A new set of online videos shows where our recycling goes once it has  been collected and how it is sorted for reprocessing and redistribution.

Made by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the sorting and end processes of each of the materials that we recycle. Plus, they provide a reminder of what materials can be recycled and how to avoid recycling contamination.

Recycling journey

You can use this link to find the videos, which explain the recycling journey and what happens to cardboard, drink cans, food tins, glass bottles and jars, paper and plastic bottles.

Overall, the City Region’s six districts of Sefton, Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, St Helens and Wirral have an average household recycling rate of 34.74%. The Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority hopes to boost that rate by showing what happens when we recycle in these new videos.

Households aren’t sure

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “At the moment, around 2/3 of households across the UK aren’t sure how to recycle one or more items, which means that almost half of them are putting things in the general waste that could otherwise be recycled.

“These new videos provide an interesting explanation of what items can be recycled and what happens to them when we do and will hopefully means more refuse in Sefton gets recycled in the future.”

Behind-the-scenes

Lesley Worswick, Chief Executive of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: “We all know how the simple act of placing items in our recycling collections can become ‘out of sight, out of mind’.

“That’s why, with the Journey of Recycling campaign, we are keen to give residents a behind-the-scenes insight which will equip them with more knowledge on how their recycling efforts can discourage unnecessary waste and make a real difference.”

Protecting our environment for future generations

Cllr Catie Page, Chair of Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority, said: “As an Authority, we are always keen to help residents understand that reducing the amount of stuff we buy – as well as repairing and reusing what we can – are great habits to adopt to protect our environment for current and future generations.

 “However, we also know that recycling the materials we can in the correct manner also plays a key role in supporting this effort.”

You can also see the new videos via the official Recycle Right Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

You can find out what goes in which bin in Sefton here.