Turning Trash into Treasure

Welcome, welcome, to another blog from yours truly.

Today, we will be looking at recycling and recyclable materials. We will be touching on: If recycling is worth it, the most valuable recycling materials, where you can go to offload your own business/household recyclable material and top 5 benefits of recycling. We all know we have to recycle because we are told that we have too, but...what really does recycling mean? and what happens once your recycling is collected? 

Buckle up, grab your recycled capes and get ready to uncover the environmental goodness hidden in the world of recycling. It is time to talk some trash!

Is Recycling Worth it? 

Well, let me break it down for you like a true recycler does!.

You see, when you recycle, you are not just saving the planet, you are giving waste a second chance of redemption. It is like sending your unused Coke can to a recycling centre so that when it emerges it is a shiny new aluminium product, full of life. By doing this, we are stopping the need for more manufacturing to take place and more resources from being used.

Recycling serves as a powerful weapon in our ongoing battle against waste. By diverting waste away from landfills, recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions and conserves valuable resources like energy, water and raw materials. Apart from the environmental benefits, recycling creates jobs and promotes a full recyclable model which is sustainable.

Not only does recycling help save the planet, but it also helps add value and wealth within the waste industry and for the overall economy. By recycling, we reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, which can be expensive to operate and maintain. By diverting waste from this disposal method, governments can save money on waste management and landfill costs. 

Through recycling, you are creating jobs in the industry such as sorting, processing and manufacturing. Some governments also offer tax breaks which actively encourages businesses to recycle in exchange for money. You may not think it at the moment with the current energy costs, but, as recycling typically requires less energy than producing materials from raw resources, companies and households can also benefit from reduced energy costs.

So, whether it is saving the planet one bottle at a time or breathing new life into old newspapers, recycling is not just worth it - it is essential for us to strive for a greener future. 

How much is a Tonne?

Ah, the tonne, the weighty unit that puts pounds to shame. You might say it's the heavyweight champion of the metric world, tipping the scales at a staggering 1,000 kilograms. It is easy to say something weighs a tonne, but how much is a tonne?

Here are some examples of things that weigh approximately a tonne:

A small car or SUV: Many compact cars and some SUVs have a weight around a tonne.

A fully grown male polar bear: These majestic creatures can reach weights of up to a tonne.

A rhino: Certain species of rhinos, like the white rhinoceros, can weigh around a tonne or more.

A grand piano: Some grand pianos can weigh close to a tonne, especially the larger ones.

A giraffe: Despite their towering height, adult male giraffes can weigh up to a tonne.

An African elephant: These magnificent animals can weigh several tonnes, but a baby elephant or a young one can be around a tonne.

A walrus: Adult male walruses can weigh close to a tonne.

A small yacht or boat: Some smaller yachts and boats can weigh around a tonne, especially if they are made of heavy materials.

A compact forklift truck: Certain industrial forklifts designed for smaller loads can weigh approximately a tonne.

A large bull moose: These imposing creatures can weigh around a tonne or more.

Remember, these weights can vary depending on the specific species or type, but they give you an idea of the magnitude of a tonne!

So, next time you hear "tonne," remember, it's not just a heap of measurement; it's a metric marvel!

What is the most valuable recyclable material? 

There are a variety of materials that are classed as the most valuable, and you can find these below...

Precious Metals: Just think of Gollum 'My Precioussss (Metals)'. Precious metals like gold, silver and platinum have high value due to their scarcity and various industrial applications. They can be found in electronic waste and catalytic converters, which would explain why you always see the videos of criminals looking to steal them. 

Aluminium: This dazzling metal holds the top spot when it comes to recycling, turning discarded cans and scraps into green gold. With its infinite recyclability, aluminum laughs in the face of obsolescence, making it the ultimate champion of sustainability. So next time you raise your soda can to quench your thirst, remember that you're not just sipping refreshment; you're toasting to the brilliance of the most valuable recyclable material known to humankind! 

Copper: Copper is a valuable metal used in electrical wiring and plumbing. It's commonly recycled from old electronics, pipes, and other sources. 

Palladium and Rhodium: These metals, along with platinum, are used in catalytic converters to reduce emissions in vehicles. Due to their scarcity and demand, they have significant value. 

Rare Earth Metals: These elements are crucial for manufacturing electronics, renewable energy technologies and various high-tech applications. Recycling rare earth metals are gaining importance as the demand for sustainable practices increases. 

Where do you sell recyclable material?

Metal Scrap: Metals like aluminium, steel, copper, and others can be sold to scrap yards or metal recycling facilities.

Paper: Paper recyclables can be sold to paper mills or recycling centres that process and recycle paper into new products.

