Rescue Me, Recycle: the items people still miss

More than half of UK households throw away at least one item that could have been recycled at home, according to Recycle Now, which has been running its annual Recycle Week campaign this month.

This year's theme is "Rescue Me! Recycle", focusing on commonly missed items that end up in the general waste bin. Recycle Week ran from 14 to 20 September, with partners running activities across a wider period until 27 September.

The figures

• 88 per cent of UK households say they regularly recycle
• 57 per cent miss one or more items that could be recycled at the kerbside
• 87 per cent try to recycle at least one item that is not accepted in kerbside collections

Commonly missed items

Items that are often thrown away but can usually be recycled include aerosol cans, empty cleaning spray bottles, toiletry bottles from the bathroom, food tins and foil trays. This year's campaign also highlights toothpaste tubes, some of which are now recyclable for the first time thanks to new designs from manufacturers.

Common mistakes

At the same time, many people put items in the recycling that cannot be processed, which can contaminate a whole load. Common culprits include plastic bags and film, nappies, food waste and batteries, which can cause fires in bin lorries and recycling plants.

Check what Birmingham collects

What can go in your recycling bin depends on where you live. Birmingham City Council publishes a list of what goes in each bin on its website. The council has been piloting changes to bin collections this year, and residents should follow the latest guidance for their area.

Batteries and electricals

Old batteries, vapes and small electrical items should never go in household bins. Many supermarkets have battery collection points, and the council's household recycling centres accept electricals.

Why it matters

Recycling saves raw materials and energy and reduces the amount of waste sent to incineration or landfill. It can also save councils money.