This blog post will explore the significance of Recycling Week, its history, the environmental impact of recycling. We will also discuss new approaches and useful campaigns that individuals, businesses, and governments can adopt to contribute to a more sustainable future.

What is Recycling Week?

Recycling Week was first established in 2003, by the UK charity WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme). The event aims to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and encourage people to take action.

As part of this year’s 20^th anniversary of Recycling Week, WRAP will be hosting the very first Recycling Summit from 17-19 October 2023, learn more about the Recycling Summit.

The event’s long history is a testament to the ongoing need for collective action to increase the awareness and education around recycling. According to the Office of Science and Technology, England’s municipal waste recycling and composting rates were just 19% in 2004 but were even lower the previous year at 15%. Since then, recycling has gained considerable traction and according to government statistics, the recycling rate for England in 2022 was 44%.

This shows a huge increase in the amount of waste that is recycled and initiatives like recycling week have been extremely instrumental in helping achieve this, although other factors have of course also had an impact.

Recycling Week’s role is to help raise awareness of recycling practice and initiatives while also educating people on how they can make a difference; in turn this has resulted in increased recycling efforts and new programmes or initiatives that help further the cause.

What are the Aims of Recycling Week?

According to WRAP, Recycling Week is “the one week of the year where retailers, brands, waste management companies, trade associations, governments and the media come together to achieve one goal: to galvanise the public into recycling more of the right things, more often”

Recycling is more than just a feel-good activity or part of your waste management at home; it’s a key component of our global efforts to combat climate change and preserve our planet’s resources. This means that recycling is more than reducing landfill waste, it’s about caring for our environment and making sure that we are managing the impact of our consumption.

The objectives of Recycling Week therefore include:

• Reduced Carbon Emissions – recycling not only conserves raw materials but also reduces the energy needed to produce new products. For example, recycling aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy required for primary aluminium production, significantly lowering carbon emissions.
• Preserving Biodiversity – mining and logging for raw materials can lead to habitat destruction and endanger wildlife. Recycling lessens the need for such activities, thus aiding in biodiversity conservation.
• Water Conservation – the extraction and processing of raw materials consume vast amounts of water. Recycling can help reduce the water footprint of various industries, safeguarding our water resources.
• Energy Efficiency – recycling paper consumes 40% less energy than manufacturing it from scratch, reducing the strain on power grids and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
• Reduced Landfill Pollution – landfills are a significant source of environmental pollution. By recycling, we reduce the amount of waste destined for landfills, ultimately mitigating soil and water contamination. A ‘Zero Waste to Landfill’ approach is instrumental in helping achieve this.

Recycling Week 2023: The Big Recycling Hunt

This year’s theme is The Big Recycling Hunt which focusses on ‘missed capture’. This refers to items in your home that can actually be recycled but are commonly missed or just not regularly recycled.

Recycling Week will also include other initiatives such as specific education campaigns and more conversations about recycling. One of the focusses will therefore be on schools which will involve ‘encouraging the country’s children to partake in fun activities throughout Recycle Week’. WRAP has also called for increased engagement from local authorities and companies to help relay key messaging about recycling efforts.

Here are some ideas for how you can get involved:

Education and Awareness

Schools and colleges can host workshops and awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of recycling and how to do it effectively. This is a great idea to get children and teenagers involved as communicating the importance of recycling can help encourage the next generation to have a positive and active approach to protecting the environment and preserving our resources.

>Learn more about how waste management can help public health

Zero-Waste Challenges

Anyone can participate in zero-waste challenges, so this is a great idea for schools, universities, and even local community groups. The aim is to reduce waste generation to a minimum and the competition aspect helps with the ‘gamification’ of recycling.

These challenges can be very effective as they can create an eye-opening experience that demonstrates just how much waste can be avoided through conscious choices.

E-Waste Collection Drives

As electronic waste continues to be a growing problem, Recycling Week can serve as an excellent opportunity to organize e-waste collection drives. Old electronics can be recycled or refurbished, reducing the environmental impact.

> Learn more about why you should recycle Electronics

Community Clean-up Events

You could organize neighbourhood clean-ups to remove litter and discarded items from public spaces. It’s important to encourage proper disposal and recycling during these events. These types of initiatives are great as they help to instil a sense of ownership in local communities while also helping to bring people closer together while working towards a shared goal of a cleaner community.

The Global Impact of Recycling Week

Although Recycling Week is run by a company in the UK and all the campaigns focus on recycling efforts in the UK, the initiative resonates with the global need for sustainability.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals include responsible consumption and production, emphasizing the importance of recycling in a broader context. Recycling is integral to achieving these goals, which aim to address critical global challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity.

Whether it’s a business, community, or an individual household, we are all obliged to take part in recycling more and make a difference. So, Recycling Week can be used as way for us to play our part in the global drive to reduce landfill waste and the impact on the environment.

Therefore, by raising awareness, actively participating in events, and embracing innovative recycling solutions, we can make Recycling Week 2023 a significant milestone in the journey toward a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable planet.

Related articles:

• World Recycling Day
• How to achieve a Zero Waste Landfill Strategy

The post Recycling Week 2023 appeared first on MexLucky.

Introducing your expert waste management partner – MexLucky! Founded in 2010, we’re a significant player in recycling around Bristol and Bath. We have a fleet of lorries that work hard to manage waste. Our goal? To keep Bristol’s waste away from landfills and provide a cost-effective, customer-focused service for you. With a family-driven team, we strive for trust, quality, and excellence. Contact us today for advice from Bristol’s leading waste management experts.

What is Resource Conservation?

Resource conservation is the careful management of valuable raw materials. You can manage resources through three simple steps: reduce, reuse, and recycle.

• Reduce: This is lowering the number of resources you use in the first place. When you use less resources, you save more for later and help protect the planet.
• Reuse: Instead of disposing of materials after one use, you can think of innovative ways to reuse them. An example is a plastic bottle you can refill many times instead of using a crate of plastic bottles and then throwing them away.
• Recycle: have you heard the saying one man’s trash is another man’s treasure? Recycling turns trash into treasure for everyone. You can transform materials like paper, glass and plastic and use them again, meaning you don’t need to make new resources from scratch.

By using responsible resource management, you’re planting seeds for a healthier planet in the future.

What are the Financial and Environmental Benefits of Resource Conservation?

Resource conservation saves you money because you spend less on throwing things away and can spend more on the things that matter to your business. By reducing your waste, you can cut down on waste disposal expenses. Not only can you save, but you can also make money by selling your recyclable materials like paper or metal, which means more revenue and a cleaner environment. Another example of savings is energy. If you’ve installed energy-efficient equipment, this can lower your energy bills over time.

