So, why do we need to reduce the amount of waste we create and make better use of our natural resources? The best way is to remember the 3 R's and make sure you follow them in your daily lives.

So, what are the 3 R's?

• First of all we need to Reduce the amount of waste we create.
• Secondly we need to think about what materials we can use again (Reuse) instead of throwing them away.
• Thirdly we need to think about what waste materials can be Recycled and made into something new.

How much goes in YOUR bin!!

Bradford Council is looking into machines that can turn the waste that cannot be recycled into electricity! Instead of sending the rubbish to landfill sites.

How do we 'reduce, reuse and recycle'

Follow the 3 R rules!!!

• Reduce - the amount of waste we create.
• Think - about what materials we can use again (Reuse) instead of throwing them away.
• What waste materials can be Recycled and made into something new.

Reduce

• Make cakes and biscuits and keep them in reusable tins or containers, instead of buying them all wrapped up in plastic and cardboard - they taste better too!
• Use a strong reusable shopping bag instead of plastic carrier bags from the supermarket.
• Try not to buy new toys and games if you don't need to - try repairing, borrowing, or buying second-hand items, or things that are made to last.
• Reduce waste paper. Make better use of your paper at school by using both sides.
• Try and buy things that are made from recycled materials.
• Use rechargeable batteries instead of throwaway ones.

Reuse

Before you throw something away think about what else you could do with it.

• Take unwanted clothes and shoes to your local charity shop or textile bank.
• If something is broken, try to mend it.
• Buy things from charity shops (this means you are also supporting good causes and saving money).
• Reuse envelopes and write on both sides of paper.
• Reuse carrier bags for shopping as many times as you can.
• Give your magazines and comics to your local doctor's surgery or dentist for people to reuse and read in the waiting room.
• Use flasks or bottles that can be used again instead of drinks cartons or cans that you throw away.
• Reuse boxes and jars for storage of toys and games.

Recycle

In Bradford most people can recycle glass, cans and paper in bins at home, but if you haven't got bins at home you can take your waste such as paper, cans, glass jars and bottles to be recycled and turned into something new. Bradford has many small Recycle centres and some bigger Household Waste Recycling Centres where you can take different kinds of waste.

You may also have a green bag where you can recycle garden waste.

After your recyclable materials have been collected they are taken to a central depot where they are sorted and baled into loads.

To find out what happens to these materials once they have been collected, check out the Change-atron page.

Remember

Buy recycled products whenever you can. If more people buy them they will become cheaper!