Recycling isn’t just about tossing bottles and cans into a separate bin — it’s about making sure the materials you put in are actually able to be reused. Done properly, recycling reduces the demand for raw materials, lowers energy use, and keeps waste out of the environment. Done badly, it can cause contamination that sends entire loads of recyclables straight to landfill or incineration.
In the UK, most councils provide clear guidelines on what you can and cannot recycle, but many people still make simple mistakes. Items like greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, and certain food containers c…
