Why Do People Find It So Difficult To Put Different Waste In Different Bins?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37159581
I just don't see what the problem is, it ain't rocket science is it?

[ToraToraTora]

I do think mikey had a point though, all the authorities should get together and get some sort of uniformity. I think Our system is one of the better ones, we have a big bin for anything recyclable and a small bin for everything else, the small bin is emptied weekly the big bin fortnightly. I guess they sort it somewhere because they are always boasting of 80+% recycling of waste in the annual report.

[Kathyan]

Why can't we just have one bin for re-cycling which is taken to a recycling centre and sorted there? Job creation for some and time saving for us or is that too simple? I would like to know what happens to our re-cycling once it's collected.

[ToraToraTora]

see above that's what we have kathyan.

[Kathyan]

Yes, but I meant nationally.

[mikey4444]

Kath...I think its all down to budgets...some Councils have more money than others.

Swansea Council changed over to fortnightly black bags ( non-recyclable ) last year, and there was a lot of opposition, and still is. Our current rate of recycling isn't as good as it should be, ( see TTT's original thread )

But they tightened up on the rules this year, so perhaps we should see some improvement. It irritates me that while most people make an effort, some just can't be bothered ( including my Brother ! ) Those "can't be bothered people will find that the Council won't collect from them anymore, which of course, may lead to more fly-tipping, which seems to be getting worse !

[ToraToraTora]

obviously dosh comes into it mikey but our council makes a load from flogging the recyclable materials off. It's also down to the facilities they use to take the stuff to. Sometimes it's private firms with different demands etc. I do think we need a nationwide uniform system that's as simple as possible. Even round here we have numpties putting the wrong stuff in the wrong bins but Yellow stickers soon clear that up.

[ToraToraTora]

forgot to add that it is also in there interest to avoid the governments land fill tax per ton.

[anotheoldgit]

Why is paper re-recyclable when shredded paper isn't?

[Mamyalynne]

The main reason given is that the small fibres clog up the machinery, added to that it has become 'mixed grade' by shredding and not all facilities cope with that and the problem of it being windblown.

It's not really that simple for many is it?

[mikey4444]

Update from Wales :::

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-37167691

Personally, I don't think 60% is very good at all

[ummmm]

Our bins, including recycling, get picked up every week.

They used to come and collect the bottles at 7:30am on a Sat morning but I think a few people complained.

[jd_1984]

laziness, lack of awareness or education with regards to where our waste goes and the benefits of recycling and for many a "don't care its not my problem" attitude.

[youngmafbog]

We also have a green bin for garden waste, although this year there was a £35 charge for the year or £50 for two bins (Std wheelie bin size).

My council makes cash from recycling, but then as a Tory council you would expect that. Also why we have only had 1 rate increase in 5 years and a council house building program.

[ToraToraTora]

shredded paper is recyclable, I recycle it all the time.

[Mamyalynne]

In some areas and not others - confusing isn't it?

[paddywak]

My sister,who lives in the same village regularly had her shredded paper rejected by the same team that regularly takes mine.Hows that for confusing?

[Eve]

I'm wondering about all my shredded paper now, had a shredding spree and have a big bag of it. Have just checked our guide and it doesn't mention that it can't be. Hopefully I can find somewhere to check before bin day.

We are getting smaller general waste bins soon to encourage more recycling apparently. I already recycle loads though.

[wiltsman]

http://learn.eartheasy.com/2012/05/plastics-by-the-numbers/

Here in North Wiltshire, referring to plastics, we are only supposed to put in containers with the numbers, 1, 2 and 3 inside the 'chasing arrows' triangle symbol. I try to comply, it's not always easy to see the triangle - and I do wonder how many others in my council area follow this directive.

I've just realised, that although my council requests we recycle plastics with a '3' inside the 'chasing arrows' triangle, the US site I linked above, states that this plastic, PVC, less than 1% of this material is recycled. Strange!