As well as saving and making money, resource conservation is crucial for the environment. As you may know, climate change is increasingly looming. Poor resource conservation has a negative impact because it leads to issues like burning fossil fuels for disposal, deforestation for new products, industrial emissions and wasted energy. Open burning of waste or inefficient landfill practices due to too much excess leads to more greenhouse gases and global warming.

Poor resource usage worsens public health by making the air we breathe and the water we drink less safe, damages habitats, and puts our future at risk. Wrong use of resources also degrades the land, making the soil less fertile and contributing to desertification, which puts us at risk of famines. Ongoing environmental damage can eventually mean losing medicinal resources, water scarcity, increased disease risk, and natural disaster vulnerability. If we manage resources well, we can sustain the planet and avoid the terrible consequences of harmful resource management.

Why Should Businesses Care about Resource Conservation?

Businesses have good reasons to care about resource conservation:

1. Following the rules: laws and regulations exist to ensure you take good care of the environment. By conserving your resources, you can avoid running into problems and paying fines. You’ll also future-proof your business. As regulations become stricter and consumer preferences keep shifting towards eco-friendly options, you can stay confident that you’ll move forwards with them.
2. Maintaining your public image: reputation is crucial to a business’s success. In general, people like to see a company looking after the planet. Making an effort to keep your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will build you a positive image in the eyes of the public.
3. Making allies: when you participate in CSR, you open yourself to a network of like-minded investors and organisations. By conserving resources, you can win over supporters in the business world and help the environment and expand your network.
4. Boosting innovation: finding new ways to use resources can give your business a competitive edge. You might develop innovative products, processes, and technologies. All of this helps you stand out and beat your competition.
5. Staying strong during supply chain issues: sometimes, problems make it hard to get the needed resources. If your business can conserve resources, you can keep going even when times are tough.

Conclusion

For your business, practising resource conservation is like caring for a garden that symbolises your business’ growth and the planet’s health. As you give the garden the attention it needs, it’ll eventually flourish and give you a great return on the invested time and energy you put in.

We can all play a part in resource conservation. You can start by using supplies wisely, reducing your waste output, and participating in recycling.

You might feel daunted at the prospect of getting started. It could mean having to overhaul old systems that worked but still damaged the environment and wasted your reserves. MexLucky can help you get started on this journey. As experts in outsourced waste management and resource conservation, we can give you tailored advice and help implement efficient and robust practices to save you money and help save our planet.

If that sounds good to you, let’s take action today and start building a world where businesses and the environment can thrive together.

Contact us here now, and we’ll help guide you forwards.

Related Articles:

Recycling & Waste Management Tips for Small Businesses

Finding the Right Waste Management Company

How to Improve Waste Management

The post Resource Conservation – Why it Matters appeared first on MexLucky.

Stay on top of the changes with MexLucky. As experts in the fields of recycling and waste management, we’ve put together this article containing information on the new regulations, when they’ll come into effect, what they mean for you, the categories of wood affected, and a mention of other current and upcoming recycling legislation.

Receive expert support and advice about your wood waste – get in touch.

What are the New Wood Waste Regulations?

The new regulations surrounding wood waste management pertain to the handling and processing of certain classifications of hazardous and potentially hazardous wood waste from the construction and demolition (C&D) industry.

They are, in effect, the retraction of previous regulations. The particular piece of legislation was the Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250, which began taking effect on the 1^st of August 2021.

The RPS 250 allowed wood waste from the C&D industry which had to potential to be hazardous to be moved and processed as non-hazardous. This creates issues when hazardous materials are recycled or reused in sensitive applications and hinders recycling initiatives.

The changes have been brought about by extensive testing performed by the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA), undergone to determine the amount of hazardous waste content present in wood waste.

These changes will result in differences in the way we handle wood waste. This means further consideration for everyone when managing their wood waste, and an additional step for good waste management providers to ensure the greatest recovery from managed materials.

Find out about wood waste management services from MexLucky >

When will the Wood Waste Regulation Changes Take Effect?

The Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250 is to be withdrawn by the Environmental Agency (EA) as of the 1^st of September 2023. This will put into effect the classifications laid out by the testing from the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA).

This may not be the end of the changes – the WRA anticipates the designation of more categories as hazardous through the continuation of their testing.

What do the Wood Waste Regulations 2023 Mean for You?

If you’re handling your own recycling and waste management of your C&D wood waste, you will need to be more vigilant about what types of wood waste you are producing and where they end up. Certain classifications of wood which would have previously been recycled will now be considered hazardous and must be disposed of accordingly at a suitable facility.

However, the ten additional wood waste categories that have been designated as hazardous since the WRA testing only constitute less than 1% of the total wood waste in the UK. This means it is unlikely that the changes will have any real impact on your sustainability or carbon footprint, especially when you utilise good waste management services to handle your wood waste.

Contact us today for assistance navigating the new regulations with good waste management.

What Wood Waste Categories are Affected by the New Regulations?

The only types of wood waste affected by the new regulations from September 2023 are Grade D wood waste (classed as hazardous) and wood waste from pre-2007 structures (classed as potentially hazardous).

Hazardous Grade D wood waste sources include:

• Engineering
• Hydraulic
• Boats & ships
• Telegraph poles
• Trailer beds
• Railway sleepers
• Creosote treated wood
• Chromated copper arsenate (CCA) treated wood

Potentially hazardous pre-’07 wood waste sources include:

• Timber cladding
• Tiling and battens
• Fascias & Soffits
• External joinery
• Timber frames
• External doors
• Roof timbers
• Wooden conservatories

These lists are not exhaustive, and it is important to adhere to government regulations and updates from the WRA to ensure your wood waste management practices are fully compliant with the relevant legislation.

Can Grade D and Pre-’07 Wood Waste be Recycled?

It can – but only under certain circumstances. The items in question must first be tested and demonstrated as non-hazardous before they can be recycled. This may lead to additional time and monetary investments to ensure the highest amount of waste is recycled.

If the testing results in the wood waste being categorised as hazardous it will need to be separated, marked as hazardous, and properly disposed of as it would have been even without the testing.

Do the Regulations Affect Other Grades of Wood?

They might, depending on the source and grade of wood you’re dealing with.

Grade A wood waste is automatically categorised as non-hazardous.

Grade B, C, and construction & demolition (C&D) wood waste needs to be analysed as to whether it contains Grade D or pre-’07 wood: if it does, it needs to be tested or marked as hazardous; if it doesn’t it will be classified as non-hazardous.

