10 July, 2007
Where does it go?
Perhaps attempting to address a few misconceptions, the BBC has tracked the theoretical route of household waste left out for recycling in London, Bradford and Pontypridd from doorstep, through sorting and processing, to manufacture of new items.
Although, as someone mentions in the accompanying comments, the article does read like a slightly sanitised PR statement, it's broadly encouraging.
Much of the recycling appeared to be conducted in the UK, with many of the finished products also being used within the UK, although some also ended up abroad.
On the whole, the recycling appeared to travel some miles – but not thousands, more like hundreds or even tens.
Another interesting point is the wide variety of experiences reported by commenters: councils serving two people living mere miles apart may accept very different ranges of materials (few accept plastics) and have very different collection techniques.
Posted by Ministry at 12:50
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