Know your recycling guidelines: Start by familiarising yourself with the recycling guidelines provided by your local waste management authority. Each area may have specific requirements regarding accepted materials and recycling processes. Keep an eye out for changes or updates in the guidelines to stay informed and adjust your recycling practices accordingly.

Avoid wishful recycling: To reduce contamination, it’s crucial to only recycle materials that are accepted in your area. Avoid “wishful recycling,” where you put items in the recycling bin hoping they will be recycled, even if they’re not explicitly listed as recyclable. These items can cause sorting issues and increase the chances of contamination.

Rinse containers: Before tossing recyclable containers, such as plastic bottles, glass jars, or aluminium cans, rinse them to remove any remaining food residue or liquid. This step helps prevent contamination, improves the quality of recycled materials, and reduces unpleasant odours.

Separate materials correctly: Take the time to sort your recyclables correctly. Keep paper and cardboard separate from plastic, glass, and metal items. This practice ensures that each material can be processed efficiently and prevents cross-contamination. Consider using separate bins or designated areas in your home to make sorting easier and more convenient.

Keep non-recyclables out: Be aware of non-recyclable materials and keep them out of your recycling bin. Items such as plastic bags, polystyrene, and certain types of plastics (e.g., black plastic trays) are generally not accepted in recycling programs. Educate yourself about the specific non-recyclables in your area and dispose of them appropriately.

Avoid bagging recyclables: Placing recyclables inside plastic bags before tossing them in the recycling bin can create sorting challenges at recycling facilities. Whenever possible, place recyclables loosely in the bin to ensure easy identification and processing.

Educate your household: Involve everyone in your household in the recycling effort. Teach your family members, roommates, or colleagues about the importance of proper recycling practices and provide clear instructions on what can and cannot be recycled. Consider putting up informative posters or reminders near recycling bins to encourage responsible disposal.

Reduce overall waste: Recycling should be the last resort. Embrace a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing waste generation in the first place. Opt for reusable products, say no to single-use plastics, and compost organic waste whenever possible. By minimising waste, you can lessen the burden on recycling systems and promote a greener environment.