Recycle

Recycling symbol

Recycling puts all or part of an item, which has served its purpose, to another use in some other product. The internationally recognized symbol for it includes three arrows moving in a triangle. Each arrow represents a different part of the process, from collection to re-manufacture to resale.

What can be recycled?

Many materials that are disposed of in the bin can be recycled or reused in some way. Much is recycled at the moment, but few people are aware of the full extent of what can be recycled.

• Paper: Newspapers, office stationery, computer printouts, and cardboard are recycled by companies in Ireland as writing pads, cardboard, egg boxes, toilet rolls and animal bedding.
• Glass: When sorted into three basic colours (clear, brown and green) and crushed, it can be recycled into glass products. The crushed product can also be used for road metalling.

The three bin system

One of the easiest way to bring recycling into your home or work place is to start a bin system. The image shows a three bin system, but there are many varieties depending on the waste you or your surroundings are creating.

Copyright Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The three bin system
Copyright Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

The three bin system

One of the easiest way to bring recycling into your home or work place is to start a bin system. The image shows a three bin system, but there are many varieties depending on the waste you or your surroundings are creating.

Copyright Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Enlarge image

• Oil: Used engine and other lubricating oils have been recycled in Ireland by a number of waste oil companies since 1973. Recycled oil is reprocessed and sold as low-grade industrial lubricant.
• Metals: Ferrous and non-ferrous metals have a long history of recycling. However large quantities of metals are still illegally dumped, including aluminium and tin cans, household utensils and equipment.
• Plastics: Only a limited quantity of the wide variety of plastics in use are recycled at present.  It is estimated that over 70 million PET bottles are sold every year in Ireland and improper disposal of even a very small proportion makes a significant contribution to environmental litter.
• Clothes: Good quality secondhand clothes, blankets and other furnishings have long been sought after for charitable purposes.
•  Compost: Vegetable peelings, tea leaves, garden refuse and small quantities of shredded and soaked newspapers can be composted for use as a valuable garden fertilizer.
•  Other Materials: This includes car tyres, household equipment such as old pots, washing machines, fridges and timber.

Recycling saves on:

• Energy
• Raw materials
• Waste disposal costs
• Import bills
• Trees
• The need for landfill sites