Learn more about waste wood grades with our guide >

What is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Other regulations that might affect the way you handle your wood waste going forward include the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

The EPR represents a move from a tonnage-based waste hierarchy to a carbon-based system and is part of a group of policies which aim to focus on carbon cost as the central concept for Britain’s sustainable growth over the next two decades.

The EPR draws a distinction between small and large producers; large producers are those who have over 50 tonnes of packaging on the market and a turnover of over £2 million.

The policy is due to be introduced in 2025, but there are additional steps producers need to take from 2023 including reports on packaging data. This data collection began on the 1^st of January 2023, and there was an additional step for large producers on the 1^st of July 2023. The next step is on the 1^st of October 2023, with more to come in 2024 and beyond.

Waste Management and Recycling Services from MexLucky

If you’re a construction & demolition business that handles Grade D or pre-’07 wood, or a business who handles wood waste of any kind, you’ll need to keep up to date with the current changes in wood classification as well as future changes that the WRA may introduce. Using good waste management services from MexLucky can help you deal with these changes as they arise.

Handle the changes brought by the new wood waste regulations with ease by getting in touch. We offer a range of waste management and recycling services to help your business minimise its carbon footprint and meet legislative requirements for regulations in the UK.

Find out about our state-of-the-art Materials Recovering Facility (MRF) >

The post How are the Wood Waste Regulations 2023 Changing? appeared first on MexLucky.

At MexLucky, we’re not just here to inform you about waste management. We’re here to help you manage your waste while staying efficient.

Since our establishment in 1994, we have become one of the leading waste management providers in the Southwest. It’s our goal to make a greener world more straightforward for you to achieve. We strive to help Bristol reduce waste in landfills. We aim to do that while we provide you with an affordable, customer-focused service.

Contact MexLucky today to learn how we can move your business in the right direction.

The 7 Steps of Sustainable Waste Management

Step 1: Assess Current Waste Generation

You can assess your business’ waste generation by the types and amounts of waste you produce. Look at different areas of operation including manufacturing, office spaces, and employee facilities. Are there significant sources of litter from any particular areas?

Next, categorise your waste streams into recyclable, compostable, and non-recyclable materials. Track your waste generation over a specific period to pick up zones for improvement. This monitoring will be the foundation for building waste reduction and diversion practices.

Step 2: Develop a Waste Reduction Plan

With fresh knowledge of your waste generation, you can begin planning how to reduce it. If you’re overusing paper, you could employ double-sided printing, reduced paper usage and electronic communication.

Engage stakeholders from different departments and have them communicate your strategy to employees. Prioritise your business’s worst waste areas first, then create a plan for the less alarming issues.

You can also reduce waste from the source. You could achieve this by optimising your production processes or using lean manufacturing principles. Think about packaging – can you use recyclable or biodegradable materials? Consider whether this is workable for your company’s procedures. By using waste reduction, you can lower your ecological impact while lowering costs.

Step 3: Establish a Recycling Program

To establish a recycling program, you can start by identifying what recyclable products your business uses. Typical materials include:

• Paper
• Glass
• Cardboard
• Plastic

As well as setting up labelled recycling bins throughout your premises, educate your employees. You can do this by providing clear instructions on posters by bins, informational emails, and staff training sessions. The key is to build a culture within your team where recycling is the norm.

Many businesses’ recyclable products sadly end up in landfill. You can easily stop this by working with local waste management companies for better processing.

Learn about the waste management regulations for businesses. >

Step 4: Introduce Composting Practices

If your business produces organic waste, composting keeps reusable materials out of landfill. Offices often make a lot of compostable waste from coffee grounds and food waste. Businesses working outdoors or directly with plants may produce reusable organic waste as part of their daily activities.

By composting, you lower waste and contribute to soil health and conservation. Consider reaching out to community gardens or urban farms. These institutions can use the nutrient-rich compost your company produces. This is also a great opportunity to engage employees with the local community and help boost morale.

Step 5: Explore Waste-to-Energy Solutions

Where you’re unable to throw an item in the recycling or composting bins, consider waste-to-energy solutions. This technology can convert non-recyclable waste into energy. It reduces the need for fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. Have a look into local waste-to-energy facilities. Can you partner with any to boost your business’ sustainability?

You must still implement and prioritise recycling and composting practices over waste-to-energy solutions. It’s great to get energy from used materials, but even better to reduce waste generation and maximise recycled materials. This helps save the planet and advance the circular economy. Waste-to-energy technologies also still produce emissions and have an environmental impact. This puts them lower on the waste hierarchy.

Find out more about how good waste management can affect health in your community. >

Step 6: Include Employees

A crucial part of sustainability is creating a culture of responsibility. As well as training sessions, you can provide your team with:

• Recycling guides.

• Tips for waste reduction.

• Resources to take part in waste management programs.

Recognise and celebrate achievements in waste management. Showcase employees who have made significant contributions. You can offer incentives such as bonuses for positive activity in waste management. Alongside monetary rewards, you can also provide employees time out of office. Options such as away days allow them to commit to waste management projects. You can help motivate and inspire a sustainable culture by actively engaging with your team.

Step 7: Monitor and Improve

Sustainable waste management practices need ongoing attention. You can’t forget about them once you’ve implemented them. Establish systems to track waste generation, recycling rates, and other key performance indicators. Using this data, review your progress and adjust as needed. Ask your employees for feedback and get further ideas to streamline your practices. Keep updated on technologies and changes in the industry that affect your plan.

Take responsibility. Stay at the forefront of sustainable practices for businesses in your industry.

Sustainable Waste Management with MexLucky

Sustainable waste management is great for the environment and your company’s culture. By following our step-by-step process, you can reduce waste, boost recycling, and improve metrics.

MexLucky is a trusted waste management firm that can provide you with qualified guidance. We can help create expert strategies tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Let’s join forces to embrace ecological responsibility and create a more sustainable future.

Contact MexLucky today to receive a tailored quote or read on with some related articles.

Check out our guide on maintaining wheelie bins. >

Read our blog post which answers the question: what is trade waste?

The post How to Manage Waste Sustainably appeared first on MexLucky.

A waste stream is defined as the flow of waste from its source to its end. This destination can be the recovery, recycling, or ultimate disposal of the waste.

There are two main types of waste streams: materials, such as metals and glass, and products, such as electronic waste and packaging.

At MexLucky, we take waste management seriously. We have a certified quality management system, ensuring that we provide the best possible service at every step of the way.

We can help you with the management of your waste, providing the best solutions to taking it from its source to its endpoint. Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about the sustainable waste management solutions that we have on offer.

