Helpful tips for separating your waste and composting

Gone are the days when we just put everything in the bin and didn’t give the environment another thought. The less rubbish we generate means less will end up in a land fill and the less we’ll pollute the environment. This is one of the main reasons why separating waste is important. There’s no reason not to separate your waste at home, especially with these Brabantia beauties to make it easy.

WHAT CAN I SEPARATE?

Most waste can be separated for recycling. Here’s a list of the main things you can segregate.

• Glass – wash bottles and jars so they don´t contain food waste. These are melted down and used for other glass products, so their life can go on and on.

• Paper and cardboard – flatten this before separating so it takes up less space.

• Kitchen waste – keep a small container on your countertop to dispose of food waste. You could either try your hand at making your own compost using your garden waste too.

• Plastic – flatten bottles and plastic containers so it can be reused.

• Aluminum – wash food and drink cans.

• Hazardous materials – never put products containing chemicals, such as batteries or old paint cans into the general rubbish. This can cause contamination of the land. These should be disposed of correctly.

• Clothing – a great way to get rid of old clothes you no longer wear. Many towns have recycled clothing collection points.

4 TIPS TO MAKE RECYCLING EASY-PEASY!

Many of us love to recycle and do our little bit for the environment but we all know how much of a chore it can be at times. Knowing which items can and can't be recycled, and what type of recycling it is, can be a minefield and usually ends up with a bit of guesswork (am I right?).

1. KEEP IT CLEAN

Small amounts of food don't interfere with the recycling but having a messy bin does make the job much less pleasant. Clean out jars and cans before putting them in the recycling bin as this will help reduce any odour.

---

2. COLOUR CODE

Not sure where your aluminium goes from your glass? Don't waste time separating your recycling because you throw it all in the same bin. It's simple to get several smaller bins and use a colour code to easily identify the right bin to put each item in: green for food waste, blue for glass, etc.

 

3. RECYCLE YOUR GREENERY

There is a way to bring new life to your vegetable peelings and leftovers, especially great if you or someone you know enjoys gardening. For recycling food waste, get small bio bin liners to put in your waste food bin as these are biodegradable and the entire bin including contents can be chucked onto the compost heap, ready to make fresh rich soil, great for planting with.

4. REUSE OR GIVE AWAY

The best method of recycling doesn't involve any bins. Use container, pots and jars as food storage, a place to keep small things like button and earbuds, or to plant some pretty flowers in. Pass old clothes onto people you know, or donate them to charity - one man's trash is another man's treasure, after all!