Global Recycling Day: how to do your bit

How can I do my bit?

The Global Recycling Foundation have shared seven recycling promises you can make to play your part. 

1. Use less plastic (e.g. reusable shopping bags, a reusable drinks bottle)
2. Help people you know to follow the local recycling rules in you area (more on this below!)
3. Repair and reuse old items if you can (e.g. clothes)
4. Only put clean and dry items out for recycling 
5. Share with friends online
6. Check how to recycle other items (e.g. electronics)
7. Don't forget to recycle packaging

Source: Global Recycling Day

What can I recycle?

If you struggle with knowing what can and can't be recycled, don't panic! Just check the packaging of the product to see if it is recyclable, and if you're still not sure, check the recycling rules in your area. 

But make sure you don't 'wishcycle' - which is putting non-recyclable items in the recycling bin in the hope it'll be recyclable - as this can cause problems when it goes to be sorted (Earth Day). 

As a general rule, plastic bottles, metal cans, paper and cardboard can be recycled, but make sure they're clean and dry. Your recycling bin should be a food and drink free zone! Also make sure you don't put plastic bags in the recycling, and even better, try using reusable bags when you can in future (Waste Management).

Be careful of combined materials, like plastic-coated cardboard, as if they can't be separated it's likely they can't be recycled (Earth Day).

If you're in the UK, you can use this handy tool from Recycle Now to find out how to recycle a particular item - from hairdryers, to ironing boards, to clothing! Outside of the UK, check the recycling rules in your local area. 

Photo by SHVETS production from Pexels

Go forth and recycle! 

Hopefully you've now got some ideas on how you can start recycling, or recycling more. Here's a collation of handy resources to help you on your way:

• OU Students Climate Network Club
• OU Students Ecology and Conservation Club
• Infographics and education materials - Global Recycling Day
• 7 tips to recycle better - Earth Day
• Find out how to correctly dispose of household items - Recycle Now (UK specific)
• Things you might not know can be recycled - Recycle Now (UK specific)
• How to recycle food waste - Recycle Now (UK specific)
• How to set up home composting - Recycle Now 
• Recycling 101 - Waste Management (USA specific)

Happy Global Recycling Day!