Plastic: Recycling facilities or plastic recycling companies purchase used plastic materials to process and create recycled plastic pellets, which can be used in various manufacturing processes.

Glass: Glass recycling facilities buy used glass bottles and containers for processing into new glass products.

Electronics: E-waste recycling centres or companies specialising in electronic recycling may buy used electronic devices for proper recycling and recovery of valuable metals. Think Music Magpie or you can always take the dreaded plunge into CEX where they offer you 4p for a PS5 and 3 Xboxes.

Organic Waste: Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, can be sold or given to composting facilities for processing into compost.

How much energy/ water is saved when you recycle? 

The amount of energy and water saved when you recycle can vary depending on the material being recycled and the specific recycling process. However, recycling does generally lead to significant energy and water savings compared to producing products from raw materials.

Energy Savings: Manufacturing products from recycled materials usually requires less energy than creating them from virgin materials. For example, recycling aluminum saves approximately 95% of the energy required to produce aluminium from bauxite ore. Recycling paper saves around 40% of the energy compared to making paper from virgin wood pulp. Recycling plastic also saves energy, but the exact savings depend on the type of plastic and the recycling process used.

Water Savings: Recycling can also save water resources since various industrial processes require substantial amounts of water. For instance, producing paper from recycled pulp typically requires much less water compared to making paper from trees. Recycling certain metals, like aluminium, also saves water because the mining and extraction of metals are water-intensive processes.

Overall, recycling plays a crucial role in reducing the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes by lowering energy consumption and lessening the strain on water resources. By choosing to recycle, we can all live stress free knowing that we are positively contributing to our society.

So, the next time you see your partner/friend/child putting the incorrect items in the recycling bin, pull them by the ear and get them to read this blog! Your waste will thank you.

5 Benefits of Recycling

We all hear that recycling is key for our planet and environment but what are the actual benefits? Here are 5 benefits of recycling...

1. Save resources: Recycling helps conserve valuable natural resources by reusing materials from discarded products, reducing the need for extracting raw materials from the earth's crust.
2. Energy Saving: Recycling typically requires less energy compared to producing goods from raw materials, leading to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Waste Reduction: Recycling diverts waste from landfills and incinerators, reducing the amount of waste sent for disposal and helping to mitigate environmental pollution.
4. Economic Opportunities: Recycling creates job opportunities in various sectors, such as waste collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing, contributing to local economies and sustainable growth.
5. Environmental Protection: By recycling, we can minimise habitat destruction, pollution, and harmful effects on wildlife, leading to a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.

Making sure to incorporate recycling into our daily lives can have significant positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society, making it a crucial practice for a more sustainable future. 

So keep recycling your papers and plastics and every other recyclable item you can find! Your environment will thank you!

What does your Recycling get turned into?

The magical act of recycling, when your waste is transformed so that it can be reused and enjoyed again, but what does your recycling actually get turned into?

Paper: Recycled paper can be turned into various products, including newspapers, cardboard, tissue paper, paper towels, and even new paper products.

Plastic: Recycled plastic can be transformed into a wide range of items, such as bottles, containers, plastic bags, toys, and synthetic fabrics like fleece.

Glass: Recycled glass is commonly used to make new glass containers, jars, bottles, and various glass products.

Aluminum: Recycled aluminum is utilized in the production of new beverage cans, food containers, aluminum foil, and other aluminum products.

Steel: Recycled steel is used in the manufacturing of new steel products, such as car parts, construction materials, and appliances.

Electronic Waste (E-waste): Recycled e-waste can be processed to extract valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper, which can be reused in new electronic products.

Organic Waste (Composting): Organic waste, such as food scraps and yard trimmings, can be composted and turned into nutrient-rich soil for gardening and agriculture.

Recycling helps reduce the need for extracting raw materials, conserves energy, and minimises waste sent to landfills, making it a crucial part of sustainable waste management and crucial for to create a positive environmental impact.

Price per tonne

The true price of your waste! If you have ever wondered what the prices are of some of your household materials, then wonder no further.

In the tables below the price is per tonne using data from 2003 onwards. A negative number means that you actually have to pay to dispose of the recycling material.

Mixed Glass 

Cardboard

Plastic Bottles (HDPE Mixed) 

Aluminium Cans (Baled) 

Wood 

Food (Anaerobic Digestion)

Congratulations, you've now unlocked the secret to turning trash into pure gold – well, almost!

By embracing the magic of recycling, you're not just saving the environment, you're showing your friends how to do it along the way! 

So, let's keep hustling for a cleaner planet! Keep recycling, keep reaping the rewards, and let's show the world what we can do!