Somerset
Council and their collections contractor, SUEZ recycling and recovery UK are
among the first in the country to start collecting empty toothpaste tubes for
recycling at the kerbside.
Recent
changes to the materials used in the production of toothpaste tubes means
that most can now be recycled in the Bright Blue Bag – so long as it says
‘recyclable’ on the tube.
Nationally,
it is estimated that around 3 million toothpaste tubes are thrown away each
year.
Councillor
Richard Wilkins said: “We’re always looking at ways to recycle more materials
from home. With toothpaste tubes an item that everyone has, being able to
recycle from home is great news.
“By
simply using up as much as possible and placing them in your bright blue
recycling bag, you can help reduce plastic waste from being thrown in the
bin.”
Adam
Herriott, Senior Sector Specialist at WRAP (the
Waste and Resources Action Programme) commented: “It’s fantastic news that
toothpaste tubes are now recyclable and Somerset is leading the way by
collecting them.”
Residents
should make sure they have squeezed out as much as possible and check that
their toothpaste tubes are made from recyclable materials. Most toothpaste
tubes are, but it’s always good to double-check – look for the recycling
symbol.
Other
types of toothpaste containers, including plastic pumps and metal tubes can
also be recycled via the Bright Blue Bag.
The
bag can also be used to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays, tins, cans,
foil and aerosols. The materials are sorted at a Materials Recycling Facility
to be reprocessed into new products and packaging.
Residents
can check online for details of what items can be collected from the
kerbside: www.somerset.gov.uk/waste
Somerset
Council publish an annual recycling tracker showing residents where their
recycling goes. Last year 96% of Somerset’s recycling stayed in the UK.
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