Rinsing Recyclables Unnecessary, Says Waste Management Executive
A UK waste management boss has stated that consumers do not need to thoroughly wash jars and cans before recycling them, as they are cleaned industrially.
Consumers have been advised that they do not need to meticulously wash out jars and cans before placing them in recycling bins. Richard Kirkman, the UK boss of waste management company Veolia, stated that any residual grime is removed through an industrial washing process.
According to a report in The Times, Kirkman explained that while pre-rinsing uses water at home, the waste is washed again later. He clarified that items do not need to be scrubbed clean, but should be relatively free of large residue. "Don't leave half a jar of jam in there, but you don't need to scrub it out," he said.
Chris Mills from the environmental charity Wrap echoed this sentiment, advising against spending excessive time cleaning every single tin and bottle. Kirkman noted that sticky jam or a small amount of yogurt at the bottom of a plastic pot is acceptable. However, he cautioned against recycling bottles that still contain a significant amount of liquid, such as spoiled milk.