Recycle

The last of the 3R’s but just as important as the others in minimising waste and helping to maintain our environment. Here is a quick guide to Recycling.

Plastics – can be Recycled to make new plastics. They can also be used to make fibres. In the Western Isles we accept mixed plastics in the Kerbside Collections or Recycling Banks. These are baled and sent to the mainland for reprocessing. Please rinse plastics and remove any non-plastic labels that are on the container. Plastic lids can also be Recycled but please remove them and crush plastic bottles and containers to save space in the Recycling Banks.

Examples of plastics for Recycling are milk containers, juice bottles, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles etc.

Paper – is Recycled in two different ways in the Western Isles. Newspapers are shredded and then made into bales of 25kg for use as animal bedding. The product is known as SiarShred and is available locally. SiarShred is an excellent alternative to straw or hay and can be composted after use.

The paper that is not used for SiarShred is transported to the mainland. There it is sorted and sent for pulping to make new paper or other paper products.

Examples of paper products for Recycling are newspapers, magazines, catalogues, telephone directories, greetings cards and office paper.

Glass – that is sent for Recycling in the Western Isles is used exclusively locally. The glass is processed to produce three grades of glass for use in homes, gardens or construction. This product is called SiarGlass. The larger grades are used in and around the garden for pathways and as a mulch. It can also be used in drainage applications or mixed with concrete to produce decorative products. The smaller grade of SiarGlass (glass sand) can be used in concrete mixes or as a top dressing for turf areas.

All types of glass can be Recycled in the Western Isles and colours do not need to be separated. Items such as Pyrex or ceramics should not be Recycled with glass.

Metals – can all be recycled for use again. Cans may be placed into the Recycling Banks, both steel and aluminium. These are separated and baled separately for transport to the mainland where they will be processed for Recycling. End of life vehicles are also baled and sent to the mainland for Recycling.

Cartridges – are accepted by a number of charities for Recycling. They have a small residual value that assists the charities in fundraising.

Mobile phones – are also now accepted by many charities for Recycling. They also have a value that assists the charities in raising funds.