Before you start, you should know that waste sorting instructions and bin colors may change depending on the city. To be sure, don't hesitate to consult the classification instructions for your municipality on the app “ Sorting guide “ from Citeo.
1. Batteries:
Did you know that on average there are 47 electronic devices containing batteries or batteries per household? Yes, that's a lot! Fortunately, we have some good news for you (and a little bad news about these).
The good news is that most French people (85%) know that batteries should not be thrown in the trash. The bad news is that, according to the organization Let's take up the Battery Challenge, “out of 100 used batteries: 10 to 15 are thrown directly into household waste and 9 to 13 are kept for a very long time without being recycled”.
Furthermore, according to Consoglobe, “…it takes 50 times more energy to make an alkaline battery than it will provide over its entire lifespan.” Our advice? “Go away, Simba. Go far away and never come back!” And if your name is not Simba, you can simply buy rechargeable batteries.
2. Styrofoam wedges and confetti:
The confetti are very small and can get lost in this beautiful journey that is the waste collection and the wedges are imposing. That is why the best thing to do is to take them directly to the recycling center. If you think that the effort is useless, know that the wedge that protected your computer can be transformed, thanks to recycling, in your future garden chair (if you have a garden).
In the case of polystyrene food containers, you can throw them directly into the Bellepou, keeping in mind that these will gradually disappear from the market. Yes, finally.
3. X-rays:
Money (not the kind in your wallet) can be dangerous for the environment. Yes, we're talking about the metal in that X-ray from when you tore your ACL. That's why it's not a good idea to throw your X-rays away. They should be taken to a collection point.
Another option is to take them to the nearest hospital, or even radiology offices or pharmacies. Some have specific containers for this type of waste. But if you want to make your ecological gesture a humanitarian one, take it to the League Against Cancer, they receive a share of the valuation of your old x-ray.
4. Bubble wrap – sort in bin with green lid:
If you haven't burst all the bubbles yet, remember that it can be useful for your next move or that of a loved one. Otherwise, we would like to tell you which bin to throw it in, but it's not possible because in Paris and Grenoble, it goes in the sorting bin, but this is not the case in Bordeaux for example. Our advice? Go to the Sorting Guide app to find out what to do!
But if it is plastic, why is it difficult to recycle it? Because according to Citeo, they are “too light and do not contain enough raw material to make their recycling environmentally and economically viable”. So it depends on your city.
5. Cork stopper:
Ah, wine is so good! But after every good aperitif there is always someone who asks: “where do we throw the corks?” (We did it too, but never again!). To answer your friend's question you have several options depending on your city: sorting bin or household waste bin, but here is the one we prefer: take them to associations like Planet Liege.
Since 2010, they have recycled 480 million corks. Why are they recycled? So that your neighbor can no longer hear you screaming when you watch a football match with your friends. Indeed, corks can become soundproofing panels, but not only that, they can also become design objects and artistic creations, among other things.
And you, do you have your top 5? Tell us in the comments!
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