Segregating some waste is quite a conundrum. Even the most environmentally astute person sometimes has to think about where to put their waste. Empty medicine blister packs and milk cartons, used tyres or soiled paper - this waste does not fall into the category of "easy to separate".

This raises the question: is it really worth thinking about where to throw what away? Wouldn't it be easier to throw all the waste into the black bin for mixed waste?

Of course it is worth making the effort to segregate. Much of the waste that lands in the appropriate bins will be recycled into new products. Much of the waste material is recyclable. Aluminium and plastic are 100 per cent recyclable - Importantly, these materials are recyclable.

Plastic recycling - what is it?

The first step in the recycling process - which applies to every waste fraction - is correct segregation. The waste from the yellow bin goes to a sorting plant, where it will be possible to recover recyclable material. In the next stage, the material is comprehensively cleaned so that it can be turned into recyclate or pellets - it will be re-melted and used to make new things. This process uses techniques such as pyrolysis, hydrocracking and gasification. Importantly, the final step is laboratory control and a new life for the plastic.

What to throw in the yellow bin?

The yellow colour is for waste in the metals and plastics category. As a reminder - here is the waste that should end up in this container:

• unscrewed and crushed drinks bottles; 
• multi-material packaging waste - this is nothing more than milk or juice cartons;
• plastic bags, advertising bags and films of all kinds;
• cleaning product packaging;
• Plastic food packaging - importantly, the packaging should be emptied of its contents;
• metal bottle caps and jar caps;
• food tins made of sheet steel.

These are just examples of the waste that should go in this container. By getting waste in there, it will be possible to recycle it again.

What is produced by recycling?

New products that are landing on shop shelves. It's extremely interesting to see what can be recycled and obtained through recycling. Check if you knew that:

• Paper recycling also makes it possible to create products such as bandages, banknotes, egg cartons and even lampshades;
• 35 one-and-a-half-litre PET bottles make it possible to produce a sleeping bag;
• About 600 cans make it possible to make a bicycle frame;
• With just 3 aluminium cans, a spectacle frame can be made;
• Glass recycling is not only about new products such as jars or bottles, but also new products such as wall insulation or tiles.

This is just a drop in the recycling sea. There are many more such products.