Reusables

The reported problems of plastic in our environment, from our soils to our seas, has shown us that it is more important than ever before to ditch plastic from our daily lives. The best way to do this is to swap single-use for reusable alternatives.

Remembering to grab items such as water bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags as we head out the door should be as important as picking up your wallet, keys or phone. There are plenty of other changes that you can make as well.

Dacorum Zero Waste Map

We have collated all the places in Dacorum that help you to reduce, reuse and recycle in one handy map. Find recycling centres, zero waste shops, second-hand shops, community fridges, repair cafes, reusable nappy libraries and many more places to help you reduce waste.

We will regularly update the map and are happy to receive suggestions if you know of any other locations. Please email us on recycle@dacorum.gov.uk

Click the icon on the black bar in the top left hand corner to view the symbol key.

Refill shops

There are more and more places in Dacorum where you can refill existing containers, and buy household staples without plastic packaging.

Berkhamsted

• Acorn Pharmacy

Hemel Hempstead

• Byrons Pharmacy
• Sunnyside Rural Trust

Northchurch

• Sunnyside Rural Trust

Tring

• Healthfare
• G Grace and Son
• P E Mead and Sons Farm Shop

Water bottles

In the UK, we use 13 billion plastic bottles every year, that's all drinks, milk and toiletry bottles. Water bottles make up a staggering 60 per cent of this. Instead of buying bottled water, use a reusable drinks bottle instead. Whether you're heading out to work, the shops, school or just out to play, make sure you reuse and refill your drinks bottle.

Refill Hertfordshire

Thanks to a fantastic local initiative called Refill Hertfordshire, topping up your water bottle when out and about is being made even easier. Refill Hertfordshire allows public places - such as cafés, pubs, takeaways and restaurants - to register as Refill Stations that will happily refill your bottle with free tap water on request.

There are more than 100 Refill Stations registered in Dacorum. You can find your nearest Refill stations on the go by downloading the Refill app or keeping an eye out for Refill window stickers.

We need support in building the number of Refill Stations listed in Hertfordshire. Find out how you can register your business - it only takes a minute and is completely free to take part.

Tap water

Around 15 per cent of people in the UK only ever drink bottled water. By switching from bottled water to either tap or filtered water you will not only be drastically reducing the amount of plastic used, but saving money, too. Tap water doesn't carry the carbon footprint, either.

Remember your reusables on the go

Reusable cups 

The UK uses 2.5 billion disposable coffee cups every year, and only 1 in 400 of these can be recycled. If you enjoy hot drinks on the go, it’s time to invest in a reusable cup. Check out different cups available to buy and discounts that are offered for using your own cup.

Shopping bags

The 5p bag charge resulted in an 85 per cent drop in plastic bag use - let’s get that to 100 per cent. Leave your reusable bags in your car, handbag or by the door so you always remember to use them.

Cutlery

Sporks, chopsticks or just normal knives and forks - there are lots of different reusable cutlery choices to choose from. If you're planning on eating on the go, make sure you have a set ready to pop in your bag or pocket.

Remember your reusables at home

In the bathroom 

Soap

Swap your shower gel bottle and hand pump for a bar of soap. Simple but effective and they'll last much longer, too. If you can't give up your liquid hand wash or shower gel, look out for refill shops where you can take your own container. The Herts WasteAware page lists some refill shops in the county. 

Shampoo and conditioner bars

Ditch your old plastic bottles for these brilliant bars, which are a great alternative. They work just as well and many of the brands that create these bars are also cruelty free (meaning they don't test on animals) and use more natural ingredients.

Wipes

Did you know the majority of wipes on the market are made up of plastic? These aren't biodegradable, recyclable or flushable, so reducing their use is important. You can either buy reusable wipes or make your own DIY ones - there are plenty of how-to guides online.

Never flush disposable wipes down the toilet as they cause environmental issues in our seas and sewers. They should go in the grey bin only. 

Period products 

The average disposable period pad can have the same amount of plastic as four plastic carrier bags. Find out more about reusable period products.

Reusable nappies

From birth to potty, a child can use around 4,500 disposable nappies. Each of these can take up to 500 years to degrade in landfill. Reusable nappies not only help the environment and expose your baby to less chemicals, but they can also save you up to £500. Find out more about reusable nappies.

In the kitchen

Same taste, less waste 

Food such as fruit and vegetables can often be bought loose instead of wrapped in plastic. If you prefer to have your food protected on your shop, bring your own bags or tubs with you to the supermarket.

Milk delivery

In the past 40 years, the number of people using glass bottles has dropped by around 90 per cent. Let’s get back to the good old days - find your nearest milkman.

Cleaning

Make your own cleaning products. Most things can be cleaned easily by using a simple recipe of white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda. No need to buy lots of trigger sprays and bleach bottles.

Food wrap

Ditch the cling film and invest in reusable food wrap or have a go at making your own reusable beeswax-coated wrap.

Reusable tableware

Invest in reusable plastic sets of tableware, which are great for parties, picnics and barbecues. This will not only reduce your plastic and paper use but also save you money. And any food waste is more likely to head into the food caddy rather than being thrown away with a disposable plate.

Rechargeable batteries

The energy used to manufacture a battery is around 50 times greater than it gives out. Between 20,000 and 30,000 tonnes of batteries are wasted in the UK each year. If you invest in rechargeable batteries, you'll ultimately spend less than on single-use batteries, as well as reducing the amount of batteries created and thrown away. If you have single-use batteries - always make sure to recycle them in a designated battery recycling box.

More information

Find out more about reducing, reusing and recycling in Dacorum, as well as making this year more environmentally friendly.