Recycling

Recycling is important as it reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill sites.

In the UK in 2009/10 it is estimated that 23.7 million tonnes of household waste was collected and of that 12.5 million tonnes is sent to landfill sites.

Not only are existing landfill sites filling up, they produce dangerous levels of methane gas - contributing to the Greenhouse effect.

The government has put in place targets to reduce landfill, but to reach these targets; it is essential that we all do our bit and help the environment.

Recycling tips

• Reduce he amount of rubbish, only buy the things that you need
• Look for items with less packaging
• Instead of throwing things away see if you can give them away or sell them
• Try and reuse as much as possible
• Make recycling bins easy to get too, some people buy separate recycling bins for the kitchen

Practice makes perfect!

Deciding to reduce your level of rubbish is easy and many of the steps only take a little bit of thought and a few minutes to implement.

As Human Beings, we're all creatures of habit. Once you've made the decision to reduce your level of rubbish, make it a good habit! Let everyone who lives in your house know what they need to do, make it easy to do it and then start doing it yourself.

After a few days, you'll find reducing your levels of waste simply becomes another habit.

When you are looking to buy an item, ask yourself if you really need it.

Check to see if there is an alternative which can be purchased with less packaging, or that is more energy efficient.

How to reduce, reuse or recycle different items

Aluminium - This is one of the most recycled products.

Batteries - Contain hazardous materials and can be recycled.

Car batteries - Need to be disposed of correctly as they contain lead acid

Cardboard - Most of the products we buy are packaged with cardboard.

Clothes - Many charities collect clothes to be reused or recycled.

Electrical Equipment - Where can you recycle electrical equipment.

Food - Find ways to reduce your food waste.

Garden waste - Compost as much as possible and improve your garden.

Glasses - Recycling glasses can help other people to see better.

Inkjet cartridges - Recycling inkjet cartridges can help raise funds for charities.

Mobile phones - Find out how you can make money from your old phone.

Nappies - Find alternatives to disposable nappies.

Paper, - Most paper waste can be collected from households.

Plastic bags - If you use plastic bags try to reuse them or find alternatives.

Shoes - Can be given to charities

Wood - Recycle your wood to reduce the amount of trees being destroyed.

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In England in 2009 39.7% of waste was sent for recycling.

Each household threw away 1036KG.