Reducing, reusing and then recycling waste

We all have a part to play in what happens to our waste and things we no longer want.

After your waste has been collected by your local council or taken to one of our household waste recycling centres, we find the most sustainable way to deal with it. We aim to first reduce, then reuse, then recycle what you discard and recover energy from any waste that remains.

People living in Kent are already very good at recycling, which is a great first step, but you can do even better for the planet and your pockets by reducing the amount of waste you produce. This means buying less and increasing the life of things you already have.

Tips for reducing waste

• Check you need an item before buying it.
• See if something you already have could be used, repaired or improved instead of buying new.
• Borrow or rent an item.
• Gift an experience or vouchers, rather than more items.

Reuse tips

• Regift items you don’t need.
• Buy gifts, clothes, furniture and more from charity shops and shop for preloved items online.
• Swap single use cups, straws, cutlery, plates and decorations for ones you can use over and over again.

Recycling
Recycling is a great way to reduce waste by using what you throw away to create new products or materials.

• Recycle items using your kerbside recycling bins. Thanet District Council’s website lists services and what you can put in the bin – visit Waste and Recycling - www.thanet.gov.uk/services/waste-and-recycling/
• Compost garden and food waste, either at home or through Thanet District Council waste collections.
• Recycle items at our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC’s) – visit www.kent.gov.uk/environment-waste-and-planning/rubbish-and-recycling/household-waste-recycling-centres/find-your-nearest-tip
• Find recycling points in your area for things like carrier bags, coffee pods and cat food pouches.
• Recycle your electrical items - you can watch a video about how electrical items are recycled - www.youtube.com/watch?v=7msucy0Jl1c
• Use recycling litter bins when you're out.

Get your waste ready for our HWRC’s
If you need to visit one of our household recycling centres, please sort your items before you arrive. Watch our video above to learn how to sort out your recycling.
We need your paper and card, plastic, textiles and electrical items separated so that we can give those items another chance in life! Our staff will be there every day except bank holidays, ready to help you recycle as much as possible.
You can also check where to recycle items, by using the portal provided by www.recyclenow.com. This suggests where and how you might be able to recycle obscure items - www.recyclenow.com/recycle-an-item

Written by:
Kent County Council