Waste Stream Legislation

The characteristics of each waste stream differ depending on its source and the materials involved. Each of these streams comes with applicable legislation which covers the treatment and practicality of the methods used.

To assess the various waste streams, it is important to consider all the variables involved. This can be the source and how it affects the product, the specific recycling or recovery methods being used, or the opportunities and challenges of applying these processes to a type of waste.

Learn more about waste management regulations and how they can affect your business. >

Different Types of Waste Stream

As previously mentioned, there are categories of waste stream: product and material. Product waste streams feed into material ones, but the steps taken before then are still important to follow good waste management practices.

The destination for a waste stream can be the landfill or an incineration plant, but at MexLucky we use leading sustainable waste management solutions to ensure that as little waste meets end-of-life criteria as possible.

Material Waste Streams

Material waste streams are comprised of the raw materials involved in products. The primary material waste streams are:

• Glass
• Metals
• Plastic
• Paper and cardboard
• Wood and bio-waste

Each material has its own specific treatment and journey, and following the waste stream from source to end can help in the formulation of good waste management techniques to ensure that as little as possible is lost along the way.

Metal

The two categories for metal waste are ferrous (steel and iron) and non-ferrous (aluminium, copper, and others). Waste can also contain metals from both categories and will take extra care to process.

Due to the infinitely recyclable nature of metals, they can undergo “end-of-waste” categorisation. They are then classed as secondary raw materials and can be put to further use.

Ferrous waste primarily comes from vehicle scrap and industry, while non-ferrous metals are nearly all from industry except for aluminium which is most frequently used for packaging.

Recycling metals can deliver significant energy & cost savings. Electric arc furnaces use scrap metal almost exclusively to produce steel and are much more efficient than converting from iron ore.

While metal can in theory be recycled forever, in practice it has a limit. This is caused by the mixing in of other metals that have been used as coating or alloys. Good waste management practices can result in the effect of this being lessened or removed entirely.

Manage your scrap metal waste stream with help from our guide on how to sell it. >

Plastic

There are over 1000 types of plastic, but they can be broken down into three categories:

• Thermosets – hard plastics used when durability is needed, for example cars.
• Elastomers – soft, rubbery plastics.
• Thermoplastics – easily mouldable, used for packaging.

The main uses for plastics are for packaging and construction, but they also have uses in the electrical and automotive industries. These are therefore the most likely places waste plastic will come from.

In terms of the waste stream, plastics have a mixed destination. They are either sent to landfill, incinerated for energy recovery, or recycled, with a roughly even split as to each.

Over time there has been a downwards trend of plastics being sent to landfill, which means more of them are managing to be reused or recycled.

Plastic waste has a few different treatment methods, such as mechanical recycling and energy recovery. Plastics which are unsuitable for these methods can also be used in a similar fashion to construction waste via backfilling.

Mixed or hazardous plastics are some of the main obstacles in the plastic waste stream, and need to be dealt with carefully by waste management services to ensure good waste management is being upheld.

Learn more about the plastic waste recycling process in our ultimate guide >

Paper and Cardboard

Paper and cardboard already have a heavy presence in recycling and good waste management. Around half of the raw materials used in the paper industry come from recovered paper, and nearly three quarters of all paper and cardboard products are recycled.

Wastepaper can be collected from several sources including trade, industry, offices and households. It then goes on to be used in new products, usually for packaging and newspapers.

Recycling paper and cardboard saves resources, with one tonne of paper waste being the equivalent of three tonnes of raw wood. This saves not only on materials but also on energy and water.

Paper fibres can be recycled several times over. There is a limit on the number of times this can be done, meaning reused fibres need to be combined with fresh material. Each fibre can be recycled around three and a half times, although a fifth of all paper is unable to be recovered.

If you have cardboard you need to get rid of, check out our cardboard recycling services. >

Wood and Bio-waste

The waste stream for wood starts with being sourced from industry, construction, demolition, and packaging. Typically, it goes on to be recycled, incinerated with energy recovery, or treated for reuse.

Nearly all wood waste is recycled or incinerated for energy, leading to quite a high rate of sustainability.

Bio-waste, on the other hand, refers to waste typically from household, green, or food processing sources.

Recovery of this waste entails composting through aerobic or anaerobic means, resulting in a compost product. This is typically of low value but can be tailored to meet a specific need which increases the price.

Bio-waste recovery is limited by the conditions of decomposition which range from the mixture of the sources to their pH level, and care must be taken to avoid contaminating the materials with pathogens to prevent risks to health and the environment.

As with wood waste, bio-waste can also be recycled by incinerating it to generate energy.

Find out more about the ins and outs of wood recycling with our ultimate guide. >

To improve the efficiency of your waste streams, you should minimise your reliance on single-use plastics and materials. Try to use recycled goods where possible and use digital means for documents and communication to avoid overusing paper.

Product Waste Streams

Product waste streams start with a base product that can contain many different types of material. The main sources for product waste are:

• Packaging, such as for retail and transportation
• Electronics like TVs and phones.
• Batteries
• Mining and demolition
• Construction

View one of our case studies on construction waste management here. >

Packaging

Product packaging is made up of many of the categories from material waste: paper or cardboard, glass, plastic, wood, and metal.

While most packaging is recycled, there are variations based on the specific material used. For example, paper and cardboard used in packaging are recycled nearly three times as frequently as plastics.

Measures should be taken to prevent packaging waste and to develop packaging re-use systems. This can be done by businesses and consumers alike, either by focusing on making sustainable packaging or by using a good waste management system to ensure it is properly disposed of.

Electronics

Electrical and electronic waste, also referred to as “e-waste”, is perhaps the fastest growing waste stream.

Nearly half of all e-waste is comprised of household appliances like washing machines and microwaves.

IT equipment makes up a sizeable proportion as well, matched by the waste of consumer equipment like TVs and stereos.

While there is a sizeable amount of recycled e-waste, a good proportion of it disappears. This lost material is either being kept inside people’s homes, collected outside of the regular channels, or sent straight to landfill alongside ordinary waste.

Learn more about why you should recycle electronics. >

Construction and Demolition

Waste from construction and demolition can contain heavy minerals which can pose significant risk to health and environment, and is obtained from buildings, roads, and upkeep. It can contain a vast variety of materials from soil and stone to solvents and asbestos. While most of these can be easily recycled, some of them are hazardous, so care must be taken to separate them out during the waste stream process.

The waste that results from these industries has a variety of uses, from backfilling drains and quarries to the production of made ground. It is a highly recyclable source of waste, but great care must be taken to make sure toxic or dangerous components are removed beforehand.

