Recycling and public incompetence

Simpson

juno wrote:

It's not the glue, it's the plastic "windows". If you pull those off and make sure no plastic remains then you can recycle them. Of course, most people won't bother so they just state no evelopes.

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR SAYING, BUT ITS NOT THE REASON I HEARD.
MAYBE SOMEONE CAN CLEAR THIS UP.

BG_Porgy

It really is down to the specification set by each paper mill and the Local authority just has to follow suit. Too many 'contraries' and the load may be rejected or the price paid slashed. Quality standards are tightening all the time as more and more material comes on to the market for recycling.

We produce far too much waste and it is growing at c. 3% p.a.

Reduce is the real priority

Local authorities do NOT do the recycling They are simply part of the collection system. It is the final re-processor that sets the standards and those can and do vary. That is why different Councils may have different rules for what can and cannot be taken

Hope this clears up some aspects

BG Porgy

Simpson

Thanks BG but it doesn't really clear it up. how do we know if it's ok to put envelopes without windows or windows removed. I heard it was the glue that caused the problem so envelopes were taboo regardless of the windows issue.

BG_Porgy

Simpson, It is also my understanding that it is the glue more than the plastic windows. The best way to clear it up is to speak to your local Council recycling team. Contact them via their website


BG Porgy

sor_fes2

As far as I know, for Down County, its the glue. I think that was written down in the 'useful' leaflet that they sent out when we were getting our blue bin. I'd been ripping off the plastic window... thats not particularly hard but now my envelopes just go in the rubbish bin.

Only thing is, when I shred envelopes with my name on them! Then the shreds end up in the blue bin.

*sigh* Wish recycling was easy. Would want to make much more of an effort then. Must find out about the plastic numbers and which ones we can recycle cause I think that would help some. Plastic recycling I think is the most difficult to know what can and what cant.

arkonite_babe

Plastic Recycling:

Bottles- yes including detergents, bleach bottles etc
Milk cartons - yes
Yogurt pots - no
Margarine/butter tubs - no

Hope this will give you a quick guide as to what plastics in your house you can recycle.

Why you can't recycle yog pots etc, I think it's something to do with the quality of the plastic and/or food regulations.

HTH

wirm

As far as I know any plastic that has this logo on it can be put into the blue bins....

arkonite_babe

Not necessarily wirm! It depends on each local authority as to what their contract says they can and can't accept. I will see if I can find any info on recycling plastics for you all.

arkonite_babe

RECYCLING PLASTIC

RECYCLING ALUMINIUM

RECYCLING STEEL

RECYCLING PAPER

RECYCLING INFORMATION

Wake Up To Waste

Recyling at home

IvanOpinion

Just to clarify. Each council in NI is at a different stage with its recycling policy but things are changing. At the minute North Down can only accept a limited amount of paper for recycling whereas others can accept plastic, cans etc. My understanding is that North Down will soon be able to accept other things in the recycling bin. Other councils are more advanced with their recycling policies and can already accept other items in the blue bins (or whatever is supplied).

Therefore, at the minute, follow the instructions supplied by the council, hopefully in a few years time it will become easier.

Ivan