Handy Recycling Hints

There are lots of easy ways to reduce waste and recycle in the home. Avoiding waste is our top priority. By not producing waste in the first place all the environmental and financial costs of collecting, processing and disposing of unwanted materials are avoided.

Here are some ideas on how you can help cut down on the amount of rubbish you produce. You could reduce the waste in your bin by more than 50%.

Reduce

• When you’re shopping avoid over-packaged goods
• Stop junk mail by contacting the Mailing Preference Service or for locally distributed promotional mail - Customer Services at Jersey Post 616616.
• If you have a garden, compost as much kitchen and garden waste as possible (Find out more about home composting)
• Borrow or hire goods rather than buying. Borrowing books from a library, hire glasses for parties instead of using disposable plastic ones etc.
• Choose durable goods rather than disposable alternatives. Avoid disposable razors, plastic cups and pens.
• Invest in a strong reusable shopping bag or basket instead of using supermarket carrier bags
• Use “Real” nappies – modern washable nappies. The latest washables are easy to use, better for your baby and will save you up to £600 whilst your baby is in nappies. Find out more about washable nappies.
• Buy more local, fresh, loose fruit and vegetables and less canned, frozen and pre-packaged produce
• Take a packed lunch to work or school in a reusable plastic container
• When filling your trolley at the supermarket, think about the recycling facilities available to you, e.g. buy aluminium cans instead of plastic bottles.

Reuse

• Re-use carrier bags.
• Re-use scrap paper for writing notes
• Re-use envelopes - stick labels over the address
• Donate old computer and audio visual equipment to community groups or schools.  For larger quantities of computer waste, contact iConsult: recycling@iConsultci.com
• Buy things in refillable containers e.g. washing powders
• Take old clothes and books to charity shops, or have a car boot sale
• look for long lasting (and energy efficient) appliances when buying new electrical items - ensure these are well-maintained to increase product life cycle
• Use rechargeable batteries, although more expensive they last for up to 1000 charges. Single use batteries are difficult to dispose of safely
• Donate magazines to hospitals and waiting rooms
• Try to sell unwanted furniture or give it to friends/charity.
• Put unwanted goods on Freecycle or Ecycle

Recycle

• Choose products in packaging which you know can be recycled
• Compost - lots of kitchen waste can be composted
• Buy products made from recycled materials
• Separate your waste and make sure only the requested material goes into recycling banks – mixing different materials can damage the recycling process
• Refill printer toner cartridges or donate them to local charities
• Give unwanted mobile phone handsets to Jersey Hospice or Oxfam
• Collect used stamps and give them to local charities
• Brita Water Filters Cartridges can be recycled via a Freepost address: Brita Recycling, FREEPOST NAT17876, Bicester, OX26 4BR