Cllr Laura Robertson-Collins, the Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods, and Streetscene at Liverpool City Council, is raising awareness about waste reduction and the importance of recycling. With the start of the new year, January is an ideal time to adopt new habits. Even small changes can make a big difference in reducing the amount of waste we generate and recycle.
As much as recycling is necessary, it is also essential to reduce waste in the first place. Before going out for shopping, it is helpful to prepare a list of items needed and check the cupboards, so that we buy only what we require. Furthermore, we can donate old items to charity shops or community groups instead of throwing them out. The less waste we create, the easier it is to manage our bins.
The recycling rate in Liverpool is currently only 17.9%, which is quite low compared to the national average. It is our collective responsibility to minimize waste and recycle correctly. Over 30% of the things we throw in purple bins are recyclable. Knowing what items we can recycle, such as plastic bottles, jars, and cans, can be helpful. Websites like Recycle Right have a useful search tool to help with uncertainty.
Contamination in our bins can also have an adverse impact on the recyclability of goods. Almost a quarter of what we throw in our blue bins cannot be recycled due to contamination. The putting of recycling in bags instead of leaving it loose in the blue bin or leaving food in the bottom of a tin are examples of contamination. Simple changes like rinsing food containers before throwing them away can significantly reduce this number. Garden and food waste can be put into a home composting bin, which is beneficial not only for decomposing but also for producing rich compost for gardening.
Recycling doesn’t just benefit us but also the planet. Saving taxpayer money in the millions, being environmentally responsible will help make Liverpool a greener place to live, work, and visit. Moving towards the future, we must do our bit in taking care of the planet for our children and grandchildren. Although national changes to the way we recycle are coming in 2026 and beyond, we should start taking action this year for our present and future.
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