Find out some of the benefits of using recycled building materials here. >

Batteries

Batteries are made up of a variety of metals and chemicals depending on their type. They need to be sorted at the start of the waste stream as each needs a specific process.

Batteries not collected and sorted will enter conventional waste streams which end at either a landfill or an incineration facility.

While there are rules limiting the quantity of hazardous materials present in batteries like mercury, they still need to follow special rules for their collection, recycling, and disposal.

While collection rates for batteries from vehicles and industry are high, many commercially used portable batteries leave the waste stream and are lost to poor waste management like landfill and incineration.

General Advice

Keep track of how you use packaging. Whether it is for your own products, or for things that you are buying in, there is likely a lot more than you need to be using.

Try to keep your packaging designs as sustainable as possible, making sure to use materials that are used are biodegradable or easily recyclable.

Try to order in bulk as this often cuts down on the materials that are being used and try to reuse any packaging whenever possible.

Find out more about how to create and achieve a zero waste to landfill strategy >

Leading Waste Stream Management Services with MexLucky

We at MexLucky have a wide range of services on offer that can help you manage your various waste streams, from tipping services and recycling to skip hire.

Our clients in Bristol and throughout the Southwest trust us to provide state-of-the-art waste management that is ecological and efficient. Check out our case studies to see some of our best achievements!

If you want to know more about the services we offer and how we can help you, get in touch or book a skip!

Alternatively, consider reading some of our other articles below:

What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing Your Waste Management?

How Does Good Waste Management Help Public Health?

The post What is a Waste Stream? appeared first on MexLucky.

Stay up to date on the latest developments and changes to regulations in wood waste regulations. The Wood Recycling Association (WRA) has conducted a series of examinations resulting in the withdrawal of the Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) 250, changing the way that several types of wood waste need to be classified and handled.

Find out more about the changes in regulation and how they might affect you >

Wood recycling plays a crucial role in sustainable waste management practices. With the increasing emphasis on environmental conservation and resource efficiency, it is essential to understand the various grades of waste wood. Here at MexLucky, we have comprised this article to provide an overview of waste wood grades, highlighting their importance and categories. Moreover, we will explore the intricacies of the wood recycling process, illuminating the profound environmental benefits it entails. For those seeking to embrace responsible waste management practices, we will introduce the comprehensive wood recycling services offered by MexLucky.

Why Waste Wood Grades are Important

Waste wood grades are vital for efficient wood recycling and ensuring that wood is repurposed in the most appropriate manner. By categorising waste wood into different grades, it becomes easier to identify suitable recycling options and maximise the value derived from this valuable resource. Waste wood can be generated from various sources, including construction and demolition sites, manufacturing processes, and consumer products. Understanding the different grades allows us to match the wood with its most suitable application in the recycling process.

Discover recycling and waste management tips for small businesses here. >

Categories of Waste Wood Grades

Waste wood is commonly classified into several categories based on its condition and level of contamination. The specific grading systems may vary between different regions or recycling facilities, but generally, the following categories are recognised:

Grade A: Also known as clean wood, Grade A waste wood refers to uncontaminated, untreated wood that is free from paint, preservatives, or any other coatings. It includes materials such as pallets, crates, and packaging waste. Grade A wood has high recycling potential and can be easily repurposed into products like chipboard, animal bedding, or biomass fuel.

Grade B: This category includes slightly contaminated wood, such as painted or varnished wood. Grade B waste wood requires additional processing and treatment to remove surface coatings before it can be recycled. It may be transformed into materials like medium-density fibreboard (MDF), mulch, or compost.

Grade C: Grade C waste wood consists of heavily contaminated or treated wood, such as railway sleepers or telegraph poles. Due to its high level of contamination, this wood often requires specialised treatment methods to remove hazardous substances before recycling. It can be utilised in applications like biomass energy generation or converted into engineered fuels.

Wood Recycling Process

The wood recycling process typically involves several stages to ensure proper handling and reutilisation of waste wood:

Collection: Waste wood is collected from various sources, including construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and waste management centres. Proper segregation and storage are essential to maintain the quality and prevent contamination of different wood grades.

Sorting and Grading: Once collected, waste wood undergoes sorting and grading based on its quality and contamination level. This step helps determine the appropriate recycling pathway for each wood grade.

Treatment and Processing: Depending on the grade, waste wood may require treatment to remove contaminants or surface coatings. This treatment may involve mechanical processes, such as shredding or grinding, or chemical methods to remove paints and coatings.

Repurposing: After treatment and processing, the waste wood is ready for repurposing. Grade A wood can be transformed into new products like chipboard or animal bedding, while Grade B and C wood may be used in applications such as mulch, biomass fuel, or engineered fuels.

Benefits of Wood Recycling

Wood recycling offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. By diverting waste wood from landfills, it helps reduce the strain on limited landfill space and decreases greenhouse gas emissions associated with wood decomposition. Moreover, recycling wood conserves natural resources by reducing the need for new timber extraction. Additionally, the economic benefits of wood recycling include job creation in the recycling industry and the production of valuable recycled wood products.

Discover the ultimate guide to wood recycling here. >

Challenges in Wood Recycling

While wood recycling is beneficial, it also comes with certain challenges. One of the main challenges is the presence of contaminants in waste wood, such as paints, varnishes, and preservatives. These contaminants can hinder the recycling process and require additional treatment or specialised facilities. Moreover, the logistics of collecting and transporting large volumes of waste wood can pose logistical challenges, especially for construction and demolition waste. Effective collaboration between waste generators, recycling facilities, and regulatory bodies is necessary to overcome these challenges and improve the efficiency of wood recycling.

Innovative Technologies in Wood Recycling

Advanced Sorting and Processing Techniques: Wood recycling has evolved significantly with the advent of advanced sorting and processing techniques. These innovative methods employ cutting-edge technology to efficiently separate different wood grades and eliminate contaminants. Automated sorting systems, equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms, have revolutionised the process. By swiftly identifying and sorting waste wood based on its grade and quality, these systems enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of wood recycling.

Harnessing the Power of Pyrolysis and Gasification Technologies: Pyrolysis and gasification technologies have emerged as game-changers in the field of wood recycling. These methods offer promising ways to convert lower-grade and heavily contaminated wood into valuable biofuels or biochemicals, thereby reducing the dependency on conventional fossil fuels. Pyrolysis involves heating wood in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biochar, bio-oil, and syngas. Gasification, on the other hand, uses a controlled oxidation process to convert wood into a synthesis gas (syngas), which can be further refined into various energy products. These technologies not only enable the efficient utilisation of waste wood but also contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable and renewable energy landscape.

