Small changes can make a big difference: recycle correctly at home

Recycling correctly is one of the simplest ways we can all help reduce waste and keep Richmond clean and green. You can now recycle even more in your recycling bin.

A lot of everyday items can be recycled, and it starts with putting them in the right bin, box or caddy. When recycling is sorted correctly, it can be processed more efficiently and turned back into useful materials, rather than being lost in general rubbish.

Putting your recycling in the right place helps reduce contamination. This happens when the wrong items, such as food waste, plastic bags or non-recyclable materials, are placed in recycling containers. Contaminated recycling can be harder to sort and may mean that materials that could be recycled are rejected and have to go into the rubbish.

To make recycling easier at home, we have created a printable What bins do I use? guide. It shows what to put in your paper and card and mixed recycling containers, food waste caddy, rubbish and garden waste bins, so you can quickly check before you throw something away.

Print it out, stick it on your fridge or keep it near your bins as a handy reminder for the whole household. A quick check can make a big difference, especially for common items such as cartons, foil, food waste, paper, card, plastic pots, tubs and trays.

Every item placed in the correct container helps more of the borough’s waste be recycled or composted.

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