As Recycle Week starts today, dry mixed recycling experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk wanted to debunk some common myths about waste and recycling.
Landfill is always the cheapest option
Many people incorrectly believe that sending waste to landfill will always be the cheapest option. In reality, recycling and other more sustainable methods are often cheaper ways to dispose of waste as they avoid landfill tax.
In the UK, landfill tax is charged by weight and usually increases each year, with rates for 2025 seeing an increase of over 20%.
General waste will be sorted for recycling later
Many people incorrectly believe that general waste goes on to be sorted, but this isn’t the case. It’s incredibly rare that general waste is sent to an advanced recycling facility. The misconception is likely either due to a lack of awareness or wishful thinking to reduce personal guilt.
Similarly, another common myth is that any recycling gets mixed together in the lorry anyway, so it’s pointless to separate it yourself. Again, this is not correct. Despite the trucks looking similar in appearance, many are ‘split bodied vehicles’ which often have separate compartments inside for different waste streams.
Composting is only for food waste
As composting is a method of waste disposal that allows materials to break down organically, many people mistakenly believe that this is only reserved for food waste. However, in reality, you can also compost many other materials, everything from cardboard to corks.
Waste audits are only for large corporations
Small businesses can often underestimate the need for a waste audit, believing that they don’t generate enough rubbish. A waste audit can help any size business to reduce the costs of waste management, ensure compliance with regulations, and help work towards sustainability goals.
E-waste can go in general waste bins
Many businesses mistakenly throw away e-waste into general waste believing it doesn't cause any issues. However, electronic waste contains toxic materials – such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. Such chemicals tend to leak into the soil when disposed of in landfill, harming ecosystems and potentially polluting water supplies.
It's vital that you comply with WEEE regulations and arrange collection by a licensed waste carrier to avoid any electrical waste going to landfill.
Only women’s toilets need sanitary bins
While only women’s toilets and unisex facilities are required by law to include a sanitary bin, many men also suffer from issues like incontinence and need access to these. This is an issue that many are unaware of, but we are working towards raising awareness of the need for sanitary bins for men.
Shredded paper can be recycled
Given that paper is recyclable, many assume that shredded paper is also fine to dispose of with recycling. However, the size of shredded paper makes it harder to recycle as It can clog up equipment or be missed during sorting. Alongside this, it’s harder to turn shredded paper into new materials, meaning there’s a smaller market for the recycled product and thus it’s more likely to end up in landfill.
Recycling uses more energy than it saves
Recycling does require energy for transporting, sorting and processing, but it’s typically much lower than the amount saved. When considering how energy-intensive it is to produce new materials and manufacture products from raw materials, recycling will almost always be more energy-efficient.
Another related myth is that recycling gets sent abroad to be landfilled or incinerated. This can be partially true. In some cases, materials are exported to regions that have more advanced or specialised recycling facilities for specific materials, such as electronics or certain types of plastic. Aside from this, recycled materials are rarely sent to landfill or incinerated, unless they have been contaminated.
Plastic isn’t recyclable
Many plastics can in fact be recycled such as PET, HDPE, and PP, which are all commonly used. This myth stems from the fact that plastic recycling presents more challenges than recycling other materials.
Plastics must be free of contaminants, and additives like flame retardants, dyes, and plasticisers that can make them unfeasible for recycling. Alongside this, the UK has limited infrastructure for plastic recycling, adding to the challenges.
All paper and cardboard is recyclable
Wrapping paper, laminated, shredded, paper towels, and wet boxes among other products are not recyclable. In most cases, this is due to the formation of these paper and cardboard types making them hard to recycle as the fibres do not break down correctly.
The myth likely stems from the fact paper and card are seen as more environmentally friendly materials, so people assume there‘s a one-size-fits-all all approach.
Mark Hall, dry mixed recycling expert at BusinessWaste.co.uk, comments: “When it comes to managing your business waste, there are plenty of common misconceptions. The world of waste is incredibly complex, with plenty of challenges and considerations. As advances have been made to recycling over the years, common misconceptions and myths have continued to persist.
“This presents a problem, as business owners and employees may make critical mistakes with their waste which can incur extra costs, break regulations, or harm the environment. However, by educating yourself and working with waste management experts, it’s possible to understand the best ways to deal with the waste you generate.”