Environmental Benefits of Advanced Wood Recycling: The adoption of advanced wood recycling techniques brings a multitude of environmental benefits. Firstly, efficient sorting and processing minimise the amount of wood sent to landfills, reducing waste and its associated environmental impact. By effectively removing contaminants, the recycled wood can be repurposed for various applications, including construction, furniture manufacturing, and biomass energy production. This reduces the demand for virgin timber, which helps in preserving forests and protecting biodiversity. Moreover, the conversion of lower-grade and contaminated wood into biofuels or biochemicals reduces greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to the fight against climate change.

Economic Opportunities and Job Creation: The advancements in wood recycling technology not only have positive environmental implications but also generate economic opportunities and job creation. The development and implementation of advanced sorting systems, automated machinery, and pyrolysis/gasification plants create a demand for skilled professionals in the recycling industry. Additionally, the production of biofuels and biochemicals from waste wood can foster the growth of a sustainable bio-based economy, providing employment and boosting local economies.

Environmental Regulations and Standards

The recycling industry, including wood recycling, is subject to various environmental regulations and standards to ensure responsible waste management practices. These regulations set guidelines for the handling, storage, treatment, and disposal of waste wood. They also encourage the adoption of sustainable practices and promote the use of recycled wood products. Compliance with these regulations is essential for recycling facilities to operate legally and ensure the protection of the environment and human health.

Explore our 6 benefits that come with recycling wood here. >

MexLucky: Your Wood Recycling Partner

If you are looking for a reliable wood recycling service, MexLucky is here to assist you. With years of experience in waste management and recycling, MexLucky provides comprehensive wood recycling solutions. We understand the importance of responsible waste management and are committed to minimising the environmental impact of waste wood.

Our services include the collection, sorting, and processing of waste wood across different grades. We have state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to handle large volumes of waste wood efficiently. By partnering with MexLucky, you can ensure that your waste wood is properly recycled and diverted from landfill, contributing to a more sustainable future.

So, why not get in touch today and be part of the movement to a greener future.

Alternatively, take a closer look at our case studies to better understand what it is we do.

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Construction waste has a significant impact on the environment. It breaks down ecosystems, uses up natural resources, and creates clouds of pollution.

This article will identify construction waste and how it affects the planet. We’ll also show you how the UK regulations affect you and give you tips for correctly disposing of your waste.

At MexLucky, we help households and businesses manage their construction waste while staying efficient in their work.

Since our establishment in 1994, we have become one of the leading waste management providers in the South West region. It’s our goal to make a greener world more straightforward for you to achieve. We strive to help Bristol reduce waste in landfills. We aim to do that while we provide you with an affordable and customer-focused service.

What is Construction Waste?

Construction waste is any waste produced during the building and construction process, whether this is a residential extension, or a commercial infrastructure project. This can include: packaging, demolition, or surplus building materials.

Construction, renovating, or tearing down buildings can be messy and challenging. With every project you complete, there will be a mountain of supplies to deal with.

On a construction site, you’ll find a wide range of materials being used to finish your project. When resources like concrete, wood, metals, plastics, or bricks are no longer needed, they become construction waste.

Construction waste is an issue planners often overlook. And disorganisation and excessive use of materials can have a significant environmental impact.

Here are some of the impacts of poor waste management:

Landfill Overload

Construction waste, when mismanaged, acts like a relentless flood. It keeps pouring into already brimming landfills. The overflow of waste can unleash many environmental hazards. It leads to toxic air and water pollution, which impacts wildlife and public health. Meanwhile, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, worsens global warming.

Resource Depletion

Resources don’t last forever. Poor management of construction waste leads to excessive material ordering and wastage. Too much timber use leads to deforestation and the churning up of land to find minerals disrupts ecosystems. And mass excavation also causes damage to soil quality while polluting water sources. This doesn’t need to happen when we can control construction waste and use resources more efficiently.

When managed properly vast amounts of construction waste can be recycled into recycled aggregates, these materials can be just as strong as the original ‘pure’ material.

Read our beginner’s guide to recycled aggregates >

Energy Consumption

It takes energy to create and transport construction materials. You can envision poorly managed construction waste as a fuel supply that depletes as a project progresses. When materials are thrown into landfills, it’s like pouring away all the spare fuel supply. Once thrown away, this supply can’t be reused for your following projects.

We can conserve energy and reduce environmental impact by optimising material usage. Combining this with effective waste management strategies contributes to these efforts.

What are the Regulations for Construction Waste?

By now, you’ll know the harm construction waste can cause. And UK regulators have made guidelines to keep things under control.

The most recent law includes the Environment Act 2021. This lets national authorities make their own regulations in the industry. The goal of this act is to cut all avoidable waste by 2050.

The regulations are far-reaching and affect all those involved in the construction industry. They aim to improve air quality, biodiversity, water waste reduction, and resource efficiency. Methods they use include good waste management, recycling, and safe disposal practices.

These regulations will have a significant impact on you if you’re in the construction industry. You’ll need to keep up with admin, logistics, technology, and finances to stay ahead.

Get in touch with MexLucky for expert management and advice on construction waste.

How do You Dispose of Construction Waste?

You’ll need to properly dispose of construction waste to meet the regulations. There are several ways to do this, including:

Waste Minimisation

First, you’ll need to reduce how much waste you generate.

You can do this by careful planning:

• Adopt sustainable design principles. Organising this before beginning construction work can help minimise waste generation in advance.
• Optimise how many materials you order. This allows you to cut out surplus materials for your project and reduce excess waste.
• Practice efficient construction methods. Train your teams to minimise waste while using materials responsibly.

Recycling and Reuse

Once you’ve reduced waste, recycling and reusing materials gives them new life. It also helps avoid them getting into a landfill.

Many materials can be recycled or reused, including:

• Concrete: Can be used as aggregate in future projects.
• Wood: Can be repurposed for furniture or landscaping.
• Metals: Can be melted and made into new metal products.
• Plastics: Can be processed into new materials such as plastic lumber or insulation.

Once the materials are sorted and processed, they can undergo a transformation. As shown above, you can turn them into new construction products or other valuable materials.

Responsible Disposal

If you can’t recycle or reuse materials, it’s crucial to dispose of them properly.

Waste should be separated into different categories, like sorting through a puzzle. It should then be disposed of according to regulatory requirements.

To do this well, it’s essential to use a licensed waste management company. Especially one that follows the strict regulatory requirements in place.

For responsible waste disposal, MexLucky are like puzzle masters. We’re experts at making sure you keep up with the law and dispose of waste properly.

