Highstreet Recycling
Reducing the amount of waste we send to landfill is a huge priority on many people’s minds, including my own, but finding information on recycling items outside of the council’s bin collection can be tricky, and the solutions are not always especially accessible, particularly for those who don’t drive.
It’s been pleasing to see more and more recycling schemes popping up in the retail environment over the last few years, many even offering discounts on purchases in return. I hope that this kind of convenient and incentivised recycling will continue to grow, so that eventually the idea of throwing things in the bin will seem absurd.
Environmental Guilt
Many of my clients suffer with terrible environmental guilt, meaning that they find it very difficult to throw things away, even if they cannot be re-used. When the local recycling collection is very specific about the kinds of items it will take, some items which fall outside of this can become sticking points.
So if you struggle to declutter because of feelings of guilt around waste, check out these schemes below to find out how you can improve your home environment while also taking care of the planet.
This is not an exhaustive list, and I would hugely recommend keeping an eye out for recycling points next time you go shopping. I’d love to hear your findings!
Databases:
https://www.recyclenow.com/what-to-do-with
https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator
https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB/
https://www.sussexgreenliving.co.uk/
https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/land-waste-and-housing/waste-and-recycling/recycling-and-waste-prevention/what-happens-to-your-waste/
Batteries:
Co-Op
Currys PC World
Dunelm
Marks and Spencers
Poundland
Rymans
Sainsbury's
Tesco
Waitrose
WH Smiths
Wilko's
Coffee Cups:
Caffe Nero
Costa Coffee
Pret a Manger
Electricals:
Apple (Their own products only)
Currys PC world
O2 (mobile phones and routers)
Waitrose
Light Bulbs:
Robert Dyas
Pens & Pencils:
Rymans
Printer Cartridges:
Currys PC World
Rymans
Waitrose
Soft Plastics:
Co-Op
Marks and Spencers
Morrisons
Sainsbury's
Tesco
Textiles:
Asda
Dunelm
H&M
Marks & Spencers
Monsoon (Their own clothes only)
Schuh (Shoes only)
Uniqlo (Their own coats only)
Waitrose
Toiletries:
Boots
Lush (their own packaging only)
Superdrug (also tablet blister packs)
The Perfume Shop (perfume bottles only)
What else?
In addition to these high street options many items can be collected by your local council, or taken to your local Recycling Centre (Tip) and items which are in good condition can be taken to your local charity shop to be re-sold.
You can also check out my previous post: “Where to Recycle” which has some further resources including Terracycle.com
Do you know of any other great high street recycling schemes?
