In a bid to encourage Wokingham Borough residents to recycle more, follow some of these handy tips.
Don't throw away your milk bottle tops
We've recently installed a bin in our Shute End reception for visitors to drop off their milk bottle tops.
These bottle tops are collected by GHS Recycling and all the funds generated from them will go to the Mayor's charity which is Wokingham Mencap. Two more collection points are at Wokingham and Woodley libraries where milk bottle tops can be recycled.
Remember to also recycle your household batteries. These are hazardous and should not be disposed of in general waste and black recycling boxes. There are also a number of recycling points around the Borough, at council offices and libraries where you can recycle them.
Think before you bin, can you still use it?
The average family throws away £700 of food a year. By planning meals, only buying what you need, storing food properly, freezing and using leftovers for other dishes, you can help reduce the 15million tonnes of food waste generated in the UK every year.
A better understanding of food labels can also cut waste. ‘Best before’ dates refer to quality rather than food safety. The food should still be safe to eat for a while after that date has passed.
'Use by' and 'eat within' instructions should be followed carefully, but 'display until' dates are a guide for shop staff, not consumers.
For food saving ideas, follow re3 Recycling on Facebook or find them on Twitter.
Rewarding recycling
Join Greenredeem today and get rewarded for recycling. There are more than 100 ways to reward yourself, including donating to schools. It's free to register and if you join today you can earn an extra 150 points.
When registered, carry on recycling as normal and then once a week just let Greenredeem know you've recycled. You'll earn 10 points which can be used for great rewards in a number of local shops, restaurants and leisure centres.
Joining is easy; register on the Greenredeem website, download the free app for iPhone and Android or call 0844 409 9490.
Remember you can recycle paper, cardboard, plastic bottles (only), food tins, drinks cans and aerosols.
Think green, act green
This year's recycling week (September 12 to 18) is all about looking out for items you might otherwise throw in the bin.
A prime example is worn out clothing, which cannot be donated to charity shops. Clothing can be discarded in one of the household waste recycling centres at Reading or Bracknell.
Also, look for the recyclable items in the bathroom which are easily missed from recycling e.g. toilet roll tubes, shampoo and cleaning bottles. You can also recycle old paint and books too.
Come and see us in Asda, Lower Earley on 13 September, Sainsbury's, Winnersh on 15 September, and Dinton Pastures on 16 September for some hints and tips.
