Breaking down recycling myths - Separating fact from fiction.

Recycling is of utmost importance in our modern world as it helps to conserve natural resources, reduce waste sent to landfills, and minimise our carbon footprint. In addition, it creates jobs in the recycling industry and promotes a circular economy where waste materials are reused and repurposed instead of discarded. Ultimately, recycling is an essential step towards a more sustainable future.
 

A Circular Bioeconomy

Part of understanding the recycling philosophy comes with knowing how and why it's important. The Circular Bioeconomy is a framework that aims to promote sustainable practices in both the home and business. 

The model advocates for a circular economy approach, which prioritises reducing waste and reusing materials in order to minimise environmental harm. Rather than a linear model that ultimately sees waste ending up at a landfill, this model seeks to create a production loop which ensures a more sustainable future.
 

Recycling Myths

While Recycling is a crucial aspect of waste management, it is not without its misconceptions. Let's separate fact from fiction and debunk some of the most common recycling myths.

• Myth 1: Recycling does not save energy

One of the most common myths about recycling is that it does not save energy. However, this is far from the truth. Recycling is an energy-saving process that reduces the need for virgin materials, which require more energy to produce. Recycling paper, for example, uses 40% less energy than producing new paper from virgin materials.

• Myth 2: Everything will decompose over time

While many items do decompose over time, not everything does. Plastic, for example, can take hundreds of years to decompose, and some types of plastic may never break down. This is why it is crucial to recycle plastic, as it can be reused and made into new products rather than sitting in a landfill for centuries.

• Myth 3: A product that is labelled "natural" or "eco-friendly" means it is environmentally friendly

Labels such as "natural" and "eco-friendly" can be misleading. Just because a product is labelled as such does not mean it is environmentally friendly. It is essential to look beyond the label and conduct research to determine if a product is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

• Myth 4: The recyclable symbol means a product is recyclable

The recycling symbol, consisting of three arrows in a triangle, is commonly associated with recycling. However, just because a product has a recycling symbol does not mean it is recyclable. It is crucial to check with your local recycling program to determine which materials are accepted.

• Myth 5: Compostable plastics can be recycled

Compostable plastics may sound like a great alternative to traditional plastic, but they cannot be recycled similarly. Compostable plastics require specific conditions to break down and cannot be recycled in traditional recycling programs. They should be composted instead.

• Myth 6: All paper can be recycled

While paper is a commonly recycled material, not all can be recycled. For example, paper contaminated with food or grease cannot be recycled, as it can contaminate the entire batch. It is essential to check with your local recycling program to determine which paper types are accepted.
 

Types of plastic

There are seven different types of plastic, ranging from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) to PLA (polylactic acid). Most of these will be marked on the product packaging, making it easier for you to discern which you can recycle. While some plastics are highly recyclable, others are not. 

• PET is the most commonly recycled plastic and is used to make a variety of products, including water bottles and food containers. 
• HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is another highly recyclable plastic commonly used to make milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles. 
• LDPE (low-density polyethylene) is less commonly recycled but can be found in plastic bags and shrink wrap.
• PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PS (polystyrene), and PP (polypropylene) are also recyclable but are less commonly accepted by recycling programs. 
• Finally, PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources like cornstarch or sugarcane, but most recycling programs do not typically accept it.

What you can and cannot recycle - list of household items

Knowing what household items can and cannot be recycled is crucial to ensuring that your recycling efforts are effective. Here is a list of some commonly found household items and whether or not they can be recycled:

• Paper and cardboard - most paper and cardboard products can be recycled, including newspapers, magazines, and cereal boxes.
• Glass - glass jars and bottles can be recycled, but other glass products, such as mirrors and windows, cannot.
• Plastic - plastic bottles and containers marked with recycling codes 1-7 can typically be recycled, but other plastic products, such as plastic bags and straws, cannot.
• Metal - aluminium and steel cans can be recycled, but other metal products, such as pots and pans, cannot.
• Electronics - electronics such as cell phones and laptops can be recycled, but it is essential to dispose of them properly to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the environment.

Recycling is an essential aspect of waste management, but it is crucial to separate fact from fiction and understand what can and cannot be recycled. By educating ourselves and making informed decisions, we can all play a part in creating a more sustainable future.

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