分类垃圾

In the UK, waste disposal is different from in China. People don't simply throw everything in one trash bin, although in China, even though there are separate bins for recyclable and non-recyclable waste, many people still don't sort their trash properly.

 

However, in the UK, it's not allowed. If you dispose of your trash improperly or fail to sort it, the consequences can vary. For minor offenses, the garbage truck may refuse to collect your waste, leaving it piled up at your home. For more serious offenses, fines can be imposed. I believe that China should adopt a similar waste classification system in the future, although it may be challenging. Starting with larger cities as pilot projects and gradually promoting waste sorting awareness in textbooks could be a feasible approach.

 

In most houses in the UK, there are three different color-coded bins: green, blue, and brown (although the colors may vary in different areas, such as blue, black, green, or other colors). Each color serves a specific purpose. The garbage trucks in the UK usually collect waste once a week or twice a month, typically on Tuesdays. They collect a different color bin on alternate weeks. For example, if the green bin is collected this week, the blue bin will be collected next week. It is the responsibility of residents to place their bins out on the street in advance and ensure that the trash does not overflow the bins. The lids of the bins must be able to close properly; otherwise, the garbage collectors will refuse to collect the waste. They also conduct inspections to check if the contents of the bins comply with the regulations.

And then, we often forget to take out the bins, so sometimes on Tuesdays, while we are still asleep, we suddenly wake up to the sound of the garbage truck outside dumping the trash. We quickly jump out of bed, rush to take the bins out, and then go back to sleep...

 

At first, we used to take out all three bins at once, but our neighbor, the grandfather, couldn't sit still. He would always help us push the bins back to our backyard. He even wrote notes in English for us, although it took us a while to understand his handwriting. Wow, it was quite difficult to decipher... Later on, we started following our neighbor to push the bins. Whatever color he pushed, we would push the same. That neighbor grandfather is really a kind person. Not only does he take care of many stray cats, but he also insists on helping us with the bins regularly...

 

Each bin has your house number written on it. Don't lose the bin; they are expensive. The bins also indicate whether they are for recyclable or non-recyclable items, but most of them are not labeled. You just have to go by the color. Before moving in, ask the real estate agent about how to sort the trash.

Um, suddenly I thought of an interesting slogan: "Start with me, waste classification."

 

In the UK, waste is generally divided into non-recyclable household waste, recyclable waste, construction waste, and old large appliances, and so on.

 

The blue bin is specifically for all recyclable waste, such as newspapers, cardboard boxes, and soda bottles. If the box is too big, you need to cut it into smaller pieces and then put it in the bin.

 

The green bin is for household waste that is not recyclable, like leftover food and scraps. Remember not to pour any liquids directly into the bin. They should be put in a garbage bag, tied up, and then placed in the bin. Making it convenient for others is making it convenient for yourself.

 

The brown bin, as my agent told me, is for small-scale construction waste or garden waste like tree branches. They should also be broken into small pieces and placed in bags.

 

These bins are only for small-sized waste. Waste batteries should not be thrown away randomly. Many supermarkets and malls have special boxes for recycling batteries.

So, what should you do if you want to get rid of large old furniture and appliances (such as sofas, cabinets, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, beds, tables, chairs, etc.)?

 

Take them to the local large waste disposal center yourself. Generally, these large waste disposal centers are located in the outskirts and may be a bit far.

 

Pay a waste disposal center or hire a private cleaning company to take away and dispose of the trash for you.

 

Donate them to local charitable organizations. However, if the items are too old or the charity deems them to be in poor condition or unsuitable, they may refuse to accept them.

 

Give them to friends, younger siblings, or others, or advertise them online as free items for someone to pick up. However, in general, it can be difficult to give away furniture and appliances because the recipient would need to arrange transportation, which may not be cost-effective.

 

Place them at your doorstep with a sign saying "Free to take" and let people help themselves. However, even this method can be challenging as it depends on the situation. For example, I often encounter situations where our neighbors put out a sofa, table, and many toys at their doorstep with a sign saying "FREE," and after two weeks, they are still there...