Do your bit, recycle it!
Did you know that the Borough of Ealing has the second highest recycling rate in London? All very positive but we could do better. If you’re a committed recycler, thank you for working with us to help tackle climate change. But if you still need some reminders here is why it’s so important to recycle your household waste.
What is household waste?
Household waste is ‘solid waste consisting of rubbish (packaging, bottles, cans, food scraps, newspapers and garden trimmings) that originates from a home’. In years gone by, we threw all of it into the same bin and the majority went to landfill. However, on 30 October 2003 the Household Waste Recycling Act was introduced. This legislation forced a change in how we dispose of waste in order to reduce the environmental impact of our rubbish.
Why recycle?
Because it’s easy to do and really can make a difference to climate change.
Using recycled materials in the manufacturing process reduces the need for extracting, refining and processing raw materials, all of which creates air and water pollution.
Recycling also reduces the amount of rubbish sent to landfill sites, which means less emissions of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. If we all recycle, if we all get involved, we can make a difference, reduce pollution and save precious resources.
We make recycling easy
On behalf of Ealing Council, Greener Ealing provides free weekly kerbside collections of food waste and fortnightly collections for paper and cardboard, cans, cartons, aluminium, glass bottles and jars. You can also sign up for a paid garden waste collection service. All we ask is that you make yourself aware of exactly what can be recycled. Put waste in the correct bin and prepare for collection. That means clean out cartons and containers, flatten cardboard boxes and do not include broken glass.
The most common mistake that can lead to your recycling not being taken is contamination of recyclables. This includes putting the wrong items in the wrong bin or the improper disposal of hazardous materials. But follow the simple guidelines and it couldn’t be easier.
If you don’t already, make a difference today to reduce your carbon footprint through responsible recycling. Maybe soon, Ealing will have the highest recycling rate in London.
For a full and detailed breakdown of what can be recycled, including additional items such as textiles and larger bulky items, please visit the council’s website.