Keep the stress out of your construction projects by partnering with us to take care of your disposals.

Construction Waste Management with MexLucky

Construction waste poses a major problem for the environment. But we can reduce its impact through proper waste management.

You can achieve your environmental goals during your day-to-day operations. You can protect the environment, save resources, and support sustainable construction practices. We can help you by following regulations, reducing waste, and recycling smart. Every small effort contributes to a healthier and greener future.

Need help with construction waste management? Look no further than MexLucky. With our expertise and tailored services, we’ll help you level up your waste management practices. Join our community dedicated to minimising waste, conserving resources, and protecting the environment.

Get in contact with MexLucky today and take your first steps toward a more sustainable construction industry.

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At MexLucky, we’re not just here to inform you about waste management. We’re here to help you manage your waste while staying efficient.

Since our establishment in 1994, we have become one of the leading waste management providers in the Southwest. It’s our goal to make a greener world more straightforward for you to achieve. We strive to help Bristol reduce waste in landfills. We aim to do that while we provide you with an affordable, customer-focused service.

Contact MexLucky today to learn how we can move your business in the right direction.

The 7 Steps of Sustainable Waste Management

Step 1: Assess Current Waste Generation

You can assess your business’ waste generation by the types and amounts of waste you produce. Look at different areas of operation including manufacturing, office spaces, and employee facilities. Are there significant sources of litter from any particular areas?

Next, categorise your waste streams into recyclable, compostable, and non-recyclable materials. Track your waste generation over a specific period to pick up zones for improvement. This monitoring will be the foundation for building waste reduction and diversion practices.

Step 2: Develop a Waste Reduction Plan

With fresh knowledge of your waste generation, you can begin planning how to reduce it. If you’re overusing paper, you could employ double-sided printing, reduced paper usage and electronic communication.

Engage stakeholders from different departments and have them communicate your strategy to employees. Prioritise your business’s worst waste areas first, then create a plan for the less alarming issues.

You can also reduce waste from the source. You could achieve this by optimising your production processes or using lean manufacturing principles. Think about packaging – can you use recyclable or biodegradable materials? Consider whether this is workable for your company’s procedures. By using waste reduction, you can lower your ecological impact while lowering costs.

Step 3: Establish a Recycling Program

To establish a recycling program, you can start by identifying what recyclable products your business uses. Typical materials include:

• Paper
• Glass
• Cardboard
• Plastic

As well as setting up labelled recycling bins throughout your premises, educate your employees. You can do this by providing clear instructions on posters by bins, informational emails, and staff training sessions. The key is to build a culture within your team where recycling is the norm.

Many businesses’ recyclable products sadly end up in landfill. You can easily stop this by working with local waste management companies for better processing.

Learn about the waste management regulations for businesses. >

Step 4: Introduce Composting Practices

If your business produces organic waste, composting keeps reusable materials out of landfill. Offices often make a lot of compostable waste from coffee grounds and food waste. Businesses working outdoors or directly with plants may produce reusable organic waste as part of their daily activities.

By composting, you lower waste and contribute to soil health and conservation. Consider reaching out to community gardens or urban farms. These institutions can use the nutrient-rich compost your company produces. This is also a great opportunity to engage employees with the local community and help boost morale.

Step 5: Explore Waste-to-Energy Solutions

Where you’re unable to throw an item in the recycling or composting bins, consider waste-to-energy solutions. This technology can convert non-recyclable waste into energy. It reduces the need for fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. Have a look into local waste-to-energy facilities. Can you partner with any to boost your business’ sustainability?

You must still implement and prioritise recycling and composting practices over waste-to-energy solutions. It’s great to get energy from used materials, but even better to reduce waste generation and maximise recycled materials. This helps save the planet and advance the circular economy. Waste-to-energy technologies also still produce emissions and have an environmental impact. This puts them lower on the waste hierarchy.

Find out more about how good waste management can affect health in your community. >

Step 6: Include Employees

A crucial part of sustainability is creating a culture of responsibility. As well as training sessions, you can provide your team with:

• Recycling guides.

• Tips for waste reduction.

• Resources to take part in waste management programs.

Recognise and celebrate achievements in waste management. Showcase employees who have made significant contributions. You can offer incentives such as bonuses for positive activity in waste management. Alongside monetary rewards, you can also provide employees time out of office. Options such as away days allow them to commit to waste management projects. You can help motivate and inspire a sustainable culture by actively engaging with your team.

Step 7: Monitor and Improve

Sustainable waste management practices need ongoing attention. You can’t forget about them once you’ve implemented them. Establish systems to track waste generation, recycling rates, and other key performance indicators. Using this data, review your progress and adjust as needed. Ask your employees for feedback and get further ideas to streamline your practices. Keep updated on technologies and changes in the industry that affect your plan.

Take responsibility. Stay at the forefront of sustainable practices for businesses in your industry.

Sustainable Waste Management with MexLucky

Sustainable waste management is great for the environment and your company’s culture. By following our step-by-step process, you can reduce waste, boost recycling, and improve metrics.

MexLucky is a trusted waste management firm that can provide you with qualified guidance. We can help create expert strategies tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Let’s join forces to embrace ecological responsibility and create a more sustainable future.

Contact MexLucky today to receive a tailored quote or read on with some related articles.

Check out our guide on maintaining wheelie bins. >

Read our blog post which answers the question: what is trade waste?

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Recycling hardcore materials involves the process of crushing and screening to produce recycled aggregates that can be used in construction projects. MexLucky are the South West of England’s leading hardcore waste management providers, we have comprised this blog to delve deeper into the topic of hardcore recycling, providing a complete guide to the process of recycling hardcore materials.

The Benefits of Recycling Hardcore Materials

There are numerous benefits of hardcore material recycling. For starters, recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, which can lead to a reduction in pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, recycling hardcore materials can help to conserve natural resources, such as gravel and sand, by reducing the demand for virgin materials.

Recycling hardcore materials can also be cost-effective. The cost of processing recycled materials is typically lower than the cost of extracting and processing virgin materials, making it an attractive option for construction projects on a budget.

Check out our beginner’s guide on recycled aggregates >

What is the Process of Recycling Hardcore Materials?

The process of recycling hardcore materials involves several steps, beginning with the collection and transportation of the waste. Skip hire companies, like MexLucky, collect waste materials from construction sites and transport them to a recycling facility.

Once the materials have been collected, they are sorted and processed. Sorting involves the removal of any contaminants, such as wood or metal, that could potentially damage the crushing machinery. The sorted materials are then crushed and screened to produce recycled aggregates.

