Forum Topic

Recycling

After all the years of recycling why is it that Hounslow Council are still unable to recycle much of what we throw away. Since lockdown and the need to get more delivered directly I have been pleasantly surprised by the amount of packing, mainly plastic, that has the recycle sign or the words ' please recycle me'. However having had my plastic box not collected because of 'wrong refuse' I have been informed that most of the plastic, which accompanies deliveries as padding or covering, even though it says it is recyclable, cannot be recycled by Hounslow and is all destined for land fill. Why is this the case?

Nicholas Brooks ● 2342d3 Comments

See hounslow.gov.uk plastic recycling collections for the does and don'ts.No crisp packets, film, .......Carrier bags and bubble wrap can be recycled in supermarket plastics bags recycling bins.

Rima Jones ● 2342d

We actually have really good kerbside recycling in West London - when you consider all the different materials that our purchases continue to be packaged in.  There are a considerable number of different plastics which different properties.  Governments are working towards a circular economy for a longer use of the packaging from a linear one of simply make-use-dispose.http://www.wrap.org.uk/about-us/about/wrap-and-circular-economy#The waste hierarchy starts with the reduction of waste.  You may also have noticed that packaging has become easier to recycle in that there is now a lot of packaging which is no longer made out of mixed materials.  WRAP will show you how changes have been made - reduction in weight of bottles, cans etc where a lot of well known manufacturing companies have worked with WRAP to reduce the amount.Have you checked what you can recycle from the Council's website?  Don't forget to click for more info where you are invited to.  Each Council has slightly different requirements/information.https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20128/Some plastic wraps can be recycled with the carrier bags at front of store at the supermarkets.Waste disposal is expensive with gate fees and is designed to make the final incineration of waste expensive - even when it results in energy. Are you making the most of food waste recycling?  I understand that recycling ie putting one banana skin into the food waste collection can result in enough energy to re-charge your mobile phone twice.  I find that impressive.  

Philippa Bond ● 2342d

I should have also drawn your attention to the West London Waste Authority website.  Hounslow together with a number of other West London Councils are members of this and work together.You will find here ways to reduce the amount of waste you make and other ways to dispose of items that you no longer want.https://westlondonwaste.gov.uk/

Philippa Bond ● 2342d