Brits are making common mistakes when sorting recycling and general waste, with crisp packets proving particularly troublesome. Approximately 8 billion crisp packets are discarded annually across the UK, yet many households are placing them in recycling bins, which could be a significant mistake.
Why crisp packets aren't recyclable
Kelvin Croney, Group Chief Commercial Officer at UK commercial waste broker Waste Managed, explains: "Although crisp packets resemble plastic packaging, most household recycling collections do not accept them. This is because they are made up of several materials such as plastic films and metallic layers, which makes them hard to recycle in normal systems."
"Instead of recycling them, place them in the general waste unless a specialist recycling scheme or soft plastic collection point is available."
Disposing of crisp packets incorrectly can lead to contamination within the recycling collection, which compromises the quality of other recyclable materials and may prevent certain waste from being processed.
Other summer items causing recycling headaches
Kelvin has identified several other items that pose similar challenges, particularly during the summer months when their use increases.
Handheld electric fans
With summers growing increasingly warm, handheld fans have become essential items, and it is estimated that Brits have bought as many as 8 million of them this year, with nearly half ultimately ending up in landfill. However, these should not simply be thrown in the bin, cautions Kelvin, who explains: "Many handheld fans contain lithium-ion batteries and electrical components, meaning they should be recycled through dedicated electrical waste schemes rather than placed in general waste or household recycling bins."
Plastic water bottles
Of the average 35.8 million plastic bottles used across the UK each day, only 19.8 million are recycled. To recycle them properly, all that is required is to empty and rinse them out before placing them in the appropriate recycling bin.
Kelvin says: "Bottles should be taken home rather than left behind, if recycling bins are not available. Bottles that are incorrectly disposed of can become litter, wasting a material that could have been recycled and contributing to environmental damage in public spaces."
Ice cream tubs and juice cartons
Ice cream tubs are another common summer item that people may be disposing of incorrectly. Many assume these can simply be placed in the recycling bin, but that is not always the case. It is essential to check with your local council to confirm whether these tubs can be recycled in your area. If they can, the tub must be emptied and cleaned before disposal to prevent contamination.
Much like ice cream tubs, juice cartons are another item that can be recycled in some areas but not in others. Kelvin says: "Many cartons can be recycled, but services differ by area."
Cartons need special facilities to separate and recycle the layers as they are mostly made from paperboard, plastic and aluminium. If cartons are placed in the wrong recycling bin, they can cause contamination, making recycling harder.
"It's also important to always empty and rinse the carton before putting it in the recycling. Leftover liquid can contaminate other recyclable materials, reducing the quality and making them harder to process."
