Recycle Now Week is from September 20 to September 26 and we’re going to show you how you can celebrate the week. Do you know that it has been almost 20 years since the Household Recycling Act was passed in the United Kingdom? Recycle Now Week was created so that the government, corporations, and the general public can work towards recycling things as much as possible. Waste management is a serious concern, and recycling goods is one of the best ways we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.
History of Recycle Now Week
Recycling has been prominent since ancient times. Studies show that broken tools were often recycled and reused in the fourth century A.D. Reports suggest that paper was first recycled by the Japanese in 1031. In Britain, the raw materials for making bricks came from the ashes of burnt wood. It was a cost-effective way to produce raw materials as the cost of virgin raw materials would be twice as much. Benjamin Law is the first person credited with making mungo wool by recycling fibers from rags and combining them with virgin fibers.
The industrial era saw an increase in automobiles, railroads, and infrastructure. Metal parts, iron scrap, and machinery parts began to be collected and recycled. During World War I and World War II, the importance of recycling grew. The economy had taken a massive hit. Many campaigns were organized to encourage people to recycle and reuse as much as possible as the whole world was facing a shortage of raw materials and food sources.
In the 1970s, the recycling of aluminum appeared. Electronic waste, aka e-waste, was recycled for the first time in 1992. The United Nations General Assembly introduced a set of 17 goals for sustainable development in 2015, out of which goal number 12 was “Responsible Consumption and Production” Recycle Now Week was created in the United Kingdom to encourage people to recycle goods in their households. Media corporations, businesses, and the government come together and organize campaigns to raise awareness about climate change and how important recycling is.
Recycle Now Week timeline
Broken vessels and instruments are recycled during the fourth century.
Recycling becomes more prominent with railroad and infrastructure development.
E-waste is recycled for the first time in Switzerland.
Recycle Now Week is created in the United Kingdom to raise awareness about recycling and reusing things to reduce waste.
Recycle Now Week FAQs
What things can be recycled in the United Kingdom?
Things like food tins, plastic bottles, newspapers, phonebooks, and cardboard can be given for recycling in the U.K.
What things cannot be recycled?
Things like glass cookware like Pyrex, nail polish bottles, window glass, cards with glitter, and laminated pouches cannot be recycled.
Can I recycle McDonald's packaging?
Yes. McDonald’s has set up over 1,000 recycling stations in the past few years. Most packaging is recyclable. McDonald’s also reuses cooking oil as biodiesel for the trucks.
Recycle Now Week Activities
Recycle goods in your household
If you haven't started the practice of recycling this is the best time to start reaping the benefits. Things like newspapers, magazines, aluminum cans, and plastic bottles can be recycled.
Share it on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Take pictures of you and your family collecting items for recycling in the house, and share them online. Encourage others to do the same.
Read more about recycling and sustainable development
Many of us are ignorant about the ill effects improper waste management systems have on our environment. Read more about how recycling plays a major role in reducing waste and how it helps in sustainable development.
5 Facts About Recycling That Will Blow Your Mind
You can keep recycling aluminum
It is proven that aluminum can be recycled without any loss in quality.
It saves energy
Recycling aluminum is said to save the power equivalent to the power consumed by a television for two hours.
It saves trees
It is believed that about 200 million trees can be saved just by recycling newspapers.
It saves water
Research shows that just by recycling 1,000 kilograms of paper, we can save about 6,000 gallons of water.
It saves natural resources
Studies show that making plastic from recycled plastic consumes about 80% less energy than making it from virgin materials.
Why We Love Recycle Now Week
It reminds us of the importance of recycling
We don't realize that some of our habits are very harmful to the environment. We often buy things and never use them. Recycling things helps reduce waste, saves natural resources and energy, and helps in protecting the environment. This week reminds us to recycle and reuse.
It gives us a chance to do something for society
Many companies, along with the government, organize campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. This week allows us an opportunity to lend a hand to the organizations and do our part in ensuring sustainable development.
It gives us a chance to expand our knowledge
This week gives us a chance to read and expand our knowledge on recycling and how to save the environment. Knowledge is power, and to incorporate sustainable development practices, we need as much information as possible.
Recycle Now Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 19 | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 19 | Friday |
| 2026 | September 19 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 19 | Sunday |
| 2028 | September 19 | Tuesday |
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