During the Second World War, resources were hard to come by and Governments ran big recycling campaigns to ensure as little as possible was wasted. Waste was segregated for the following uses:

- Metal and tine were collected for use weapons, tanks and aircraft.

- Kitchen waste provided feed for chickens, pigs and goats and people would bring their scraps to communal bins.

- Rubber was recycled to make tires.

Households were also encouraged to repair belongings as opposed to just buying new ones. Campaigns such as ‘Make Do & Mend’ gave advice on how to recycle textiles and make clothes last longer. Knitting also soared in popularity during the Second World War.

On war time rations, families had to plan meals carefully to ensure that food did not go to waste. With no fridges or freezers, perishable food had to be purchased in small quantities and substitutes had to be found for foods that were no longer available. Meat fat was saved to make pastry, and the cream from milk was collected in a jar and shaken to make butter.

It is a shame that it took people such a long time to acknowledge the importance of recycling, and also that it took such unfortunate circumstances to draw it to our attention. These days, we know the importance of recycling to preserve the Earth’s resources and to reduce pollution.

However, we are still falling well below targets for diverting waste from landfill sites. Though we know what we need to be doing, and though it is not difficult for us to do it, there is still a very much laid back attitude to recycling. Too many people simply cannot be bothered to recycle.

If they could do it, then why can’t we recycle too? We should all be doing what we can now, and not be waiting around for a major catastrophe to kick-start us into action again.

Ware 4 Recycling Bins Ltd have been promoting cost effective recycling bins, trolleys and waste containers for over 5 years.