If this is the year you've pledged to recycle right, there are lots of ways you can help to reduce your waste:
- Firstly, pay a visit to our handy recycling directory and use the A to Z guide to find out what you can and cannot recycle, from aluminium cans to yoghurt pots.
- If you're having a post-Christmas clear out of any pre-loved toys or gifts, you can reduce what goes to landfill by donating them to charity.
- Likewise, before you throw away any of those Christmas cards and wrapping paper, get crafty and make new gift tags or cards to use for this year. Don't forget, you can put cards in your recycling bin as long as they aren't sparkly or glittery.
- January and February can be a time where lots of us get the sniffles and have to rely on cold and flu remedies to help us to feel tip-top again. You can recycle the cardboard boxes which they come in, but you must also take any unneeded medication to your local pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
- You can also help to reduce your waste this year by opting to go paperless. When it comes to banking and bills, see if there is an option to receive any communications digitally.
- Don't forget the importance of those reusable items like tote bags and coffee cups. Get into the habit of always having a reusable bag or coffee cup in your bag or car, which will help to reduce the amount of plastic going to landfill.
- If you're planning ahead for next year, why not set yourself the challenge of a 'no-buy month'? It's simple - don't buy any new clothing or takeaways for a whole month, to help reduce the amount of waste you have.
- Finally, if you're getting ahead of the spring clean, there are lots of refillable products out there, from glass cleaners to multi-surface spray. Making this simple switch can help to reduce the amount of single-use plastic on the planet.
For more information about recycling, visit our how to recycle guide which can answer any questions you have.