J&B Recycling Knowledge

Every year, World Environment Day encourages people to think about the actions they can take to protect our planet. While recycling is something many of us do every week, there are still some common misconceptions about what can and can't be recycled.

At J&B Recycling, we process over 200,000 tonnes of recyclable material every year. Materials are sorted using a combination of advanced technology and dedicated quality control teams, who work together to ensure as much material as possible can be recycled.

That's why what goes in your bin matters.

To mark World Environment Day, we're sharing five recycling facts we wish everyone knew.

1. Recycling Should Be Clean, Empty and Dry

One of the simplest ways to improve recycling quality is to make sure items are clean, empty and dry before placing them in the recycling bin.

Food residue and liquids can contaminate recyclable materials, making them more difficult to process. A quick rinse of bottles, cans and containers can help keep valuable materials in circulation and reduce contamination.

2. Keep Plastic Bottle Lids On

Many people still remove bottle lids before recycling, but in most areas plastic bottle lids can be recycled when attached to the bottle.

Keeping the lid on prevents small pieces of plastic from being lost during the sorting process and helps ensure they are recovered alongside the bottle itself.

3. Batteries Should Never Be Placed in Recycling Bins

Batteries require their own recycling route and should never be placed in household recycling bins.

When batteries become damaged during collection or processing, they can spark and cause fires. These fires pose a serious risk to collection crews, recycling facility employees and equipment.

Many supermarkets and local recycling centres provide dedicated battery collection points where batteries can be disposed of safely.

4. Disposable Vapes Need Specialist Recycling

Disposable vapes contain batteries, plastics and electronic components, meaning they are classed as electrical waste.

When placed in household recycling or general waste bins, vapes can become damaged and create fire risks similar to batteries. Instead, they should be taken to a dedicated vape or electrical recycling collection point where materials can be safely recovered.

As the use of disposable vapes has increased, so too has the importance of ensuring they are recycled correctly.

5. Food Waste and Recycling Don't Mix

One of the most common causes of contamination in recycling is leftover food and drink. Items such as pizza boxes, yoghurt pots and sauce bottles can often be recycled, but only if they are empty and reasonably clean. Food residue and liquids can contaminate other recyclable materials, making them more difficult to process.

Before recycling, make sure containers are empty and give them a quick rinse where needed. Taking a few extra seconds can help improve the quality of recycling and ensure more materials can be successfully recycled.

As recycling guidance can vary between local authorities, it's always worth checking your local recycling rules.

Small Actions Make a Big Difference

Recycling plays an important role in conserving resources, reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future. While advanced sorting technology helps recover recyclable materials, everyone has a role to play in ensuring the right materials enter the recycling stream.

This World Environment Day, take a moment to think about your recycling habits. Small actions, repeated every day, can make a big difference.

If you're unsure whether an item can be recycled, check with your local authority or contact the J&B Recycling team for advice here Contact us