Many of us want to do our bit to recycle, but confusion and old myths often get in the way. Test Valley Borough Council has shared some important facts to help everyone in Andover and across the borough recycle confidently and correctly.
Here are some of the most common recycling myths – and the truth behind them:
Recycling doesn’t make a difference.
It absolutely does. Recycling conserves resources, reduces pollution, and cuts waste. Charities also rely on recycling income from items like clothes and books.
Recycling takes too much time.
Once you have a separate bin in your kitchen or bathroom, sorting only takes a few extra minutes – a small effort compared to the environmental benefits.
You don’t need to clean recyclables.
You do! Recyclables must be clean, dry and loose. Rinse bottles, tins and cans. Cardboard and paper need to be free from grease and food residue.
Recycling costs more than it saves.
While recycling uses some energy, it saves much more. For example, recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than making it from scratch.
You must follow the labels on packaging.
In Test Valley, forget the labels – they can be misleading. You don’t need to worry about plastic types for bottles; simply put clean plastic bottles in your brown bin.
Putting the wrong items in the bin doesn’t matter.
It does. Hampshire County Council spends £1.9 million a year removing non-recyclable items from recycling collections. If in doubt, leave it out.
What You Can Recycle in Your Brown Bin
- Paper and cardboard
- Plastic bottles (including lids)
- Tins and cans
- Aerosol cans
Make sure all items are clean, dry, and loose (not bagged).
What You Can Take to Local Recycling Centres
- Glass bottles and jars
- Textiles and books
- Aluminium foil
- Food and drink cartons (Tetra Pak)
- Paper-based tubes with metal ends (e.g., gravy containers)
Carton recycling points are available locally, including:
- George Yard Car Park, Andover Town Centre
- Tesco Extra, River Way, Andover
For a full list of sites and materials, visit Recycle Now’s locator.
Why Aren’t Pots, Tubs and Trays Collected?
Currently, the council can’t collect mixed plastics like yoghurt pots or meat trays at the kerbside. Find out more here.
What Happens to Your Waste?
Recyclables from your brown bin go to a materials recovery facility for sorting and onward recycling. Waste from black bins is used to generate electricity at an energy recovery facility.
Helpful Tip: The council’s clear message is: if in doubt, leave it out. That way, everyone’s recycling works better – and costs less to process.
For more information, visit Test Valley Borough Council’s recycling page.