UK households produced 30.5 million tonnes of waste in 2003/04, of which 17% was collected for recycling. (source: defra.gov.uk) This figure is still quite low compared to some of our neighbouring EU countries, some recycling over 50% of their waste. There is still a great deal of waste which could be recycled that ends up in landfill sites which is harmful to the environment.
Recycling is an excellent way of saving energy and conserving the environment.
Did you know that:
- 1 recycled tin can would save enough energy to power a television for 3 hours.
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1 recycled glass bottle would save enough energy to power a computer for 25 minutes.
- 1 recycled plastic bottle would save enough energy to power a 60-watt light bulb for 3 hours.
- 70% less energy is required to recycle paper compared with making it from raw materials.
Some Interesting Recycling Facts
- Up to 60% of the rubbish that ends up in the dustbin could be recycled.
- The unrealeased energy contained in the average dustbin each year could power a television for 5,000 hours.
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The largest lake in Britain could be filled with rubbish from the UK in 8 months.
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On average, 16% of the money you spend on a product pays for the packaging, which ultimately ends up as rubbish.
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As much as 50% of waste in the average dustbin could be composted.
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Up to 80% of a vehicle can be recycled.
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9 out of 10 people would recycle more if it were made easier.