Glass

Glass is something that most people know can be recycled. Most towns have at least three or four glass bins for clear, green and brown glass, and broken windows will almost always be recycled if you take them to the glass merchant when you buy new ones.

Food

Organic food scraps, fruit and vegetables, can be recycled by using a compost heap. The food rots down to form a good quality compost which can be used in the garden. Another way is to use a wormery, where the worms break down the material into compost. This process occurs much quicker than composting.

Paper & Cardboard

All types of paper can be recycled, including envelopes, newspapers and cardboard. The paper is normally recycled separately according to its quality. 

Aluminium & Steel

Most supermarkets have a collection point for cans. These can be separated at the factory into aluminium and steel and then melted down to make more cans. The paper and paint on the cans burns off in the melting process. Aluminium foil can also be recycled, if it is washed and placed inside an aluminium can. 

Wood

Cuttings from trees and shrubs can be shredded and used as a mulch on the garden to protect the soil from frost and weeds. This is better for the environment than burning.

Clothing

Some places have a collection point for old clothes and blankets. These are used by charities to give to those less fortunate than ourselves, both in this country and abroad.