A few interesting recycling ideas!

0I was perusing the A to Z of recycling this morning (as one does) and came across a few nice ideas for reuse before recycling. There are lots of facilities that exist to support the reuse and upuse of household goods so here are a few ideas.

Newspaper
A thick barrier of newspaper can be used as a 'barrier' mulch, which suppresses weeds.
Newspaper can be added to compost.
Buy a flowerpot maker which transforms your newspaper into pots!!!
Get a log maker which turns newspaper into briquettes for your fire (both of these can be purchased from the Centre for Alternative Technology website (www.cat.org.uk)
Some local animal groups may shred your uncontaminated newspaper for animal bedding.

Computer Monitors
These contain mercury and need to be recycled properly (www.mercuryrecycling.co.uk)

Mortar
Paint-free and cleanish lime mortar and sand are a good addition to acidic soil!

Cat litter
Bury the kitty waste itself and then put the litter beads in the compost with everything else (beware of handling if pregnant).

CDs and DVDs
www.reuze.co.uk/cds.shtml - Some companies will collect CDs and cases for reuse.

Christmas trees
There are many community composting projects which will collect these for composting www.communitycompost.org. Some centres even loan out trees for the festive period and then they will be reclaimed and planted. Is it stating the obvious to suggest buying a tree with roots for the purpose of replanting once January is in full swing or even better, using a fake? No Pine needles, no fight with the next person for the last overpriced tree in B&Q four days before Christmas and of course.......no dead trees.