In The Loop

Image with text Reduce
Reduce the amount of waste we produce

Image with text reuse
Reuse by sharing and upcycling

image with text repair
Repair instead of throwing stuff away

Image with text recycle
Recycle everything fully

Have you ever wondered what happens to the stuff you recycle at home? Where does it go? Does it actually get recycled?

The answer is yes! All of these items are part of a big loop, meaning they can be recycled again and again. Recycling is a vital part of the circular economy which is about reducing waste by keeping things in use as long as possible. When you recycle your stuff in the correct bin at home, you’re part of the circular economy and #InTheLoop.

WHAT YOU DO REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE

YOUR WASTE ISN’T RUBBISH

Discover the importance of keeping everyday items in the loop:

Glass

Glass can be recycled over and over again, part or a recycled bottle or jar could be 45 years old.

Paper

An average family will throw away 6 trees worth of paper every year. It takes just 7 days to recycle a newspaper into a new one.

Food Waste

50% of all food waste is still edible. It takes a hundred buckets of water to create just one loaf of bread, and six buckets of water to grow one potato.

Card

Cardboard can be recycled 25 times. Keep your pizza and delivery boxes in the loop by putting them in your paper and card bin.

Aluminium

An aluminium drinks can gets recycled and back on the shelves in just 6 weeks and part of the can could be 22 years old.

Steel

Recycling steel reduces CO2 emissions by 80%, it’s infinitely recyclable so can be melted down and reused over and over.

FAQ’s

What is the circular economy?

Never heard of the phrase? You’re not alone, 9 in 10 adults don’t know what the circular economy is. Although the phrase might be new, you’re probably familiar with the concept. A circular economy focuses on reducing the amount of waste we produce by repairing and reusing to get the maximum value out of everything we buy and use, finally recycling everything fully.

Why is the circular economy important?

We are using more resources than the Earth can replenish and soon we’re going to run out. The way we consume isn’t sustainable, every year we use up 1.8 earths worth of resources. We must change how we think about waste to protect the planet’s future.

The current economy is linear, we take things from the Earth, make things and throw them away. The circular economy is designed to reduce consumption and waste, understanding that everything we use has value and extracting the full value from everything.

How can the circular economy benefit me?

As well as helping create a healthy more sustainable place to live, the circular economy can benefit you financially. Reducing how much we buy, choosing more sustainable products or shopping pre-owned can lead to big savings. Repairing things and using things to the maximum is going to save you money.

How can I get in the loop?

If you recycle, donate unwanted things to charity or have ever tried to fix something before throwing it away, you’ve contributed to the circular economy.

If we all make small changes, we have the power to make a big difference:

  • Recycle as much as possible
  • Reduce the amount of food you waste – check out the BKER page for help
  • Choose reusable products over single use
  • Cut down the amount of plastics you use
  • Look at alternatives to purchasing items such as renting or buying pre-loved

We’ve put together a list of schemes and business that will help you stay in the loop.

ZERO-WASTE SHOPS

Check out our map of zero-waste shops in Greater Manchester…

BLOGS

Sustainable lifestyle. Zero waste, plastic free shopping concept. Cotton bags, glass jar, bottle, metal cup, straws for drinking, bamboo cutlery and boxes on green background

Why you need to be
‘In The Loop’

Sustainable lifestyle. Zero waste, plastic free shopping concept. Cotton bags, glass jar, bottle, metal cup, straws for drinking, bamboo cutlery and boxes on green background

6 sustainable swaps to save yourself some cash

sad and attractive woman looking at broken microwave in kitchen

Before you buy a new microwave, can you fix it?

5 Greater Manchester businesses that’re In The Loop

STAY IN THE LOOP

  • Don’t worry Mr. Fluffy, your cat litter does belong in the general waste bin! Panic over 
😸
.
#cat #recycle #environment #greatermanchester
  • 🔉Calling Residents in and around Kenyon Estate🔈 our Recycling Officers are in your area tomorrow with tags in tow, to check you are putting the correct items in your blue paper and card bin. 
Have a look at the below for details on what can and cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Remember incorrect items means your bin being tagged and it not being emptied by your bin crew. #LetsSortItOutSalford @salford_council #kenyonestate
  • 💚Your food deserves your love and attention too!

Store them correctly so they can last as long as possible – most food can be put in the freezer!

