RECYCLING AT HOME
Recycling more at home does not require much effort if you spend some time to create a comprehensive recycling system. This system starts with having places to store your recycled materials in the house, whether this is a box, bin or bag. Keep the recycling container next to the waste container and this will remind everyone to recycle as much as possible. Use fun labelling to involve kids.
Here are some simple tips to reduce, reuse and recycle more effectively at home:
Change waste into resource! Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture new stuff, and avoids waste thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Repair and Revive - Fix or clean up what you already have. Try www.repairmystuff.ie for local repair help.
Buy pre-loved or upcycled - Find pre-loved at your local charity shop, social enterprise, vintage shop or market.
Borrow, Rent or share it - Borrow or rent gear you won’t use often. Alternatively, try sharing equipment you don’t use with friends, family or community.
BYO B&C - Bring your own reusable coffee cup/ water bottle to the office or sports. Bring your own bags & containers when shopping.
Please follow Mulleadys List of Accepted Items for Blue-Recycling Bin, where you can see what can and cannot be put into your Blue-Recycling Bin. Keep a space in your cupboard so that you can recycle as you are cooking or cleaning. It will make it easier for you to put the recyclables in their proper place. Don’t forget to recycle bathroom waste such as shampoo bottles or toilet rolls. What can I recycle?
WASH - Scrape out any food remains/pour away excess liquid. Rinse the container (use your washing-up water). Don’t put recyclate in the dishwasher – no need to waste resources to achieve an unnecessary level of cleanliness!
SQUASH - Crush metal cans. Squeeze plastic bottles flat to expel as much air as possible. Flatten cardboard boxes, such as egg boxes, tea boxes etc.
These steps help prevent contamination and reduce the volume of recyclate, making collections more energy efficient.
Segregate food waste and use it for home compost or use food waste bin. Check with our office if food waste bin is available in your area. Follow below link for more tips how to reduce food waste and use your brown bin.
Visit mywaste.ie for futher information.