|
Environmental Services Newsletter
Recycle Week 2026 - Special Edition
|
|
"I like to take out the recycling because I actually feel like I'm doing something."
(Mike Quigley)
American Congressman
|
|
Brain teaser - what am I?
- You can find me in fridges and cupboards across the world.
- I'm made from bauxite, the same material used in everything, from cars and aeroplanes to household items.
- Parts of me are very thin, about the width of a human hair.
- I'm one of the smaller members of my family, weighing around 15 grams on my own and about 350 grams when I'm full.
- Magnets won't stick to me.
- I can be recycled again and again, without losing my quality.
Keep reading to find out the answer...
|
|
National Recycle Week
Recycle Week returns from 14th to 20th September, celebrating the positive impact recycling has on our environment.
Organised by Recycle Now, the annual campaign encourages everyone to recycle more and make the most of the materials they use every day.
To support this national week, we have highlighted some recycling questions we have received recently below:
|
|
Yes
- No plastic bags
- All cans and bottles are empty
- There is a loose Tetra Pak carton
- There are pieces of loose paper, card and cardboard in the mix
|
|
Yes
- Try to shred as little as possible - confidential things only
- Once something is shredded, before you put it in the recycling bin, place the material inside an envelope or cardboard box (this keeps the paper secure so that it reaches the treatment plant)
|
|
Not in our recycling bins
If you would like coffee machine pods recycled, please contact a specialist by clicking the link below
|
|
No
- Batteries or vapes can cause fires which damage vehicles
- For a safe disposal, take them back to the supplier you purchased them from
- Every battery retail store must have a take back facility
Did you know?
When we visited the recycling centre, we asked the Site Manager what the most important thing is that we can do.
The response was to remove all batteries from recycling.
To see what happens when batteries are incorrectly disposed of, click on the links below.
|
|
Yes
- Plastic bottles are always recyclable if they are empty
- Make sure the toothpaste tube is as empty as possible
- The toothpaste box is recyclable
Have a look on our website to see what you can recycle in your recycling bin.
|
|
Yes
- The plastic bottle is recyclable, but make sure it is empty and replace the lid
- The perfume/aftershave bottle is a glass bottle so it is recyclable
- Make sure to remove the top and pump mechanism, if you can, before placing the bottle loose in your recycling bin
See where our recycling is sorted by clicking the link below.
|
|
Brain teaser answer - I am a... |
|
330ml aluminium drinks can
|
|
Fridge freezer collections
You may be aware of a national issue affecting the treatment of old fridges. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept bookings for the collection and disposal of fridge freezers at the current time.
We will collect any fridge freezers already booked and will reopen the booking system, as soon as we can.
There are other ways that you can dispose of your old fridges:
|
|
- Electrical retailers are legally required to provide a free 'take back' service for old household electrical items, when you buy a new like-for-like replacement. Discuss this when buying the new fridge. It must be arranged in advance and ensure the old fridge / freezer is empty, defrosted and unplugged for collection.
- Retailers may provide a paid for collection for your old appliance.
|
|
If you have any questions, or if you have a recycling or waste subject that you would like us to cover,
please get in touch:
|
|
If you enjoyed reading this month's newsletter, make sure to share with others, so they can sign up as well.
Other newsletters from Maidstone Borough Council include:
Climate Change and Biodiversity - Everything to do with sustainability
What’s On in Maidstone - For all events
News - Keep up to date
Consultations - Share your views
Visit Maidstone - The best attractions and places to stay
Business in Maidstone - Workshops, events and business support
Planning - Updates on recent planning decisions
Maidstone Museum - News, updates and current events
|
|
|
|
