Recycling

What can I recycle?

Recycling is one of the easiest ways to help save the planet. Check out the recycling directory to find out about recycling initiatives in your area.

Put separate containers for paper, glass and plastics in your kitchen or garage and start dividing your waste. Many recycling service providers don’t even require that you separate the various recyclables in which case you can have them all in one bin. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with how few things you actually have to throw out. Soon you’ll think differently about waste. Suddenly a yogurt tub is not rubbish, but a nifty container and a jam jar becomes a new flower pot...

Here’s a guide to recyclables:

Paper

• Newspapers
• Cardboard boxes
• Cereal cartons
• Chocolate boxes
• Toilet roll inners
• Egg boxes
• Gift wrap
• Magazines
• Tetrapak containers

Glass

• Wine bottles
• Beer bottles
• Chutney bottles
• Jam jars

Metal

• Cool drink cans
• Food cans
• Lids and tops

Plastic (Check for the P codes on the bottles):

PET-1

• Water bottles
• Soft drinks
• Cooking oils
• Dishwashing liquid
• Juice
• Hard plastic fruit trays

PE-HD-2

• Most detergents
• Shampoo
• Milk
• Thin plastic bags

PE-LD-4

• Thin plastic bags eg: Sliced bread
• Milk bags
• Six pack shrink wraps for beer
• Magazine wrappers
• Bulk toilet roll wrappers
• Fruit and vegetable bags
• Bubble wrap
• Thick shopping bags

PP-5

• Ice cream tubs
• Yogurt
• Margarine
• Feta
• Ready-made meal trays
• Fruit trays

PS-6

• Foamed meat trays
• Fast food clamshells

Plastics that CAN’T be recycled

PS-6

• Coat hangers

Complex laminates:

• Pet food pouches
• Soup pouches
• Bacon vacuum packs.

SOURCE: WWF South Africa