The government does not specify how recycling targets should be met, so it’s up to the local authority to implement schemes suited to their area. Services and facilities thus vary greatly, from separated waste collection to the single kerbside “green box” system. Variation seems endless, and it’s due to the following: Recycling collection schemes aim to, firstly, divert more waste from landfill and, secondly, facilitate efficient, profitable recycling. However, the debate rages on the proper method for meeting these targets: The case for “co-mingled” collections A 2005 study by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) showed that the quantity of paper collected for recycling rose when collections moved from single-material to multi-material. Clearly, separating recyclables takes time, whereas co-mingled (mixed waste) collections are easier for the householder, and boost overall recycling levels. To collect the material accepted in co-mingled schemes individually, kerbside collection lorries would need to be highly compartmentalised.
Co-mingled kerbside collections reduce the number of trips householders make to recycling centres. Both factors make co-mingled collections more energy-efficient. Costs increase as more collection and separation is required for the recovery process. Furthermore, co-mingled waste leads to an increased risk of contamination. Different types of material are in contact with each other, and a single kerbside box may result in householders being less attentive when sorting recyclate. The recycling box becomes more of a second dustbin, with hygiene and cross-contamination both issues to be considered. A good compromise is the dual bag method adopted by several local authorities. Some councils provide households with two bags – a red one for plastics and metal, a black one for paper, card and textiles. Partial separation makes the process more efficient for the council, without placing a burden on householders. To reduce contamination and improve recycling efficiency, wash and squash!
These steps help prevent contamination and reduce the volume of recyclate, making collections more energy efficient. If you can remove labels and lids from glass jars and bottles, that’s great, but don’t worry too much because, in the recycling process, the items are re-washed. After crushing, any non-glass objects are removed. Removing the caps and lids from plastic containers is more important. Plastic caps are often made from a different polymer type, and therefore have a different a melting point when compared to the plastic used for the bottle itself. Too many lids will contaminate the load, so remove and throw away plastic caps where possible. The plastic ring around the neck of the bottle can be left on – a minimal amount of contamination is tolerated. Remove paper clips, staples and plastic envelope windows from paper. Also remove excessive amounts of tape and labelling from cardboard packaging. Small amounts won’t affect the recycling process unduly.
Paper fibres cannot be recycled if they are contaminated with food. Here are a few tips: Check out recycling provision in your area by visiting Recycle Now. If you are unsure, contact your local authority for details. Ask to speak to the Waste Minimisation Team or Recycling Officer – contact details are included in the Recycle Now search. Plastics are a particular area of confusion, even though at least two thirds of local authorities now offer a plastics collection scheme. Technically, almost all plastics can be recycled, but the collection infrastructure and low market demand are barriers to the recycling of some types. Blended polymers are particularly costly to recycle, so yoghurt pots, for example, are not usually collected because they are made from a mixture of polymers. Almost all plastic bottles are made from one of these plastics: Waste Online has a detailed list of the common types of plastic and the identifying symbols you will find on the packaging.
Alternatively, you can download and print out a handy table to keep by your recycling bin from Recoup. Switch to Compostable Packaging Kraft Bag & Sandwich Tray Artisan Kraft Bread Bags With over 20 years of experience, and a list of happy customers to match, GM Packaging (UK) Ltd is a veteran of the food packaging supply business. No matter what kind of catering disposable you’re looking for, GM Packaging promises to provide quick, simple and innovative solutions to all your food packaging needs. What we pride ourselves on the most here at GM Packaging is our promise to always think about our customers’ needs first and foremost; no matter what you order, you can rely on our friendly and knowledgeable staff to provide guide you through our extensive selection of top-quality catering disposable products, including containers, coffee cups, platters, sandwich wedges, salad containers, disposable tableware, bakery boxes, cake containers, hygiene products, refuse sacks and much more.
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