Top 10 Facts about Recycling Outside!

Hi, I’m Monty! I come from a planet where we don’t recycle plastics.

You should see the mess!

So I’m learning from the experts here on Earth on what I should be doing.

Come on, you can help me find out more.

When it comes to throwing things away, the only tips we want to see are TOP TIPS to help us make sure that when we’re out and about, waste isn’t… well, wasted!

Let’s look at things you can and can’t recycle while you’re out and about!

1. PLAYING SANDWICHES

A great packed lunch needs a sandwich!

But if your sandwiches are wrapped in cling film or cellophane, that wrapping can’t be recycled so you will need to put it in the general waste bin.

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2. PICNIC PLASTICS

Try to avoid disposable plates at your picnic.

They can’t usually be recycled and so end up in general waste.

It’s better for the environment to choose reusable plastic plates and cutlery, they’re light and easily cleaned after!

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3. SWEET TREATS

If you’re lucky enough to have a bar of chocolate or some sweets as part of your day out, you may be able to recycle the wrappers at larger supermarkets.

They sometimes collect these near the check outs in store, otherwise you will need to put these into your general waste bin.

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Find out more at Pledge 2 Recycle!

4. PASS IT ON

You might have picked up things like bus passes, tickets or lanyards which are made from laminated paper.

That’s paper that’s been put through a machine that coats it with plastic.

Sadly, when you don’t need them anymore, they cannot be recycled so you need to make sure you take them home and put them in your general waste bin, so they do not accidentally end up in the natural environment.

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5. WATER GOOD IDEA

A bottle of water on a hot day is a must!

Just don’t forget to take your empties home.

Remember to recycle them empty, with the cap back on.

Think about using a refillable water bottle so you can use this over and over again.

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6. GOTTA BE IN IT TO BIN IT!

If you cannot take the bottle home, keep a look out for a recycling bin in the park, street or restaurant you may be in and make sure that’s where you place your recyclable plastics.

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7. WHAT’S IN STORE?

Rigid plastic storage tubs are great for your lunch when out and about.

They are also good for storing food at home.

They’re a great way to avoid using single use plastic sandwich bags too.

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8. SLAP IT ON!

When it’s hot, we have to make sure we’re wearing sun cream.

When the bottle’s empty pop it in the recycling bin at home.

If it’s a squeezy tube, it will need to go into your general waste bin as these cannot be recycled.

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9. STOP IT, DON’T DROP IT!

If you’re out and about or at events like a festival or concert, you might use a variety of different types of plastic things.

From flags and wristbands to food and drink packaging there are lots of different plastics to look out for.

Remember don’t throw on the go and dispose of your waste sensibly – using recycling points when you can.

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Find a location to recycle here.

10. WAS THAT THE BELL?

Hopefully your school has recycling bins for paper, food and drink waste – but it can be good to check and think about ways you could do more.

Perhaps you could set up a collection point for things such as printer cartridges, which a teacher could take to a recycling point every few weeks.

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Out of this world!

Make sure you always recycle your plastic bottles and check that your family is on the right road for recycling. You can find out more at Pledge 2 Recycle.