Recycling
⭐ MasteredRecycling turns used materials like paper, glass and metal into new things. It saves energy and reduces waste.
Recycling one aluminium can saves enough energy to run a TV for hours.
All about Recycling
Recycling turns used materials, such as paper, glass, cans and some plastics, into new products. Instead of being thrown away, these materials are collected, cleaned, sorted and processed into raw materials for making new things.
Recycling saves energy and natural resources. Making aluminium from recycled cans uses far less energy than making it from raw ore. Recycling also reduces the amount of rubbish sent to landfill, where it can take many years to break down.
This saves raw materials, saves energy and keeps rubbish out of landfill sites.
Sorting your rubbish carefully makes recycling work better.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows items being sorted into the correct recycling bins. Watch how each material goes to its own bin, so it can be processed and made into something new.
Real-life uses of Recycling
- Turning old newspapers into cardboard boxes
- Melting down glass bottles to make new glass
- Making new cans from used aluminium
Frequently asked questions about Recycling
What can I recycle at home?
Check your local council guidance, but most areas accept paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans and many plastic containers.
Is recycling always better than throwing things away?
Usually yes, but reducing and reusing is even better because it prevents waste from being produced in the first place.
Why should I rinse containers before recycling?
Food residue can contaminate other recycling and stop it from being processed properly.