Why - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?
We produce 1.1 million tonnes of rubbish every year in Greater Manchester - that's half a tonne each. That weighs the same amount as 157,143 double-decker buses!
If all our rubbish was packed into cubic metre parcels those parcels would stretch for 684 miles, that would reach from Manchester to the north coast of Spain!
Our primary goal is to put a stop to waste generation by firstly reducing the amount of waste we produce and secondly by reusing our resources so that it doesn't become waste. Through this we aim to reduce the growth in waste to 1 % per year in 2010 and 0 % in 2020.
Thirdly we want to increase the amount of recycling and composting for that waste that we can not avoid producing. We currently recycle and compost around 33 % of our waste and with the co-operation of everyone in Greater Manchester we can reach our target of at least 50 % by 2015.
But to achieve this we need YOUR help!
But why else should you recycle?
It's as cheap as chipsBy consciously buying products which can be refilled or reused, you can save money on everyday items, for example, buying in bulk or choosing washing detergents which can be filled again. It can also be cheaper in the long run to buy items such as rechargeable batteries or washable nappies. |
|
It's all for charityThere are over 500 charity shops throughout Greater Manchester. They will take your old clothes and bric-a-brac, and what can't be sold on will be recycled. Find your nearest charity shop at www.charityshops.org.uk. Furniture stores, for example, The Wesley Community Furniture project can take old furniture for reuse. Scrap stores such as GRUMPY make play resources from off-cuts and other business waste. The Community Re-Paint scheme in Oldham receives leftover paint from households and redistributes it to community groups. |
 |
Jobs for the boys (and girls!)Recycling in Greater Manchester is providing many people with many jobs - ranging from council workers to community recycling organisations. Many recycling initiatives provide work experience for the unemployed and skills training for people with disabilities. |
|
Don't throw it all away!We are throwing away materials that can be reused or recycled to make new products - it doesn't make sense! Glass, paper, textiles, cans and plastic bottles can all be collected in our region for recycling into new products. |
|
It's easy!Almost all households across Greater Manchester have some type of recycling collection from the doorstep. In addition there is a network of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and recycling banks on supermarket car parks - so next time - drop before you shop! |
 |
What happens to your recycling?
Want to know what your plastic bottle is turned into, or if your newspaper makes it back into your house in the shape of a ceral box - then find out the answers here
Your quick guide to recycling
Never incorrectly mix recyclable materials - always make sure the right materials go in the right recycling bin or recycling bank.
- If unsure check which materials can go in which bin on your local council website.
- Look on the recycling bank for exactly what should go in it; not all types are the same, so check before you chuck!
- Make recycling part of your routine, either at home or when you go to do your weekly shop get rid of your empties.
- Wash bottles and jars before taking them to recycle, or better still, reuse them as they are. Wash and squash your empty cans.
- Look on the bank locator courtesy of recyclenow.com for your nearest recycling facilities.
- If you don't have a garden where you can compost your organic waste, find out if there's a communal scheme you can be involved in.
- Please visit recycleforgreatermanchester.com details on how to recycle a number of different materials.
Purchasing a low-cost compost bin
To place your order by telephone call 0845 1306090. Alternatively, to place your order online, visit the Greater Manchester Get Composting website. For more information on composting please visit the The Recycle For Greater Manchester Website.