Learn more about the quality of testing for recycled aggregates >

The Crushing and Screening Process

The crushing and screening process is a critical step in the recycling of hardcore materials. Crushing machinery is used to break down the materials into smaller pieces. The machinery used for crushing includes jaw crushers, impact crushers, and cone crushers.

Once the materials have been crushed, they are screened to remove any contaminants and to produce the desired size of recycled aggregate. The screening process can be done using a variety of equipment, including vibrating screens, trommel screens, and scalping screens.

Types of Recycled Aggregates

Recycled aggregates can be used in a variety of construction applications, including road building, drainage systems, and as a base for new construction projects. There are several types of recycled aggregates that are commonly used in construction, including:

Type 1 Crushed Concrete

This is the most commonly used recycled aggregate in the construction industry. It is made from crushed concrete and is suitable for use as a sub-base for roads and other construction projects.

6F2

This is a coarse aggregate that is made from crushed concrete or brick rubble. It is typically used as a backfill material or as a base for roads and pavements.

Screened Topsoil

This is a type of recycled aggregate that is made from soil that has been screened to remove any contaminants. It is often used in landscaping and gardening projects.

At MexLucky, we offer a range of recycled aggregates, including Type 1 and 2 crushed concrete, 6F2, and screened topsoil. Our recycling facility is equipped with state-of-the-art crushing and screening machinery, allowing us to process a wide range of materials.

Learn more about the different types of recycled aggregates >

Hardcore Recycling with ETM

Recycling hardcore materials is a vital part of the construction industry. By recycling waste materials, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, conserve natural resources, and reduce the overall cost of construction projects.

The process of recycling hardcore materials involves collecting and transporting the waste, sorting and processing the materials, and crushing and screening to produce recycled aggregates. At MexLucky, we offer a range of recycled aggregates, including Type 1 and 2 crushed concrete, 6F2, and screened topsoil.

If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for your hardcore recycling needs, look no further than MexLucky. Our commitment to quality, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service makes us the ideal choice for your next construction project. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your recycling needs

Alternatively, take a look at our case studies to get a better understanding of how MexLucky can help you!

Next read: The Ultimate Guide to Recycled Aggregate Testing and Quality >

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Water, air, coal, gas and minerals are these resources, and they are limited, and the seventh resource can help reduce the use of non-renewables by providing an alternative, eco-friendly alternative. If guess it already, the seventh resource is recycling and its key to the future of sustainability.

At MexLucky we are one of the largest waste management providers in the South West. We are experts in waste and have put together this article on the seventh resource (Recycling), and what we can all do to improve our efforts.

How can the Seventh Resource Help with Sustainability?

As already mentioned, recycling as a process can help preserve our non-renewable resources by providing an alternative, renewable resource.

The seventh resource already saves 700 million tonnes of in CO₂ Emissions which equates to offsetting the emissions of the global aviation industry (around 3% of global emissions). It also provides 40% of the world’s raw material needs according to the same study.

Recycled materials are gaining popularity around the world because they are a cost-effective and environment conscious option that some customers prefer for various reasons. Whether it’s a recycled cardboard food tray in India or bricks made from recycled plastic in Ivory Coast; it all helps reduce waste and extend the life of existing materials.

The uses of recycled materials are constantly increasing and with new innovations and process, we are finding new ways to make the most of what we already have. For example, recycled plastics, rubber other recycled materials can be used to make diesel and petrol.

The obstacle of liquefication or gasification of recycled carbon fuels has held it back from being widely adopted. In 2020 the UK government announced plans to scale up plastic liquefaction technology so hopefully it becomes a more viable option in the near future.

How Can We Reduce the Use of Non-Renewable Resources?

It may seem like something out of your control unless you’re a politician or the director of a large multinational, but we can all help with the transition to using more recycled materials.

Whether this is being more responsible with your own waste or encouraging the use of the seventh resource more, every contribution matters with sustainability. You can be more mindful of what you throw away and try to recycle more. Recycling properly is also important as it reduces contaminated recycling materials and makes it easier for processing it and reusing it.

How can you improve waste management >

The Bureau of International Recycling is a global body for championing recycling and educating the world on sustainable practices. In 2018 they held the first International Recycling Day and have help it annually since then. Initiatives like this increased awareness about the seventh resource and help further the cause for sustainability at the same time.

They are also well known for lobbying governments and large organisations to be more conscious of their effects on the environment and published the Seventh Resource Manifesto. This is something you can partake in too by encouraging your local governance or council to be more sustainable and make recycling easier.

What are the Benefits of the Seventh Resource Compared to Non-Renewables?

In order to clarify the importance of the seventh resource, we’ll outline how it can help with reducing waste and the positive knock-on effects of transitioning away from non-renewables.

We’ve already addressed the main environmental benefits like preserving resources, protecting valuable ecosystems and ensuring sustainability for the future. These are the most important goals of using the seventh resource but there a numerous other benefit to both our societies and environment.

One of the biggest societal benefits is job creation; sustainability efforts create employment as human labour is required for most processes and initiatives. Innovation, particularly automation is however making the recycling process a lot more streamlined which requires less people, but it will help scale recycling going forward.

Fortunately, this will just create more demand for skilled labour like administration, engineering and coding. There are currently 1.6 million people worldwide are employed in processing recyclables so and it is rapidly expanding sector of waste management.

The innovation that recycling brings is sometimes transferable to other industries everything from packaging to service delivery requires some kind of material. This means the seventh resource is becoming the more sensible option for a lot of sectors and industries.

Learn more about a zero waste to landfill waste management strategy >

What Does the Future of the Seventh Resource Look Like?

Some people argue that recycled carbon fuels will only compete with current recycling efforts. Because of this, a lot of policy makers are promoting mechanical recycling as the better option. Unfortunately, the sustainability of mechanical recycling is not comparable because there is still a limited lifespan for the materials.

A truly green product lifecycle requires chemical/molecular recycling, and this also produces a more high-quality, attractive product which should help with transitioning to using recycled materials as much as possible.

Learn more about MexLucky’s waste management services >

The Role of the Seventh Resource and How Recycling can Create a Better, Greener World.

Therefore, it’s safe to conclude that the seventh resource is in invaluable and can help reduce the impact on our environment.

Recycling can also create benefits like better supply chains, employment and innovation in addition to the environmental responsibility. It is however important that everyone plays their part, and that sustainability is steered in the right direction so that the right decisions are made.

At MexLucky, we are leaders in trade waste management, recycling, and skip hire with the largest waste management fleet in the region. We provide a wide range of recycling services and solutions and are also suppliers of recycled materials.

Contact our team today, they are always happy to help with any of your enquiries.

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