The UK produces around 100 million tonnes of waste every year and a lot of this rubbish ends up in landfill sites. As waste decomposes, it releases methane and carbon dioxide (CO2) and these greenhouse gases have a significant negative impact on our environment.
Methane and carbon dioxide make up 90 to 98% of landfill gas, so it’s important that we take steps to reduce how much waste we send to landfill each year. Many of us are already making conscious efforts to recycle more, buy less plastic packaging and shop for clothes second hand, but there are always extra steps you can take. If you’d like to reduce the amount of waste produced by your home or business, read on for four small changes you can make.
Plastic waste takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfill sites and loose plastic bags can also cause harm to wildlife in our oceans. Get into the habit of carrying a reusable recycled plastic or cloth bag each time you go to the supermarket to reduce the amount of plastic bags you use. Keep them by the door or in the boot of your car so that they’re easier to remember and you always have one to hand.
Food waste is a huge problem in UK households and research shows that 70% of the food we throw away is edible. Taking the time to plan your meals for the week is one of the best ways to be more efficient and waste less food. You can also batch cook meals for the freezer if ingredients are close to going off.
If you’re still struggling with food waste, set up a compost in the garden instead of throwing it in the bin. Compost is packed full of nutrients which are beneficial to your garden, so everyone wins.
If you’re fed up of a pile of junk mail by the door, take a few minutes to cancel any unnecessary subscriptions or ask for emails instead. The same goes in the office; think carefully before printing something and consider emailing documents instead of printing them off.
We’re committed to recycling materials and reducing waste here at Hazell and Jefferies, which is why we’re proud to operate a recycling centre from an Environmental Agency Registered Waste Management Centre. Based near Benson, Oxfordshire, we offer skip hire and recycled aggregates for both domestic and commercial customers, and will sort through each skip to ensure as much waste is recycled as possible. For more information about any of our recycling services, give us a call today or visit our website.
