Mythbusting

There are many myths and misunderstandings about recycling in Southampton and the UK. We've put together this 'mythbusting' page to help you understand the truth about recycling in your local area.

Please visit the Hampshire County Council website for more information.

Recycling paper

Paper should be recycled locally to provide electricity SHOW


Paper is burnt/landfilled when it gets to China SHOW


You can only recycle paper a few times SHOW


Sending material abroad

Sending material to China for recycling is a waste of money and energy SHOW


Why do we send material abroad for recycling, there is adequate UK provision for paper recycling? SHOW


Recycling uses more energy than it saves SHOW


Recycling cans and glass

Recycled glass is worse quality than other glass SHOW


Do I have to wash cans and bottles before recycling? SHOW


Rinsing out recyclables uses up more energy than the item being recycled SHOW


Recycling metal uses more energy than extracting the raw material in the first place SHOW


Other recycling

There are lots of places that take cartons to be recycled in the UK SHOW