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THE 2023 FESTIVAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
21 October - 17 November
FoSS and ESRC logos

Recycling Question Time

A drawing of various plastic containers

Lifelong wellbeing theme

What’s on offer?

UK household recycling remains confusing and chaotic.

This interactive session will provide an opportunity to discuss and discover why this is the case and explore solutions.

Issues to do with overly complicated packaging and materials will be covered, as well as related challenges to do with everyday recycling infrastructure.

Members of the University of Manchester’s ‘One Bin to Rule Them All’ interdisciplinary research project and Royce institute will be on hand to explain what they have been doing to try and improve recycling across the UK.

A “which bin is it again?” activity will provide an opportunity for people to talk about their recycling practices. The team will discuss the choices made with participants, why things are so difficult, and what happens with materials once collected.

There will be an opportunity to participate in the “what plastic is it anyway?” activity, with team members using an FTIR (some scientific kit) to assess different forms of everyday plastic packaging and what is in circulation.

There’ll also be an opportunity to explore best packaging recycling pathways using the team’s interactive materials hierarchy.

What’s it about?

Plastics play a big role in our daily lives, from wrapping things, to forming medical tools and toys. But a lack of convenient recycling options has led to a big problem: most plastic packaging ends up in landfills or nature, causing pollution.

The ‘One Bin to Rule Them All’ project aims to make recycling easier and more effective for everyone. It brings together a cross-sector consortium of over 17 industry partners and local authorities to help find solutions to household plastic recycling challenges. The team’s latest policy report puts forward potential solutions to create a circular plastics economy in the UK and limit plastic waste.

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Torik Holmes, Sustainable Consumption Institute, University of Manchester

Dr Helen Holmes, Sustainable Consumption Institute, University of Manchester

Dr Kristoffer Korsten, Sustainable Consumption Institute, University of Manchester

Open to

This event is open to all.

Of particular interest to

This is of particular interest to anyone interested in household plastic waste and recycling. It will also be interesting to anyone interested in sustainability, climate change and the protection of the environment.

Event Booking details

No need to book, just come along.