Recycling plastic pots, tubs, trays and bottles is a habit familiar with most households, but did you know that a whole host of easily recyclable plastic items are often forgotten about?
In Devon, around 26 per cent of the plastics found in the black bin could have been recycled in the household kerbside recycling (2022 Waste Analysis).
Most recycling happens in the kitchen, but do you remember to recycle the plastics from your bathroom too?
Shampoo, toiletries and detergent/cleaning bottles can all be recycled in the household kerbside recycling but are often missed.
To help plastics find their way into the right bin, Recycle Devon is offering a free prize draw to households who pledge to recycle cleaning and beauty bottles.
Simply follow Recycle Devon on Facebook, X and Instagram and pledge to recycle your cleaning and beauty plastic bottles at home for a chance to enter the prize draw. You could win one of 8 BBC Earth Bags made from recycled bottles, to keep in the bathroom and make recycling that little bit easier.
The prize draw will take place at noon on August 26 2025.
Councillor Ruth Williams, acting Chair of the Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee (Exeter City Council) said: ”
“Recycling bathroom plastics such as empty shampoo and shower gel bottles, toiletries, bleach bottles and bathroom cleaners is so easy, but often forgotten. Most people have a recycling bin in their kitchen, but not in the bathroom. If you don’t have space for a bathroom recycling bin, a bag on the bag of the door can work just as well and serve as a reminder to recycle. Just wash, squash and pop in it in the bag or recycle bin!”
Not sure what you can recycle? Find everything you need to know about recycling your plastics here – from what can go in your kerbside bins at home to guidance on dealing with bulky items like buckets and plant pots!
Recycling is good, but reducing is better! Save money and waste by cutting down on single-use plastic by remembering to take reusable bags, cups and water bottles when you’re out. Buy loose fruit and vegetables and store sandwiches in an airtight container instead of cling film. Find out more about easy swaps on the Recycle Devon website.
You can avoid plastic packaging altogether by refilling your own containers again and again. Find your local Zero Waste Shop.
Another great way to reduce plastic use is to make your own beauty and household cleaning products. Exfoliators and facial cleansers are simple to make and budget friendly – find out more here.
Looking to Green Your Clean? Cut down on plastic and harsh chemicals by using these 10 tried and tested DIY cleaning recipes at home.
To enter the draw and for more information about reducing, reusing and recycling, visit recycledevon.org.