Why should we recycle?

· What we put in the rubbish bin goes to landfill.

- As waste decomposes in landfill it gives off carbon dioxide in such quantities that it makes a serious contribution to the 'greenhouse effect' and global warming.

· Britain is running out of space for landfill sites.

· If we have no room for landfill in the UK we will have to pay other countries to take our rubbish and use precious fuel to transport it.

· Surrey, with its high population density, generates more than 580,000 tonnes of domestic waste alone per year.

· Recycling materials helps to save precious natural resources and some recycling processes save fuel, too.

How can we recycle?

· Many areas in Surrey now have kerbside collections. If you don't and if you have problems recycling mention it on our discussion forum and see if anyone can offer some helpful advice.

· In Waverley most households have glass, cans, plastic bottles and newspapers collected on a weekly basis. If you aren't making full use of this facility, make it a priority to do so over the coming weeks until it becomes a habit.

· Wash cans and glass bottles and jars as soon as they are empty and put them straight in the boxes provided.

· At present you can recycle plastic bottles etc at Shalford, Chiddingfold and Guildford Tesco's.

· Several local supermarkets including Waitrose and Sainsbury's collect plastic bags for recycling

· To recycle other materials consult Waverley Borough Council's Recycling Map

· Composting your own garden waste and raw kitchen vegetable waste is an excellent way to recyle this type of material and reap the benefits yourself.

- If you don't want to compost and don't want to pay for bags in which your compost can be collected, why not find a neighbour with a small apetite who is a keen gardener and composter. You might be able to help each other out.

· Excellent advice on how to compost can be found on the HDRA website .

· Recycle "tetrapak" cartons. Waverley Borough Council have installed recycling collection bins for tetrapak cartons at the following sites:

Cranleigh - Village Way car park

Haslemere - Beacon Hill Car Park

Godalming - Crown Court car park

Farnham - Upper Hart car park and Dogflud way car park

There is also one at the Artington Park and Ride on the way into Guildford.