Even mighty Welsh recyclers have questions. Get answers to yours so we can recycle better together
People in Wales are recycling more than ever before. A record 95% of us are regular recyclers and Wales is the world’s second best recycling nation and going for first. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still room to grow.
Our research shows that many people still get confused about what can and can’t be recycled from home, with trickier items such as foil, plastic bags and wrapping, and food and drink foil pouches topping the list.
That’s why this Recycle Week, we’re keeping it real and answering the questions we all have about recycling so we can recycle better together and help Wales get to No.1.
Your questions answered:
Recycling is so confusing, isn’t it?
It doesn’t have to be – just type your postcode into our Recycling Locator to find out what to recycle where you live.
One item in the wrong bin can't hurt, can it?
It can! Just a few wrong items from all of us, like toothpaste tubes and broken drinking glasses, can ‘contaminate’ the recycling collected, which lowers its quality and value – and some items like batteries are even a hazard as they can cause fires at the recycling facility. Find out more about recycling contamination and how to improve your recycling.
A little effort from all of us goes a long way, so check before you chuck using our Recycling Locator.
Does my recycling really make a difference?
Yes, it does! Your recycling is a valuable resource which can be made into new products. Visit My Recycling Wales to find out where your recycling goes.
Recycling limits the need for raw materials and saves energy. Watch our videos to discover exactly how your everyday items get recycled.
Thanks to all the Welsh citizens that are recycling more of the right things, Wales is the UK’s top recycling nation, and second in the world. Find out what you can do this Recycle Week to help get Wales to no.1.
10 things you can do to help Wales become world leader
From broken glasses to food and drink foil pouches, find out what to do with the trickiest items to combat confusion and help get Wales to no.1 in the world for recycling.
Ever wondered what really happens to your recycling?
Watch our videos to discover exactly how your everyday items get recycled, what happens to them, as well as top tips and facts.
Where does my recycling go?
Explore the My Recycle Wales website to learn where your recycling goes once it’s been collected by your local council.
If you can’t eat it, recycle it!
Whether it’s teabags, bones or even out of date food – no matter how yucky – should go in the food caddy. In Wales, food waste is recycled into renewable energy.
Throwing away edible food costs the average Welsh household £52 per month
Avoid wasting money by boosting your meals with food that may otherwise have gone to waste. Explore our quick, flexible and easy recipe ideas for inspiration.