Did you know? All about recycling!
We should all be aware of how recycling helps our planet and it is so important that we all do our bit to slow down climate change.
Recycling is not a new concept - it started a long time ago …
- archaeological evidence indicates that glass was recycled as early as 330 AD
- the early Romans also recycled bronze coins into statues that could be sold at a higher monetary value than the original coins
- by the start of the 1900s, books were being bought at auctions in the UK for the purpose of recycling the fibre content into new paper
- recycling’s popularity grew after 1939 when World War Two resulted in food rationing and a shortage of everyday use products
- in the 1960s drinks companies offered money back for the return of the glass bottles. Those of a certain age will remember that occasionally we’d be treated to a bottle of cherryade or cream soda and get money (about tuppence) back on the bottle and it needed to be clean!
- the UK’s first bottle bank came into use in 1977
It is safe to say that recycling started in the UK early in the 20th century.
It was not until 2003 that the Household Waste Recycling Act was passed, which required local authorities in England to provide every household with a separate collection of at least two types of recyclable materials by 2010.
Thankfully recycling has evolved and continues to do so, if you are still unsure what you can and can’t recycle, click here: Waste and recycling - West Sussex County Council
West Sussex County Council have been running a fabulous campaign called ‘Think before you throw’ – they have created some great videos which you can see here: Think Before You Throw - West Sussex County Council
Please follow West Sussex Recycles on Facebook or on X (formerly Twitter) (15) West Sussex recycles (@WSrecycles) / X (twitter.com) for all the latest information on recycling.
Let’s all do our bit to help save our planet!