Find out more food storing hacks from @lfhw_uk

#PlanYourScran #BuyKeepEatRepeat
  • This weekend, give recycling a Try!
.
#GuinnessSixNations #recycle #manchester #rugby
  • Our view from @renewgreatermanchester today ♻️💚
Check out the Renew Ebay page for new items (link in bio)

#upcycle #furniture #upcyclingfurniture #secondhandshop
  • The only break up acceptable before Valentines Day 👀
Give your General Waste Bin a break!
Find out what to do with your waste on our website! Link in bio 

#recycle #manchester #greatermanchester #environment
  • Don’t buy new, buy Renew! Visit the Renew shop via the link in our bio and find your second hand treasure today 💚
#buynothingnewmonth @keepbritaintidy
  • Deliver your pizza boxes straight to your paper and card bin…for free!
Just make sure there’s nothing left inside, especially pineapple.

Actually, ring the takeaway back and ask them to forget the pineapple. Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizzas. 

#recycle #greatermanchester #pizza #eco
  • 😮 Did you know the average family throws away £730 worth of food every year? 

Don’t let your money goes to waste! 🙅 

Check out what you can do:
📝 Plan your scran
Plan your meals before you shop, check what you already have in then list what you need.

👀 Check & use what you have
Look in your fridge and cupboards and use what you already have

🛒 Only buy what you need
Don't be tempted by deals and offers. If you won't eat it, don't buy it!

#BuyKeepEatRepeat #PlanYourScran #manchester #foodwaste #reelsvideo
Don’t worry Mr. Fluffy, your cat litter does belong in the general waste bin! Panic over 
😸
.
#cat #recycle #environment #greatermanchester
Don’t worry Mr. Fluffy, your cat litter does belong in the general waste bin! Panic over 😸 . #cat #recycle #environment #greatermanchester
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
🔉Calling Residents in and around Kenyon Estate🔈 our Recycling Officers are in your area tomorrow with tags in tow, to check you are putting the correct items in your blue paper and card bin. 
Have a look at the below for details on what can and cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Remember incorrect items means your bin being tagged and it not being emptied by your bin crew. #LetsSortItOutSalford @salford_council #kenyonestate
🔉Calling Residents in and around Kenyon Estate🔈 our Recycling Officers are in your area tomorrow with tags in tow, to check you are putting the correct items in your blue paper and card bin. Have a look at the below for details on what can and cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Remember incorrect items means your bin being tagged and it not being emptied by your bin crew. #LetsSortItOutSalford @salford_council #kenyonestate
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
💚Your food deserves your love and attention too! Store them correctly so they can last as long as possible – most food can be put in the freezer! Find out more food storing hacks from @lfhw_uk #PlanYourScran #BuyKeepEatRepeat
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
This weekend, give recycling a Try!
.
#GuinnessSixNations #recycle #manchester #rugby
This weekend, give recycling a Try! . #GuinnessSixNations #recycle #manchester #rugby
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Our view from @renewgreatermanchester today ♻️💚
Check out the Renew Ebay page for new items (link in bio)

#upcycle #furniture #upcyclingfurniture #secondhandshop
Our view from @renewgreatermanchester today ♻️💚 Check out the Renew Ebay page for new items (link in bio) #upcycle #furniture #upcyclingfurniture #secondhandshop
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
The only break up acceptable before Valentines Day 👀
Give your General Waste Bin a break!
Find out what to do with your waste on our website! Link in bio 

#recycle #manchester #greatermanchester #environment
The only break up acceptable before Valentines Day 👀 Give your General Waste Bin a break! Find out what to do with your waste on our website! Link in bio #recycle #manchester #greatermanchester #environment
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Don’t buy new, buy Renew! Visit the Renew shop via the link in our bio and find your second hand treasure today 💚
#buynothingnewmonth @keepbritaintidy
Don’t buy new, buy Renew! Visit the Renew shop via the link in our bio and find your second hand treasure today 💚 #buynothingnewmonth @keepbritaintidy
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Deliver your pizza boxes straight to your paper and card bin…for free!
Just make sure there’s nothing left inside, especially pineapple.

Actually, ring the takeaway back and ask them to forget the pineapple. Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizzas. 

#recycle #greatermanchester #pizza #eco
Deliver your pizza boxes straight to your paper and card bin…for free! Just make sure there’s nothing left inside, especially pineapple. Actually, ring the takeaway back and ask them to forget the pineapple. Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizzas. #recycle #greatermanchester #pizza #eco
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
😮 Did you know the average family throws away £730 worth of food every year? Don’t let your money goes to waste! 🙅 Check out what you can do: 📝 Plan your scran Plan your meals before you shop, check what you already have in then list what you need. 👀 Check & use what you have Look in your fridge and cupboards and use what you already have 🛒 Only buy what you need Don't be tempted by deals and offers. If you won't eat it, don't buy it! #BuyKeepEatRepeat #PlanYourScran #manchester #foodwaste #reelsvideo
4 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

Recycle for Greater Manchester