packs for children.
- Baskets: Cut plastic bottles into strips and weave them into baskets for storage.
- Lights: Decorate your home with spring lights by cutting and painting various shapes of flowers from bottles and attaching them to string lights.
- Art: Use colourful permanent markers to create stripes on dried, empty bottles, then cut them into spiral shapes for an easy art project.
Plastic containers
It is important to note that there are concerns about the safety of reusing plastic containers due to the potential for chemical leaching, especially with repeated use, exposure to heat, and washing. If you choose to reuse plastic containers, it is recommended to:
- Avoid heat: Do not put plastic containers in the microwave or dishwasher, as heat can cause them to leach chemicals.
- Store dry goods: Use containers for room-temperature items, avoiding hot or acidic foods that can encourage leaching.
- Look for signs of degradation: Discoloration or cloudiness indicates that the container is breaking down and should be recycled.
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Buy in bulk to reduce plastic packaging
Packaging waste, especially plastic packaging waste, takes up a lot of space in bins and landfills. Plastic is wasteful to produce and can be harmful to health due to the chemicals it contains. It can only be recycled so many times before it becomes useless.
One way to reduce plastic waste is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk can mean less packaging waste, especially if the items are not individually packaged. For example, individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper use 2.5 more plastic bag packaging than 30 rolls packaged together.
You can buy in bulk by shopping at a farmer's market, where food is often local and unpackaged. You can buy exactly what you need, reducing food waste. You can also buy in bulk by shopping at a zero-waste store with an eco-conscious supply chain, or by buying from bulk sections of grocery stores. Some stores even offer bulk liquid goods, from beverages to cleaning and toiletry products, which shoppers can pump or pour into their own reusable bottles.
When buying in bulk, bring your own containers for the food you want to buy. Jars are great for bulk items, while bread, fruit, and vegetables can be put into cloth bags or mesh bags. Cotton bags are a popular choice and are washable and biodegradable, while hemp bags are very strong and durable.
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Use reusable containers for packed lunches and drinks
Packing lunches and drinks in reusable containers is a great way to reduce your plastic waste. Reusable containers are a more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bags and disposable containers, which often end up in landfills. By investing in reusable containers, you can make a significant impact in reducing plastic waste.
When choosing containers for your packed lunches and drinks, opt for durable and long-lasting materials such as stainless steel, glass, or silicone. These materials are safe, non-toxic, and can withstand repeated use. Additionally, look for containers with secure lids or seals to prevent leaks and spills. This feature is especially important if you plan to pack liquids or semi-liquids like soups, sauces, or yoghurt.
There are various types of reusable containers available to suit different needs and preferences. Bento boxes, for example, are great for separating and organising different food items in a single container. They often come with compartments and dividers, making it easy to pack a variety of foods without mixing them together. You can also find containers with built-in ice packs or insulation to keep your food chilled, which is ideal if you don't have access to a refrigerator during the day.
For drinks, invest in a good-quality reusable bottle that suits your needs. Some bottles are designed to keep beverages hot or cold for extended periods, making them perfect for coffee, tea, or chilled water. Look for bottles with leak-proof lids and comfortable drinking spouts or straws. Avoid single-use plastic straws and opt for reusable metal or silicone straws instead.
In addition to the environmental benefits, using reusable containers for packed lunches and drinks can also save you money in the long run. You'll reduce your spending on single-use plastic bags, disposable containers, and takeout drinks. By preparing your meals and drinks at home and packing them in reusable containers, you'll not only reduce your plastic waste but also promote a healthier and more economical lifestyle.
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Check local recycling rules and look for the recycling symbol
Recycling plastic can be confusing, but there are many resources to help you recycle more effectively. It is important to research and understand your town's legislation and rules for recycling so that you know what can and cannot be recycled in certain bins. Local programs may have different rules, so it is always best to check with your local recycling facility. Most community or office recycling programs accept paper and paper products, but it is worth checking what your community or office program accepts before you put it in the bin.
Some towns and cities provide a single-stream recycling program, where all recyclables go into the same bin. However, in these municipalities, residues on plastic, such as leftover food or cleaning solutions, can contaminate other items like paper and cardboard and prevent them from being recycled. So, it is important to give any dirty plastic containers or utensils a quick wipe or rinse before tossing them in the recycling bin.
Recycling symbols can give you insight into where and how to recycle an item. The classic three arrows in a circle, also known as the Mobius symbol, indicates that you can recycle glass, metal or steel. The resin number is contained in a triangle that looks very similar to the recycling symbol, and this can help you determine whether the item is recyclable by your local program. The Green Dot symbol, used on packaging in some European countries, signifies that the producer has made a financial contribution towards the recovery and recycling of packaging in Europe, but does not necessarily mean that the packaging is recyclable.
To determine what waste disposal options are available for a biobased plastic item, it is necessary to read the product's label as to its compostability and recyclability. Some packaging components need to be separated before you dispose of them, and you may see a label on packaging where a sleeve, film or liner can be easily removed from the main packaging item. In this case, the sleeve is removed from a bottle by pulling a perforated strip, and the bottle can be recycled, but the sleeve goes in the rubbish.
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Buy loose fruit, veg and dry goods, and use refill shops
One of the best ways to recycle more plastic as an individual is to buy loose fruit, vegetables, and dry goods, and use refill shops. This reduces the amount of plastic packaging that is used and allows you to buy only what you need, reducing food waste. Many supermarkets and smaller shops offer a range of loose fruit and vegetables, and you can also find dedicated loose food stores and zero-waste shops that sell goods in bulk or with minimal packaging.
When buying loose produce, you can bring your own reusable bags, such as drawstring net bags or paper bags, to avoid using plastic bags. You can also look for refill shops that allow you to bring your own containers and refill household items like detergents, shampoo, and cleaning supplies, as well as dry goods like grains, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
In the UK, there are several options for buying loose and refill goods. For example, Viva Organic in Cardiff offers organic loose fruit and vegetables, as well as organic milk in glass bottles. Harvest Natural Foods in Bath sells a range of loose grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and unpackaged fruit and vegetables, along with laundry and washing up liquid refills. The Green Unicorn Vegan Store in Coventry has a self-service area for dried refills and also offers sweet treats and vegan dairy options.
Online resources, such as beeco and The Zero Waster, provide lists of loose food shops and zero-waste projects across the UK. These resources can help you find local options for buying loose and refill goods. Additionally, some communities publish lists of recyclable plastics and other materials, so it's worth checking online to see what specific plastics can be recycled in your area.
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Frequently asked questions
Check with your local recycler to see what can and cannot go in your bin. Most cities can only recycle plastics with the numbers one or two, which are typically used for items like water bottles and milk jugs.
Reuse plastic items instead of throwing them away. For example, reuse plastic bottles as watering cans or refill them with shampoo. You can also buy reusable water bottles, containers, and cutlery.
Buy products made with recycled plastic to save this valuable material from going to waste. For example, decking can be made with plastic bags, and kitchen tools can be made with recycled yogurt cups.
