Recycling Myths Busted

Recycling Myths Busted

There is a lot of conflicting information about recycling. Misinformation prevents some people from bothering to separate recyclables and general waste, so it’s time to bust some myths.

Recycle Week 2022

Since its launch in 2004, Recycle Week has built awareness of and a commitment to improved waste management in households and businesses. This year the event was due to run from 19 – 25 September, however it has been postponed as a mark of respect to the Queen. As we await the new date, we believe there is no time like the present to embrace the theme; Let’s Get Real About Recycling.

Following the 2021 campaign, a survey revealed that 88% of UK households regularly recycled, only 3% admitted to only using general waste bins and 52% were increasing their recycling efforts. This paints a positive picture; however, many people are still unsure about what can or can’t go in the recycling bin.

How Much Packaging Waste is Recycled?

Statista recycling data reveals the recycling rates for common packaging materials, so let’s share these and dispel some myths on the way.

80% of paper and cardboard is recycled

Myth: All paper & cardboard can be recycled

Fact: Greasy cardboard takeaway containers and shiny or glittery papers need to go in the general waste bin.

71% of metal waste is recycled

Myth: Cans need to be cleaned and crushed before going in the recycling bin

Fact:  Cleaning is advised, as it prevents contents contamination, however, it is easier for the processing machines to sort cans if they are not crushed.

67% of glass is recycled

Myth: All glass can go in the recycling bin

Fact: Mirrors, lightbulbs, drinking glasses and panes of glass cannot go in the recycling bin. They are accepted for processing if you take them to a recycling centre.

43% of plastic is recycled

Myth: Only hard plastic can be recycled

Fact: Only hard plastics can go in the recycling bin; however, many large supermarkets now have collection bins for soft plastics and crisp packets.

Is Recycling Making Any Difference to the Environment?

Reducing, reusing, refilling and recycling packaging all reduce the volume of waste going to landfill and that is an important environmental strategy.

When recyclable materials are processed for reuse, they require up to 95% less energy than making items from scratch. Recycling materials is part of the circular economy, which reduces our reliance on raw materials and increases sustainability.

Items including corrugated cardboard boxes and drinks cans are widely recycled and processed in the UK. They can be formed into new boxes and cans within a fortnight!

Recycling is not perfect; there isn’t the capacity to process the contents of everyone’s bins in the UK. A percentage of our waste is shipped aboard. This isn’t ideal and it makes monitoring outcomes more difficult. New facilities are being developed in the UK to increase capacity, but we can each play a part in reducing exports with simple measures such as opting for refillable bottles.

If you would like to do more, check out the Sustainable(ish) Life blogs from a family that has committed to minimising their waste.

Recycling Cardboard Boxes & Plastic Tape

As a cardboard packaging specialist, every box we manufacture contains at least 80% recycled fibres. As such, we rely on households and businesses recycling old cardboard boxes, so we have a plentiful supply of material.

One factor that affects the recyclability of cardboard packaging is when it is wrapped in plastic tape. To address this, we encourage our customers to consider packaging designs that seal without the need for tape. If tape is required, paper-based options are available.

Whether you receive small gift boxes or large industrial cartons, please remove any plastic tape before putting them in the recycling bin. Thank you!