When is Global Recycling Day 2022? What is it, theme, tips to avoid waste and how to nominate Recycling Heroes

Global Recycling Day is held annually on 18 March to help recognise, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in securing the future of our planet.

The day strives to urge world leaders that recycling must be a global issue and encourage people to think resourcefully and not waste when it comes to the goods around us.

Here’s everything you need to know about Global Recycling Day, from why it was created, to this year’s theme and how to nominate your own Recycling Heroes.

What is Global Recycling Day?

Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 by the Global Recycling Foundation founded by Ranjit Baxi - who is also the founder of International Recycling Ltd, an international business which exports waste materials from Europe and the USA for recycling into new products in Asia.

It is a day to raise awareness of the importance recycling plays in preserving our primary resources and securing the future of our planet.

Mr Baxi told letsrecycle.com that the aim of Global Recycling Day was to connect with other recycling initiatives across the world who were also “playing their unique part”.

The day encourages people to think again about what we throw away, whilst highlighting how important recycling is to our environment.

Each year the ‘Seventh Resource’ (recyclables) saves over 700 million tonnes in CO2 emissions and this is projected to increase to one billion tons by 2030.

Global Recycling Day reminds us that recycling is on the front line in the war to save the future of our planet and humanity.

What is this year’s theme?

This year, the event’s focus will be on the “recycling fraternity” – those who put themselves on the frontline to collect waste and recycling during the multiple lockdowns.

Mr Banjit said: “Without the efforts of the recycling fraternity – an essential service – clearly putting themselves at risk with the increased waste from masks, personal protective equipment, and food during the pandemic, civil society would otherwise have suffered even more hardship if waste had been allowed to accumulate uncollected and untreated.”

As it did last year, the organisation is calling for nominations for recycling heroes worldwide - building on its theme to recognise those who are showcasing the importance of recycling.

Ten winners will be announced on the day and awarded a cash prize.

How to nominate a Recycling Hero

Global Recycling Day is  inviting nominations for #RecyclingHeroes 2022 including people, places, businesses and activities that have continued to support the recycling effort during the pandemic.

Mr Baxi said: “We want to recognise Recycling Heroes for their outstanding contributions during these unprecedented times.

“Nominations are invited from individuals, communities and businesses who have continued to make significant impact towards recycling in the last 12 months and whose efforts will contribute towards a greener future of our world”.

The date for nominations has now closed but keep in mind for next year what details you have to include.

Include the following details for the nominee:

• Name / Address
• Telephone No. / Email Address
• Reasons for the nomination
• Date the business / activity started

Tips to avoid waste

Here are nine simply tips that you can do to reduce waste.

• Only buy what you need, and use what you buy
• Buy loose fruit and vegetables and avoid items that are heavily packaged
• Sign up to paperless billing or banking
• Buy products with refillable packaging
• If you are able, try home composting your food waste
• Use refillable water bottles and coffee cups
• Buy second hand clothing and consider hiring clothing
• Have a go at replacing buttons and mending faulty zips or fallen hems rather than buying new clothing
• Buy items that will have a longer life than disposable items, such as rechargeable batteries and use real crockery and cutlery for your parties instead of disposable ones

How you can start recycling at home

Check you have the right bins - nine out of ten of us have household recycling collections, so if you don’t already have a recycling bin it’s worth contacting your local authority.

Check the date - find out from your local authority which day your recycling will be collected.

Mark the date on a calendar or add a reminder to your phone.

Find a convenient place to store your recycling so that you don’t forget.

Encourage family and housemates to check whether items can be reused or recycled before they are thrown away.

How to get involved in Global Recycling Day 2022

There are plenty of ways to get involved in Global Recycling Day such as organising your own events or helping to promote the day by sharing activities on social media.

For those working with school children and young people the Foundation has created materials to use on the day.

To celebrate in your school or youth club they have put together a guide of materials and activities for education professionals to use.

To raise awareness at your workplace or local community there are a number of useful infographics on their website designed to challenge all of us to rethink how we recycle.

You can find these resources on the Global Recycling Day website.

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