If you’ve been reducing waste and reusing things you don’t need anymore, hopefully you shouldn’t have too much stuff going in the bin. Much of this can probably be recycled, find out more...

What can be recycled?

Did you that paper and cardboard, glass, plastic, tin cans, clothes, metals and waste electronics can all be recycled? You can find a full list of recyclable products at Recycle Now.

Different councils will take different things for recycling. Paper, glass and cans are quite straightforward to recycle so most councils will take them. Packaging gets a bit more complex as it can be made of so many different things. Notices on the side of recycling bins should tell you what is accepted.

According to SEPA, people in Scotland use 41 million batteries a year, and most of them are chucked away. If you don’t use rechargeable batteries then see if you can recycle ones you’ve used. Some councils in Scotland recycle them but not all, but many supermarkets will have a used battery disposal bin.

Electrical items can also be recycled, it’s currently the fastest growing type of rubbish in Europe. Charities can often use your old computer (make sure that data on it is properly destroyed) and electrical items or recycle parts of them. Have a look at your council’s website to see where your nearest recycling point is, or ask your local charity shop what they will take.

Where can I recycle?

Have a look at your council’s website, or go to Recycle for Scotland to find out what recycling facilities there are in your area.

In some places there are what’s known as kerbside recycling schemes, which means you put recyclable materials in a special box or bin for the council to pick up. In others there are recycling points where there are several large bins to take different materials.

Many supermarkets have collection points for glass, clothes, and for plastic carrier bags.

Try and get your college or workplace recycling too. There are lots of companies who specialise in providing recycling facilities in workplaces.

Why recycle?

Recycling items is a good thing to do because it:

• Saves the Earth's natural resources.
• Saves energy and reduces the risk of climate change.
• Reduces the need for landfill.