Other Recycling
About Recycle For Merthyr
Welcome to Recycle for Merthyr, your recycling portal in Merthyr Tydfil. Learn more about why you should recycle, how to recycle and how you can do more to recycle.
Each year millions of tonnes of packaging are used to protect the billions of goods used by UK households and industry.
If the packaging used by manufacturers was not fit for purpose the resulting damaged products or wasted food would probably have far more of an environmental impact than the impact of producing the packaging in the first place. [1]
Many of the UKs leading retailers, brand owners, manufacturers and suppliers have signed up to an initiative called theCourtauld Commitment. This is a voluntary agreement aimed at improving resource efficiency and reducing the carbon and wider environmental impact of the grocery sector.
Manufacturers are working hard to ensure that packaging is designed to reduce its impact of the environment. To minimise the amount of packaging material used and, wherever possible, use materials that can be recycled.
These include the following actions:
What can I do to reduce packaging?
The products you choose to buy can have a big influence on the amount of waste produced. Looking out for products with reduced packaging can make a big difference. Why not use our packaging reduction tips and examples next time you are out shopping!
Look out for products with reduced packaging, and avoid products which you feel are over-packaged such as ready meals, plastic wrapped bananas, individually wrapped biscuits etc. Wherever possible buy products packaged in recyclable materials such as cardboard.
Concentrated products contain less water so can reduce packaging by over 50%. Fabric conditioner, squash, liquid detergent and handwash are all examples of concentrated or refillable products. Follow manufacturers’ instructions on cleaning products to make sure that you use the right amounts of these products.
Buy your fruit and veg loose, rather than pre-packed. Also, is it also possible to place the items loose in your shopping trolley rather than bagging them up.
We all want to help do “our bit” for the environment, an easy place to start is your kitchen cupboard. Take a look at our packaging reduction hints and examples for ways that you can start reusing your packaging today!
Refills can reduce the amount of packaging used by up to 75% and can also save you money too. Many household washing detergents and cleaning products are available in refillable packaging.
Take your own reusable shopping bags next time you visit the supermarket. Tips to help you remember your bag
Reuse food containers and drinks bottles for storing food and packed lunches. Margarine tubs are great for home freezing. Boxes and packing cases can also be used for your own parcels and storage.
There is a link to WRAPs website giving more information on thishttp://www.wrap.org.uk/category/initiatives/courtauld-commitment