The Did you know this? exhibit allows visitors to find out more about recyclable materials in household waste and provides advice on sorting different types of waste correctly.
Recyclable materials are used more and more in the packaging
of goods that we buy from shops. In addition to this, the energy
content of plastic foodstuff packaging is so high that it is
worthwhile to utilise it for the production of electricity and
heat. In order to get the maximum environmental benefits out of
recycling, it is important to recognise the materials that are
suitable for recycling and to sort them correctly. Incorrect
sorting spoils the entire batch of recycled materials so everyone
else’s sorting goes to waste, and it also causes unnecessary
work and a waste of energy at the waste treatment centre.
The materials that are suitable for recycling include glass,
metal, paper, corrugated cardboard, ordinary cardboard, electrical
and electronic junk, many types of plastic, recyclable packaging
and biowaste. Hazardous and toxic waste must be destroyed at a
special waste treatment plant for this type of waste, and old
clothes and household textiles can be sold in a flea market or
given to a charity. The sorting mistakes that cause the biggest
problems are when biowaste ends up with paper, cardboard or mixed
waste; when opalescent glass, oven-proof dishes, ceramics or
porcelain are put in with the recycled glass; when electrical and
electronic junk is put in with recycled metal; when hazardous or
toxic waste is taken to landfills and when PVC is mixed with
energy-containing waste.
Updated 28.8.2007/KT
