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We are switching things up with the blog, as this week, we are investigating many common recycling myths that you will hear out there.
It is time to get those recycling myths busted...and what better way to do that then with a game.
MYTH OR TRUTH - We are going to put to you a myth or a truth and want you to guess the answer before reading on....1 point for the correct answer.
You are playing for recycling pride and pride only.
Let's see your wastage knowledge on many of the common myths about recycling!
Myth - This one is a recycling myth...whilst contamination can have some consequences, one of them isn't that the whole load will go to landfill and be rejected.
The recycling is sorted and separated when it reaches the recycling facility, this means that your one contaminant will be sorted out of your recycling using manual sorting, mechanical screening, or automated sorting.
Get your answers in......
This is...TRUE & also a MYTH...we are a bit sneaky you see.
If the rubbish truck is only collecting one kind of rubbish, for instance, general household waste, then yes it will all be mixed together.
However, if there are 2 different types of rubbish being collected, the garbage truck will have 2 separate compartments so that each type of waste can go into it's own compartment, which reduces contamination.
Bonus points if you said both!
Massive MYTH - The recycling industry and recycling facilities are always equipped with specialised sorting equipment which are designed to sort each type of plastic and other recyclable materials.
Bin trucks and companies don't go through all the effort to keep each waste type separate on the journey to the recycling site, just to dump glass bottles, plastic packaging, plastic bags and other green recycling together right at the very end.
Myth - Recycling protects the environment compared to mast manufacturing methods which actually does damage on the environment.
Recycling helps to preserve resources, lessen the demand for raw materials, and lower the energy used in extracting, processing, and shipping new materials.
Moreover, recycling aids in cutting greenhouse gas emissions, as well as reducing air and water pollution and habitat destruction that occur when manufacturing new materials.
TRUTH but a little bit of a myth - Many coffee cups, especially those used for on-the-go coffee, have a plastic resin or wax coating inside to prevent leaks. This coating makes it hard to recycle the cups since it can be tricky to remove from the paper.
However, some recycling facilities do have the ability to separate the paper from the plastic film of the coffee cups, but all in all, we have to put this down as a TRUTH.
Myth - This is generally a myth. It is true that some recycled materials are used to create the same products, but, recycled materials are generally used for a number of different items.
Recycled plastic bottles are a great example of this, the recycled plastic is processed into polyester fibres used in clothing or carpets rather than being re-manufactured into new plastic bottles.
Myth - Many materials can be recycled multiple times before their quality degrades or gets to a point where it can no longer be recycled. Recycling makes a real difference on certain items.
For instance, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing their quality.
Paper is one of the items that will degrade over time as it gets shorter and weaker every time it is recycled, which reduces the quality.
Myth - As DJ Khaled says...another one. This is another big myth and common misconception.
Recycling actually saves energy, as less energy is needed to recycle compared to the energy that is needed to make new products such as virgin plastic, aluminium, metal and other products.
The process of extracting, refining, and processing raw materials into usable products uses more energy than it saves from collecting, sorting, cleaning and processing existing materials.
For example, recycling aluminium cans saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from bauxite ore.
When you look at that percentage for using recycling materials and what amount of energy is needed to make products, the numbers speak for themselves! Waste disposal are more expensive then recycling methods.
TRUTH - This one is true!
When recycling any food containers always ensure that you rinse them out before chucking them in your recycling bin. This is to help prevent contamination.
When food is left in containers, it can attract pests, create odours, and contaminate other recyclable materials.
MYTH - We have all heard the vicious rumour about McDonalds Burgers, and if you haven't seen the video of a woman opening up a 30 year old McDonalds Burger, we have inserted it here - youtube.com/watch?v=9DogejLMjjU
Some items, particularly those made of synthetic materials such as plastics, are not easily biodegradable and can persist in the environment for an extended period of time, leading to environmental problems.
We are not saying McDonald's burgers are made from plastics, however, after seeing that video what do you think?
Let us know on our FB page here - https://www.facebook.com/BusyBins
MYTH and we have the receipts to prove it!
Most receipts are made from thermal paper, which cannot be recycled through standard paper and cardboard recycling processes.
This means to make sure that when you recycle you throw them in your general waste bin.
MYTH - Pizza boxes are made from corrugated cardboard which is recyclable, so you can recycle pizza boxes as long as there is no grease on them, so you may have to cut down on the cheesy cheesy pizzas! (We apologise profusely)
Not many things make you question if recycling is a waste of time, but this is one of them.
This one may shock you....MYTH - Although the green triangle symbol is frequently linked to recycling, simply seeing it on a product does not mean that the product is necessarily recyclable.
The green triangle symbol, usually with a number included, is actually the resin identification code, found on plastic items which actually identifies the type of plastic items used to make the item, not whether it can be recycled, and that is a fact!
TRUTH - Carrier bags are often made from plastic, paper or fabric which can be recycled.
Before recycling carrier bags, it's essential to remove any non-recyclable components such as stickers, tape, or labels. Some recycling programs may also require carrier bags to be clean and dry before recycling.
It is important to understand the recycling of carrier bags, as we all know we hoard them under our kitchen cupboard.
MYTH - Compostable plastics are a type of biodegradable plastic which can be composted at home with your food waste. However, they are not designed to be recycled in the same way as conventional plastics.
This means to keep those compostable plastics in the compost only. So, no sneaking them in your bins as by recycling you risk contaminating the rest of your waste.
Always look for a recycling symbol.
MYTH - Another one to add to the myth list.
Recycling collection programs will vary all over the world and for items recycled in the UK.
Factors such as local regulations and policies, collection methods, public awareness and participation all determine the recycling method within each country and region.
Money making MYTH - Recycling offers various economic benefits, including resource conservation, cost savings, job creation, and revenue generation. When managed properly, recycling can be a sound economic investment that promotes long-term sustainability and resource efficiency.
Resource conservation is a key economic benefit of recycling.
By reusing materials such as paper, plastics, metals, and glass, we reduce the need to extract raw resources from the earth, saving energy and reducing environmental impact. This helps to preserve natural resources for future generations.
MYTH - Shredded paper can be recycled, however there are a few points to consider.
Avoid shredding materials that may contaminate the paper, such as glossy paper, colored paper, or materials with adhesives or non-paper components.
Check with your local recycling program and recycling labels to determine if your shredded paper is accepted.
MYTH - One of the biggest recycling myths out there. You should never put electronics into the recycling and slap your wrist for thinking it!
Electronics, also known as e-waste, require special handling and processing due to the presence of valuable materials and hazardous components.
Instead of placing electronics in the regular recycling bin, it's essential to take them to designated e-waste recycling facilities or collection points.
Many recycling centres offer special e-waste recycling programs or events where residents can drop off old electronics for proper methods of waste disposal and recycling, so always check with your local council.
How did you do?
Did you know the answers?
We've dived deep into the recycling bin of myths and emerged with truths, from the economic benefits of recycling to the recyclability of our everyday items. It's been quite the adventure in getting those recycling myths busted.
Remember, when it comes to recycling and waste, here at Busy Bins we want to keep providing you with the knowledge you need to sort your recycling and attack waste head on.
If you ever find yourself struggling with waste or recycling and need a bit of a helping hand, why not give us a call on 0161 766 3330 or visit www.busybins.co.uk
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