UK - 10 Reasons Why We Should Recycle Explained by 1st Choice Waste Management

Times have changed drastically in the last 10 plus years as prior to this the waste from homes and landfills was something that no one paid attention to or were even aware of the negative impact and consequences on the environment. We have improved but we still have a long way to go when it comes to our home and business waste and how we recycle.

In truth plastic and non-recyclable packaging being dumped in landfills or in rivers, oceans and forests around the world increased a huge amount as companies around the world started to use plastic and non-recyclable packaging for internet deliveries, supermarket food, products using marketing packaging and so much more.

it took until 2003 for the Household Waste Recycling Act to be passed. This law required all local authorities in England to provide every household with a separate collection of at least two types of recyclable materials by 2010.

We are now all much more aware that it is everyone’s responsibility across the world to act now to prevent the further consequences of landfill waste and the more we can refuse, reduce, reuse and recycle the better. Sadly, the UK has some of the worst recycling levels in Western Europe and this is something we can all work towards changing.

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1. Reduces Carbon Emissions

By recycling, you are minimising the number of carbon emissions that are being released into the atmosphere. When waste isn’t recycled and is put into landfill it eventually combusts and releases dangerous gases into the atmosphere.

Many more people now realise that everyone needs to play a role in minimising the effects of pollution and emissions but there are still more people in the world who need to be convinced.

Research has shown that one tree can remove 250lbs of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year. Additional carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases the greenhouse effect which means more thermal energy is trapped by the atmosphere, causing the planet to become warmer than it would be naturally. This increase in the Earth’s temperature is called global warming.

Recycling is needed to keep our planet clean, reduce pollution and to prevent deforestation which impacts humans and wildlife as well.

2. Improves the Quality of Groundwater

If landfills continue to grow and additional ones developed the quality of groundwater will deteriorate. Many landfill companies don’t treat their landfills as they should and will dispose of waste in a hole in the ground with no protection. A large percentage of waste in landfills is neither biodegradable nor eco-friendly and contaminants from the waste find their way into the groundwater supply. Typically this happens when rain or runoff water from landfills are carried through the land and into water bodies such as streams and rivers. This damages and often destroys the already fragile ecosystems and renders the once freshwater and safe waters too risky to drink.

Recycling our waste prevents this dangerous water cycle impact.

You can read our full 10 Reasons to Recycle here.