Packaging

Packaging components include:

• Glass

• Paper and cardboard

• Plastics - rigid, flexible and film

• Metals - steel and aluminium

These all use energy and raw materials to produce and landfill space to dispose of. The extent to which they are presently recycled depends on market demand for the recycled end product and existing technology for separation and treatment of the material.

District and Borough Council kerbside recycling collections and most of the permanent Household Waste Recycling Sites (HWRS) accept the following packaging materials for recycling:

• Paper and cardboard

• Plastic bottles

• Steel and Aluminium drinks and food cans

HWRS also accept glass bottles and jars. Please check with your your District or Borough Council if they accept glass bottles and jars in their kerbside collection.

Click here to locate your nearest site and to check what materials they accept for recycling.

• Try to buy lightly or non-packaged products.

• Avoid wasteful or gimmicky packaging and complain about it.

• Refuse extra bagging where possible.

• Re-use carrier bags or use your own bag (most supermarkets have plastic bag recycling bins).

• Use products with refillable containers whenever possible.