We dump around 83% of our waste in landfill sites. Unfortunately some sites are poorly managed which causes a range of environmental problems not least the production of methane gas, which contributes to climate change. A liquid called leachate is also produced as the waste decomposes This can seep into underground rivers and streams and into the surface water to pollute the natural environment and cause health problems. A further 9% of household waste is incinerated and this can create pollutants such as extremely dangerous dioxins, heavy metals and the gases that cause acid rain.
Recycling waste helps avoid these problems. For example recycling aluminium cans and foil saves 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminium. Recycling these, paper and glass also reduces the need for raw material extraction, which often causes widespread environmental damage- and it also reduces the need for landfill space and incinerators.
Each year in Britain we use more than 6 billion drink cans, 12 billion food cans, 1.7 million tonnes of glass and an average of 2 trees worth of paper each In 1996 almost 25 million tonnes of household waste was generated in England and Wales. More and more people are now recycling their waste. Recycling is the processing of waste or rubbish back into raw materials so that it can be made into new items. Even so before recycling we should attempt to reduce our waste, by buying fewer disposable items and more that have a longer life span. We must re-use our products- using the same bags for shopping, buying refillable items and repairing products instead of buying replacements.
WHAT CAN BE RECYCLED?
A typical household dustbin contains glass, paper, card, plastic bottles, steel and aluminium cans and biodegradable waste such as vegetables- all of which can be recycled. Each ton of paper recycled saves 15 average sized trees, as well as their surrounding habitat and wildlife. More than 20% of our waste is compostable.
Composting is simple and the end result improves the quality of the soil without using chemical fertilisers, peat or commercially produced compost.
Glass: This is one of the most easily recyclable materials. In the UK we now recycle 29% compared with 15% a few years ago. We still have a long way to go to match the Dutch who recycle 75%
Plastic: An estimated 100 million tonnes of plastic is produced worldwide every year, accounting for 4% of oil consumption. Harmful toxic chemicals are used in some plastics to make them flexible and to stop discolourisation and cracking. A great deal of plastic is used in packaging. Where possible do not buy disposable plastic products or anything that comes with plastic packaging in the first place. Re-use whatever plastic containers you have for storing household items- though not food- and always re-use plastic carrier bags. Plastic recycling schemes are slowly becoming available. Your old plastic can end up becoming drain pipes, fence posts, telephones or even fleece jumpers.
Cans: Facilities are widely available.
Textiles: These can be recycled by taking them to a local charity shop where they will be sold to aid the work of the charity.
Furniture: If this is in good condition charities such as the Salvation Army will accept it. In Colchester the Shake Trust (Colchester Furniture Project) will also accept it if it is in good condition. They pass it on to local people in need. Their telephone number is 01206-543438
Paper: Paper recycling is widely available and is probably the most recycled material.
Always try to buy recycled products, but be cautious of those with broad environmental claims because there may be little evidence to back them up. In the case of paper look for the highest content of post-consumer recycled paper. Look for wood products bearing the Forest Stewardship Council logo which tells you that the wood comes from a sustainable source.
Recycling is not a new idea. Since life began one species' waste has been used by another as a resource. This is known as the "closed resource loop of natural ecosystems and we are mimicking this whenever we re-use or recycle our waste.
- For further information please see the following web sites www.wwf-uk.org.uk
- www foe. co.uk
- www doc.mniu. ac.uk/ariclace/factsheets
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