Think globally, act locally – recycle

Did you know that recycling saves energy, conserves our natural resources and saves our countryside from acres of landfill?

Sometimes, recycling can be confusing; it’s hard to work out what you can and can’t recycle – especially when different councils run alternative recycling schemes.

We look at the facts and give you some top tips to help you do your bit and lead a more eco-conscious lifestyle in Elephant & Castle.

A black bin for general refuse – this includes general household rubbish, which should be put in a refuse bin or black bag. Plastic wrapping, sweet wrappers and crisp packets, polystyrene packaging, and food should all go in here.

A blue bin for mixed recycling – packaging labels and recycling symbols appear on lots of everyday items to help you identify how different types of packaging can be recycled. In Southwark, you can recycle items including mixed paper and cardboard, mixed glass bottles and jars, food tins and drink cans. 

Knowing what to put in each bin can help manage waste – and up to 70% of your waste could be recycled or reused in some way.

Southwark Council makes it easy for you to find out when your local black, green and blue bin collections are simply by putting your postcode into its website. 

You can take your recycling to more than 400 local recycling centres in Southwark. They are conveniently located beside the street, on estates and in some supermarket car parks.

If you’re recycling large amounts of cardboard, make sure to leave enough space for everyone by squashing or breaking down large boxes.

Consider what you can do around the home to cut down on plastic. Teabags in the UK contain a very thin layer of polypropylene plastic, so – by switching to loose-leaf tea and an infuser – you can help the planet (and brew nicer tea!).

Consider reusable coffee cups and water bottles as a way to minimise the number of disposable cups you use. 

Websites such as Recycle Now and Southwark Council’s recycling page can help you recycle and pass on your unwanted items for reuse – including informing you about what to do with specific items, what to put in your recycling at home, and where to find your nearest recycling locations. Wise Up to Waste also offers recycling solutions for schools and workplaces.