Recycling cuts down on the use of natural resources and fossil energy from the processing and transport of waste.

But before we recycle, we should remember the ‘3 R’s - reduce, reuse, THEN recycle. By reducing and reusing items, we don’t have to recycle or throw away as much, cutting back even further on energy, resources and emissions of greenhouse gases.

Reduce

• Try and take your own bags when you go shopping.
• Reduce the junk mail you receive by writing to:
The Mailing Preference Service, Freepost 22, London,
W1E 7EZ
• Buy products that have less or no packaging.

Reuse

• Take any unwanted items to charity shops or put them in clothes bins at recycling sites.

• Reuse envelopes by covering the address with labels.
Invent new uses for old containers. For example, margarine tubs and can be used for storing or freezing food.

• If you have a baby, consider using washable cotton nappies. You can wash them yourself or use an organisation that offer a laundering service in Guildford.
Call 01483 445084 for details.

Recycle

For a full list of how and where to recycle in Guildford Borough, see the Guildford Borough Council recycling directory. You can get this by calling the recycling hotline on 01483 445084.

If your home is part of Guildford Borough Council’s kerbside recycling scheme, fill up your green and purple boxes for them to collect. Here’s how it works:

A green and purple recycling box is put out on the kerbside on the specified day of collection. The Council will empty these boxes and take the materials to Slyfield Refuse Transfer Station for recycling.

The green box is used for food tins, drinks cans, glass bottles and jars. The purple box is for all types of paper, including newspapers and magazines, card, junk mail, office paper, directories and catalogues.

Drop any items that aren’t collected but can be recycled at collection points when passing.