recovery and reuse
List of what can be recycled
Aerosols:
These can be recycled in some can banks (check the front of the bank for details); do not crush the aerosol can, and make sure it's empty.
Aluminium foil:
Details of local foil banks and of organisations & charities which collect and recycle foil can be found through Alufoil, part of the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) with lots of information on aluminium and its recycling. Don't put foil in can banks because aluminium cans and foil have a different composition.
Batteries:
Rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries are toxic waste and must be sent back to the manufacturer (many have freepost addresses for this). Ordinary household batteries and the new rechargeables contain no toxic chemicals. Silver oxide button cells (as found in cameras) can be given to jewellers, who recover the silver from them. Car batteries should be given back to the supplier for recycling.
Bicycles:
Old bikes can be sent for rehabilitation and use in the developing world.
Books:
Some bookstores promote recycling of paperbacks, by encouraging buying of second hand books instead of new ones, and then once they've been read, selling them back so that someone else may read them. Alternatively, take old and unwanted books to the nearest charity shop.
Cans:
Local authorities can provide details of your nearest can bank. General information on recycling can be obtained from Alucan (aluminium cans).
CDs:
Many imaginative uses have been suggested for unwanted promotional CDs, whether as mobiles for children with learning difficulties, coasters for your cups or just suspended over the vegetable plot as predator deterrents; all ideas welcome!
Christmas trees:
Five million are bought in Britain each year - if you buy one, make sure it's recycled afterwards (many become mulch for park flower beds); contact your local council. Like other garden waste Christmas trees can be composted.
Christmas cards:
Christmas Card Recycling Schemes recycle as many as 40 million cards - the equivalent to 800 tonnes - encouraging individuals to recycle their old Christmas cards by leaving them in recycling bins in high street retailers throughout January of each year.
Computers:
There are increasing numbers of companies which collect and refurbish computer equipment. Some have minimum quantities which they will collect and they may not collect very old equipment. Some also sell refurbished computers cheaply to schools and good causes.
Furniture:
The Furniture Recycling Network is the national umbrella body for local furniture recycling schemes. Some charities and some charity shops take furniture if it is in good condition. As may local auction houses.
Glass:
As well as kerbside collections in some areas, there are over 20,000 bottle banks in Britain; blue glass should be recycled together with green.
Green stuff:
Kitchen and garden waste makes up a third of all household waste; start your own compost heap today . In some areas local authorities or community schemes may collect compostable material. If you want to set up a community composting scheme contact the Community Composting Network.
Inkjet cartridges:
1.5 pints of crude oil are needed to produce one inkjet cartridge. Inkjet recycling helps to reduce carbon emissions, a major cause of global warming, conserves resources and reduces waste. Inkjet cartridges will take about 1000 years to decompose in landfill sites. EBP collects and recycles inkjet cartridges, through charity collections.
Junk mail:
Many councils now accept envelopes with plastic windows in normal paper recycling facilities; to have your name removed from junk mailing lists, register free with the Mailing Preference Service.
Mobile phones:
Mobile phones are made from over 12 different metals and elements. The batteries contain cadmium which is very toxic. All of this is non-biodegradable so the most environmentally friendly solution is to reuse it. Most parts of an old mobile phone can be reused; Plastic can be ground down and processed into toys, car hubcaps and printer cassettes. Other useful components include battery connectors, aerials, circuit boards, keypads, LCD screens, microphones, screws and speakers.
Oils:
Old engine oil can prove both messy and hazardous if not disposed of properly. Oil poured down the drain or sink is a major cause of water pollution. However old engine oil can be recycled. Solve these problems and save resources at the same time. There are more than 1,500 oil recycling banks throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
Paint and chemicals:
Donate half empty tins of paint to the many paint reuse and exchange schemes across the UK. Unwanted household or garden chemicals can sometimes be recycled.
Paper:
If your council has no facilities for recycling paper, it should; alternatively, try the many waste paper merchants in Britain.
Phone books, yellow pages:
Some councils collect telephone directories only, while others take both; most paper banks take neither.
Plastic:
There are now 210 plastic recycling schemes with 4,115 plastic bottle collection banks and 125 kerbside schemes but not all authorities recycle plastic so you may need to badger your local authority.
Printer and toner cartridges:
EBP provides a recycling service for individuals as well as businesses, with all proceeds going to charity.
Shoes:
Many charity outlets provide collection points for second-hand shoes which are sent out to developing countries for reuse.
Tools:
Carpentry, building and blacksmith tools are always required for reuse in the developing world. Some charities work with local organisations in Africa, providing tools and training to help artisans and craftworkers.
Videotapes:
If they're still in good order, take them to charity shops; when broken they have to be thrown away (recycling services will only accept videos in bulk from businesses).
Water:
Grey water (water which has been used once in washing etc) can be used again. Remember, a shower uses only half the water needed for a bath.
> This document was last modified: 29 August 2006
