The future of the Australian recycling industry is a little shaky right now with local government and councils unsure how to handle the excess of waste and recycling. While they are figuring things out on the large scale, there are things you can do in your day-to-day life that can help our recycling industry. Not sure how you can help out? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we sharing tips on how to give recycling the boost it needs.
Why does the Australian recycling industry need support?
At the moment the Australian recycling industry has hit a hurdle after China stopped taking our recycling. Before the ban, we were sending 30% of our recycling to China and now we have to work out what to do with this excess. The concern is that companies don’t see the worth in recycling because they don’t believe it will be profitable. If nobody is processing our recycling then we risk sending it all to landfill and taking a colossal step backwards in caring for our environment. So supporting the recycling industry is another way of fighting for an environmentally sustainable Australia.
Buy recycling
Buying products made from recycled materials or using recycled materials for your business helps create a demand for recycled products. The recycling process can be complicated, so often recycled products cost a little more. For this reason, some companies choose not to use recycled materials. By buying recycled products you are sending a message that recycling is worth it. For now, the cost is a little higher but think of it as an investment in the environment.
Here is a list of Australian stores that sell recycled products:
- Who Gives A Crap is an Australian company that uses 100% recycled material to take toilet paper, tissues and towels. Each roll has a cool, modern design and you can buy in bulk.
- The Oxfam Shop has a range of recycled products from jewellery, bags, fashion, furniture and ornaments.
- Greenline sells recycled paper as well as other office supplies.
- Iameco makes computer accessories from recycled and eco-friendly materials.
- Trex makes decking from 95% recycled wood and plastic film
- Greentoys have 100% recycled toys for younger children
You can also keep an eye on your buying habits can make a difference. For example, instead of buying plastic bottles buy a sustainable water bottle. The same goes for coffee cups, you are doing the environment a favour by getting a keepcup.
Smart Recycling
A good way to support the Aussie recycling industry is to make sure you are recycling properly. Even if you think you know the best way to recycle it is worth testing your knowledge. You might learn something new. The basics of smart recycling are to search for the little recycling symbol before chucking it into your yellow bin.
To start you off here is a list of things you should recycle:
- Basic containers and bottles
- Glass bottles, containers
- Metal cans and aluminium
- Scrap paper, letters, newspapers and magazines
- Cardboard
Things you shouldn’t be recycling:
- Polystyrene
- Take away containers
- Shredded paper as it should go into your green bin
- Styrofoam
- Foil
- Coffee cups
- Glad wrap and plastic bags
Some things, like plastic bags, you’ll need to check in with your local services to see if they recycle it.
If you’re not sure how to throw something away properly then take a moment to look it up. Don’t take anything for granted, you’d be surprised. Did you know that massive amounts of clothing are dumped in landfills every ten minutes? If you have old clothes, no matter how ragged, you should drop them off into collection bins where they can find a new life with somebody in need. Before you throw unwanted clothes away think about how you can reuse them in the home. For example, you can turn an old t-shirt into a tote bag.
Raise Awareness
If you care about the environment and are concerned about what the lack of recycling will do to our beautiful earth then make some noise. Contact your local council and let them know. On a smaller scale, you can encourage your friends and family to speak out as well. Inspire them to support recycling and let them know if they are recycling the wrong way.
Are you looking to scrap some metal? You can earn some money by recycling your scrap metal. Metal Man Recycling picks up and buys scrap metal. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on 03 5941 6677 today.