Why should I sort and recycle packaging?

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The three main reasons why it is important and profitable to sort and recycle packaging are:

• First, by sorting waste packaging from household waste we reduce the total amount of landfilled waste. Packaging accounts for ~30% of household waste. However, the percentage of recyclable goods increases to 70% if waste electric and electronic appliances, power batteries, car tyres and biological waste is added. Thus only 30% of all waste should be landfilled.

• Second, by separating recyclable materials from the waste flow, the monthly household expenses are significantly reduced. The removal of sorted waste is free of charge while waste management companies charge for the removal and interring of household waste by the weight of waste. Considering that 70% of all waste is sorted waste, this may mean considerable savings.

• Third, the processing of recycled raw materials saves energy and natural resources. For instance, recycled glass melts at a lower temperature than needed for the production of new glass and consumes 32% less energy. A ton of recycled paper saves 14 trees. It is worth mentioning that paper fibre can be recycled up to 7 times, PET material (used for plastic beverage packaging and obtained from oil – a non-renewable natural resource) – up to 30 times and glass can be recycled an indefinite number of times.