From the plastic cleaning bottles you use, to the items you want to get rid of: we give the lowdown on what can be recycled and given a new lease of life.
It's that time of year when most of us start thinking about doing a good spring clean around the home. Having a good sort out and giving your home a thorough clean and tidy is a great way to increase the space you have.
A clear space also means a clear mind!
Here are our top tips for ensuring you're recycling as much of the decluttered items as you can along the way.
Organise your spring clean
So, where do you start? The easiest way to ensure your spring cleaning is worth the time and effort, is to have a plan for the areas you want to focus on, and which spaces need clearing out.
It can help to tackle your spring clean in stages to prevent it from becoming an overwhelming task: decluttering, rehoming and recycling items, and deep-cleaning one area or room at a time. Soon, you’ll build momentum and your whole home will be clutter-free!
Sort it out
Before you get your rubber gloves on and your cleaning products at the ready, it’s time to remove any clutter from your home.
Go through each room, cupboard or storage space to remove any items you no longer need or want.
You might want to sort things into three piles or bags/boxes as you go: Keep, Donate or Recycle.
Rehome and recycle the things you don’t need
Next, have a think about how you will dispose of any unwanted items.
If you have items that are in good, clean working order – you just don’t use them anymore - you could donate them to charities or sell them online.
Items that can’t be passed on or have reached the end of their useful life can often be recycled – try to put only what really can’t be recycled or reused into the rubbish bin. We’re here to help!
Clothing and textiles (including shoes, accessories, bedding and linens) can often be recycled – sometimes even on the doorstep! You could also drop off donations with charities and re-use organisations or take them to a clothing and textile recycling bank. More ways to recycle clothing and textiles.
Drawers full of old tech? Electrical items are full of precious materials that can be recycled! Check if your council collects small electricals in your household recycling or find your local recycling points.
Toys, games and books can quickly accumulate and take up too much space if left unchecked. But if they’re in good condition, pass them on to friends or charity shops, or check if your local recycling centre would accept some of these items if they’ve reached the end of their use.
Not sure if something can be recycled? Check the Recycling Locator to find out what can and can’t be recycled. Simply search for the item and add your postcode.
Make recycling easy at home
While you’re in reset mode, have a think about ways you could make recycling easier around your home. This can help you keep clutter to a minimum in the long term!
If you currently recycle everything from the kitchen or utility room, why not have separate recycling bags/bins in the bathroom or bedroom? That way, you can easily collect up your empty toilet roll tubes, aftershave and perfume bottles, deodorants, bathroom trigger spray bottles and shampoo bottles and add those to your recycling bin.
By having recycling bags and bins in rooms around your home you’ll help rescue these items from the rubbish bin and they’ll be transformed into new products.
Read more of our top recycling tips for your home:
Recycle your spring-cleaning products
While those big-ticket decluttering items – like a wardrobe clear out, or junk drawer declutter – can be incredibly satisfying, we’re here to remind you that it’s the small, daily actions that also count. By recycling the packaging that you use every day and setting up systems that work for you and your home, you’ll be rescuing more valuable materials from the rubbish – and keeping your home clutter-free in the process. Got a bunch of empties after your spring clean? Here’s how to recycle them!
Cleaning spray bottles: Once your home is gleaming and the cleaning spray bottle is empty, leave the trigger on and recycle it alongside your other plastic bottles so it can be turned into something new. Find out what happens to your empty plastic bottles when you recycle them.
Aerosol cans: If you recycle your empty air fresheners, furniture polish, deodorants or other aerosols, don’t pierce, crush or flatten them. Detach any loose or easily removable parts, such as the lid, and dispose of them with the rest of your recycling.
Old packaging from the bathroom: If you have any empty perfume or aftershave bottles lying around in the bathroom, keep the lids and spray mechanism on the bottles and recycle them. Don’t throw away empty toilet roll tubes, they can be recycled, too! Add a small recycling bin or bag to collect your bathroom empties.
Best of luck with your big spring clean!
Remember: if you recycle as you clean and sort, it can have a positive impact not only on your living space and your mind, but on the planet too!