Recycling: An Essential Step Toward a Sustainable Future

Surely by 2024 everybody would have got the memo that recycling is a pivotal everyday action necessary

for the brightest future possible for our planet? Well, the truth is not everybody has. According to The Big

Plastic Count, only 17% of the UK’s plastic waste is recycled.

In the UK around 80% of our general waste in the wheelie bin could have been recycled. For example,

aluminium cans can be recycled and ready to use again within just 6 weeks, yet the UK sends over 80

million food and drink cans to landfill every day. If all the cans in the UK were recycled, we could get rid of

14 million dustbins, saving money and time.

Why is recycling so important you ask? Well firstly, it reduces our reliance on natural recourses,

preserving finite recourses, such as fossil fuels. Secondly, when plastic isn’t recycled it can end up in our

oceans and this can have a catastrophic effect on marine life. Data shows that 100 million marine animals

die each year from plastic waste alone. Knowing these facts could make us think that those who don’t

recycle are heartless and ignorant. Well, maybe it isn’t their fault.

Inspiring Change through Council and Community Initiatives

With increasing awareness from environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, there’s growing pressure

on the UK government and local councils to improve recycling practices. The first way our local councils

could do more to increase the amount of people who recycle properly would be through incentivisation.

This could be achieved by awarding congratulations and praise for recycling in certain parts of the

community on the council’s social media accounts. Additionally, something as simple as placing a local

park bench made of recycled wood from the community could incentivise people to think more positively

and actively about day-to-day recycling.

Another strategy involves showcasing powerful images of the consequences of landfill waste and marine

plastic pollution. These visuals can remind people of the real-world impact of their recycling habits.

Thirdly, all councils could establish consistent weekly litter picks in their areas so that the vast amount of

rubbish on our streets can be recycled instead of wasted.

Councils could also encourage locals to get involved through collaborating with celebrities and social

media influencers and posting pictures of them picking up litter on the council’s social media account.

Making Recycling Part of Everyday Life

While these initiatives would likely encourage more people to recycle, those of us already committed to

the practice can make even more of a difference. If you’re unsure about how to dispose of an item, a

quick online search can provide the answer. Help others—friends, family members, or

colleagues—understand what can and can’t be recycled.

Did you know that one metric ton of electronic scrap from personal computers contains more gold than 17

tons of mined ore? Instead of throwing an old electronic device away, consider taking a moment to locate

your nearest e-waste collection point, such as an electronic store or dedicated recycling points.

Wales: Leading the UK in Recycling

Here in Wales, we are the UK’s top recycling nation and more impressively, the second-best country in

the world. However, despite these achievements, only 59% of our waste is recycled. While we’ve laid a

solid foundation in the fight against climate change, there’s more work to be done. Moving forward, it’s

both the government’s responsibility and our own to build on these green foundations and take further

action toward environmental sustainability.