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UK reaches milestone of half a million tonnes of plastic recycling

LSPS Blog 80A recently published ‘Household Plastics Collection Survey’ by Recoup of local authorities across the UK has revealed a 2.7% increase in plastics recycling across the nation which has brought the total amount of recycling to over half a million tonnes.

The latest figures from the charity show that 512,475 tonnes of plastic were collected for recycling in 2016. Upon analysis the figures show that 340,000 tonnes of recycling accounted for was categorised as plastic bottles and a further 170,000 tonnes consisted of other plastics like pots, tubs and trays.

While these figures seem impressive, Recoup has been quick to add that the figures show an increase of less than 1% in collection of plastic bottles from households. There have also been just seven new kerbside collection schemes launched in the past year by local authorities. When looking at some of the reasons behind this, Recoup reported that 51% of Local Authorities in the UK received budget cuts for waste and recycling collections or to their communications departments who seek to get the word out about good waste recycling habits.

The report goes on to stress the importance of consistency in recycling standards among Local Authorities so that a consistent message can be given out to households over what they can and cannot recycle – helping to increase the number of people recycling and reduce the amount of contaminated waste. Click here to read the survey: http://www.recoup.org/p/229/uk-household-plastics-collection-survey-2017.

Do you think recycling rules are clear enough? Tweet us at @LSPSltd and let us know.

Here at LSPS, recycling is of great importance to us and we help businesses and individuals all across Leicestershire to reduce the amount of their waste that ends up at landfill sites. Our Waste Transfer Station is open to traders and has an extensive range of state of the art equipment.

To find out how about we can help with your waste disposal needs please contact us on 0800 083 7807, or visit our website for further information.

What can we do to make the UK’s water sources cleaner?

LSPS Blog 79In the UK it’s estimated that over 8 million tonnes of plastic finds its way into our rivers, seas, oceans and other waterways every year. At the current rate this means that by the year 2050 there would be more plastic in our waters than there would be living fish. The impact of plastic pollution is felt not only by animals but also humans with micro-plastic fibres found in tap water samples worldwide and the average seafood eater expected to consume 11,000 pieces of micro plastic year on year.

With this in mind, many environmental charities such as Recycle Now, Greenpeace and Surfers Against Sewage are leading the way in encouraging both businesses and individuals to take steps to reduce their plastics consumption. Here are a few ways that you can reduce your impact on the oceans with small and simple steps.

1 – Phase out your plastic bag usage and bring your own material bag with you next time you go shopping.

2 – Avoid shower gels, toothpaste and scrubs which contain microbeads – look for alternatives that are more friendly to our oceans.

3 – Avoid ‘single use’ plastics. Plastic products like straws, bags, cutlery, cup lids and water bottles are often only used once before they are thrown away. Opt for items that will get much more use out of them instead.

4 – Carry your own cutlery and non-plastic water bottle with you to avoid the need to use disposable ones which are also single-use items.

5 – Find new uses for plastics. Packaging can’t be avoided completely but that doesn’t mean you have to throw it out. Try and find new and unique ways to reuse any materials that you do end up with to stop them ending up in landfill.

6 – Support companies which package their products in environmentally friendly materials. Let them know through social media or through letters and phone calls if you think they are doing a good job. Equally make sure you voice your concerns if they are excessive with their packaging.

7 – Cook your own food instead of ordering takeaways, or at the very least try and reuse as much of the packaging as possible.

8 – Pick up litter next time you go to the beach or to the park – even one coffee cup or cigarette butt can cause damage to the nearby environment.

9 – Buying products that you get through regularly in bulk can help to cut down wastage and can also save you money in the long run.

Do you have any of your own tips for cutting your plastic usage? Tweet us at @LSPSltd and let us know.

Here at LSPS recycling is of great importance to us and we help businesses and individuals all across Leicestershire to reduce the amount of their waste that ends up at landfill sites. Our Waste Transfer Station is open to traders and has an extensive range of state of the art equipment.

To find out how about we can help with your waste disposal needs please contact us on 0800 083 7807, or visit our website for further information.

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