Preston City Council ramps up recycling efforts

Preston City Council is ramping up its recycling efforts with the continuation of its "Join Us" campaign, supported by Beyondly and Pledge2Recycle Plastics.

This initiative provides valuable recycling tips to help residents handle waste efficiently throughout the year.

Whether it’s a special occasion, a public holiday, or just everyday waste, maximising recycling not only frees up space in your general waste bin but also contributes to reducing the impacts of climate change. For example, recycling just one tonne of plastic saves an average of 1.8 tonnes of carbon emissions, making it a significant step towards sustainability.

How Residents Can Help

Recycling correctly is easy when you follow simple guidelines provided by the Council. Plastic bottles, food tubs and trays, as well as cans and glass jars and bottles, should be given a quick rinse before placing them in the yellow-lidded recycling bin. Rinsing packaging prevents odours and improves the quality of materials sent for processing.

Paper and card should be recycled in the red-lidded bin. When recycling paper and card, remove any attachments such as tape, staples, or ribbons, as these can interfere with the recycling process. Items like cardboard boxes should be flattened to save space, and ensure that all paper products are clean and dry before placing them in the red-lidded bin. Put paper that is heavily stained with food or oil in the grey bin as this can contaminate the batch. By following these steps, residents can help ensure that recycled materials are of high quality and ready for reuse.

To make recycling even easier, the Council has distributed informative guides detailing what can and cannot be recycled, along with preparation tips. These guides are also available online at https://www.preston.gov.uk/article/8985/Join-Us-Recycle-in-Preston and include practical tips for reducing waste at home.

As part of the effort to improve recycling rates, Preston City Council has launched the "Join Us" campaign. This initiative aims to raise awareness about proper recycling practices and encourage residents to recycle more effectively. The campaign includes distributing recycling guides, running educational activities, and hosting community engagement events. By participating in the campaign and sharing recycling efforts on social media using #JoinUsPreston, residents can inspire others and contribute to making Preston a cleaner and greener city. More information about the campaign and resources can be found on the Council’s official website.

The "Join Us" campaign is supported by Beyondly, a consultancy specialising in sustainability initiatives, and Pledge2Recycle Plastics, a national initiative aimed at reducing confusion around plastic recycling. These partnerships have been instrumental in shaping the campaign and ensuring its success in fostering a culture of sustainability.

Benefits of Recycling

Recycling offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. It reduces landfill waste, conserves natural resources, and saves energy. For instance, recycling one tonne of paper saves up to 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water. Additionally, recycling reduces the carbon emissions associated with manufacturing new products from raw materials.

Year-Round Recycling Tips

• Properly dispose of polystyrene packaging in your general waste bin, and take plastic bags and electrical items (like old cables and lights) to designated drop-off points or participating shops.
• Locate your nearest recycling centre at https://www.recyclenow.com/ Recycling centres - Lancashire County Council
• Keep recycling centres in mind for items not accepted in kerbside bins, such as batteries and appliances. Be sure to check opening hours, as schedules may vary during public holidays.

Join the Movement

Preston is proud of its community’s commitment to recycling, achieving a commendable recycling rate of 37.6% in recent years. By sharing your recycling efforts on social media using #JoinUsPreston, you can inspire others to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to making our city a cleaner, greener place.

With collective action, we can lead by example and promote sustainable living throughout the year. Let’s all take a step towards a more sustainable future—because every item recycled makes a difference.