ALUMINIUM

When you collect aluminium drinks cans and foil for recycling, you are helping the environment - up to 95% less energy is used every time a used drinks can or a piece of foil is recycled into new aluminium.

BATTERIES

Over the next few years, it is expected that new EU battery recycling legislation will oblige member states to recycle at least 45% of batteries used. A Government backed battery recycling campaign in Bristol estimates that this could be as much as 10,000 tonnes per year in Britain. If you live in an area covered by an May Gurney's recycling service, why not check to see if they collect car and household batteries for recycling.

BOOKS

Millions of trees are cut down every year to help produce the books we read. You can help ensure that books you have read don't go to waste by donating them to your local charity shop.

CARDS

Billions of greeting cards are thrown away every year in the UK, especially at Christmas. Why not help make a difference by re-using old greeting cards as gift tags or by putting them out with the rest of your paper for recycling.

CHINA

Most charity shops will be happy to take unwanted china.

CLOTHES

Textiles and clothes. Most local charity shops will take clean clothing in good condition or, if you live an area covered by a May Gurney recycling service, why not check to see if they collect textiles for recycling.

• reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfill and, therefore, the production of harmful pollutants and green house gases
• reducing the use of limited natural resources such as peat and the damage this causes to wildlife sites
• returning vital organic matter and nutrients to the soil through the use of compost as a soil improver.

COMPUTERS

If you work for a business that has unwanted computers, you can ensure that they go to a good cause by donating them to a local community group.

ENVELOPES

Open your post carefully so that the envelope can be re-used. Many organisations now sell re-use labels which help save paper.

FURNITURE

Many areas across the country have local organisations take unwanted furniture for recycling. If you want to know if this is true of your area, why not check out your local council website.

FRIDGES/FREEZERS

A new European Directive came into force in January 2002, dramatically changing the way we deal with the treatment and disposal of fridges and freezers. Prior to the Directive, refrigeration units normally just had their ozone-depleting CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) removed from their cooling circuit. It is now though compulsory for discarded fridges to have the chemicals that potentially damage the Ozone Layer removed from their insulating foam as well. If you have a refrigeration unit which you no longer want, contact your local council who will advise you on where to take the unit for disposal.

JUNK MAIL

Help to cut down on the avalanche of unwanted direct mail that comes through your letter box by subscribing to the Mailing Preference Service Tel: 020 7291 3310, Fax: 020 7323 4226, Email: mps@dma.org.uk Web: www.mpsonline.org.uk task.

MAGAZINES

If you have unwanted magazines, why not offer them to your local hospital, doctor or dental surgery. If you live in an area covered by a May Gurney recycling service, why not check to see if they collect paper for recycling.

MOBILE PHONES

There are estimated to be millions of unwanted mobile phones just lying around people's homes in the UK. The batteries for many mobile phones contain cadmium, a dangerous substance which, if thrown away, often ends up in landfill sites. Cadmium, if it leaks into the soil, can cause contamination. Many mobile phone shops will take phones back so they can be recycled. Charities, such as Action Aid, also take donated phones for recycling to help them raise money. If you live in an area covered by May Gurney Recycling Services, check to see if you can recycle mobile phones using your doorstep services or local recycling and reuse centre.

NAPPIES

Opt for re-usable cotton nappies over disposables for everyday use. They save energy and resources, and are not as polluting. For further information on alternatives to disposables, click on to the website of the National Association of Nappy Services www.changeanappy.co.uk

OIL

Oil Old engine oil is contaminated with a whole range of chemicals that can pollute our water supply. As a result it is illegal to pour waste engine oil down the drain. Find out if your local garage will take it for recycling or, if you live an area covered by an May Gurney Recycling service, why not check to see if they collect engine oil for recycling.

PLASTICS

Plastic bags can take between 10 to 20 years to biodegrade, while a plastic bottle can take forever. Try to re-use any plastic containers you do collect and opt for recyclable containers when possible. If you live an area covered by an May Gurney Recycling service, why not check to see if they collect plastic bottles for recycling.

PAINT

The national Community Re>Paint Project estimates that there is as much as 100 million litres of unused paint stored in homes across the UK. Much of this could be used by community groups, charities and voluntary organisations. If you are interested in donating your old paint, click on to www.communityrepaint.org.uk to find your nearest centre.

SHOES

If you have an unwanted pair of shoes, why not donate them to your local charity shop. Or, if you live an area covered by a May Gurney recycling service, why not check to see if they collect shoes for recycling.

SPECTACLES

If you have an unwanted spectacles case or pair of glasses, why not see if your local opticians is part of a spectacles recycling project.