Recycling dos and don’ts

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably. When you recycle, you prevent waste from being incinerated or going to landfill, where it can break down to release greenhouse gasses, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

As well as cutting harmful emissions, recycling also conserves our natural resources – while protecting local ecosystems and wildlife from pollution. 

At Co-op, we’re committed to choices that are good for the planet. Recycling has always been high on our agenda and in 2016, we published our recycling-focused Tipping Point report.

Today, we’re proud that over three-quarters (77%) of our products come in recyclable packaging. This is thanks to reducing unnecessary packaging and swapping unrecyclable materials like polystyrene and dark coloured plastics for clear plastics, foil and cardboard.

But we’re dreaming even bigger, and in 2021, we aim to make that figure 100%. 

Follow these recycling dos and don’ts and see if you could make recycling an easy part of your daily routine.

Recycling dos

• Read the label -One of the easiest ways to see if something can be recycled is to check for recycling labels on the pack. 
  
• Shop at Co-op -77% of our own label products use packaging made from materials that are widely recycled, making it easy for you to shop more sustainably.
  
• Check your area’s rules for recycling -Local rules on recycling can vary. Check with your council, or have a look on RecycleNow.
  
• Donate unwanted goods -If you’re clearing out any old furniture, clothing, jewellery or electronics, take them to a charity shop, so they can be reused by someone else – and raise money for a good cause at the same time.

Recycling don’ts

• Don’t recycle dirty containers – Food packaging that’s not clean will end up in landfill or the incinerator. Rinse or wipe anything you recycle. 

• Don’t forget your bag – Normal polythene bags are not widely recycled at kerbside, that’s why ours are compostable in the areas where councils collect food waste. Alternatively, invest in one of our reusable shoppers. 

• Don’t recycle the wrong things – Just over two-thirds of UK households put things in the recycling which can’t be recycled in their local area. Make sure you know what can and can’t go in the recycling by checking online. 

Rob Thompson
Co-op Packaging Technologist

Read more:

• Find out more about our commitment to recycling
• Recycle Now: See recycling facilities near you