How Much Contamination is Too Much?

Well intentioned disposal of the wrong items in the recycling bin can actually REDUCE the amount of materials being recycled. This is because ‘contaminated’ collections are rejected and send for incineration or landfill, along with general waste.

• For example, greasy fish and chip or pizza boxes are not suitable for recycling, as the oil on the cardboard clogs up the fibres and sticks in the shredding machinery.
• Dust from shredded paper can also prevent the processing equipment functioning properly.
• Some items such as a single soiled nappy dumped in a recycling collection will lead to the whole truckload being seen to be contaminated and sent to landfill.

Recycling principles for non-hazardous waste are broadly the same in both the business sector and at home. However, businesses have a statutory obligation to comply with waste regulations. Financial penalties can be high for failing to do so.

Generally, it’s poor communication which results in people unwittingly either placing something that can’t be recovered in the recycling bin - or missing opportunities to recycle items which they should.

In this post, you will find out why communication is one of the keys to raising recycling rates and what needs to be done to improve those messages. There is also a handy list of top YES and NO ‘do’s and don’ts’ of recycling.

We Want to Do Better

On the one hand, as individuals, the growing trend is to aspire to recycle more and be generally green at home. The flip side of this is that when we shut the front door, the motivation to extend our environmental objectives into the workplace is often lacking.

A Sustainability Programme to stimulate these drivers will engage employees and enable them to seek ecological choices which works for the good of business. Using waste as an example, it becomes easier to demonstrate how the processes need to be implemented.

What’s Holding You Back?

The main reason for getting some of the basics wrong is lack of information. In my opinion, domestically, that’s down to Local Authorities failing to make the specifics available to householders as to what can and can’t be recycled. Knowing how to dispose of waste at home, transposes into the workplace and vice versa.

• As many as two thirds of us are uncertain about how to correctly dispose of one or more items.
• Just over two-thirds (68%) of UK households add one or more items to their recycling collection that are not accepted locally
• As a result, recycling rates fell for the first time in several years in 2015 to 44.3%.

This is partly caused by a lack of joined up strategy across the country. (Scotland and Wales have been ahead of England when it comes to formulating a national recycling policy.) Individual local authorities have responded to the capabilities of local sorting and reprocessing facilities as opposed to driving the agenda and developing policy based on need.

No national strategy also means the cost of designing and disseminating information falls within each region’s remit. With the ongoing squeeze on budgets, this vital element of a comprehensive process (which would save money if implemented) is overlooked.

Bearing in mind that there is a gap in our know-how in the domestic arena, it is little wonder that the message is not getting across into the commercial sector.

Change is on the Way

At last, new guidelines  intended to instigate consistency have been published in conjunction with WRAP and a collaboration of industry participants. The aim is to fully implement the new framework as far into the future as 2025.

In the meantime, there’s plenty that can be done by business and individuals.

What Can You Do?

As individuals, we can find out what can and can’t be recycled. Some of the essentials are shown on the infographic. 

Business Recycling

In business, there are legal obligations which must be complied with for separating waste. Developing a recycling strategy, ensures the structures and training are both in place to enable people, by providing the access and the knowledge they need. 

For full list, click here

DO YOU KNOW? 

At work you have legal obligations to separate and track your waste – no matter how small or large your business. Over 94% of the non-compliant businesses are in the SME sector.

Waste Compliance is just one part of a Sustainability Programme. Measuring and communicating progress will motivate your employees and encourage improvements beyond the environmental impacts.

Call or message me today on (0113) 289 2208 and ask about Coral Mountain’s FOUR ‘A’ SERVICE, our model for creating and embedding a sustainability culture. Let’s start by talking about how easy it is to take charge of your waste.