If you are keen to protect the environment and have followed our advice on how to minimise energy use, save water and use the right product dose in your laundry and cleaning, then there is just one thing left: to dispose of any packaging responsibly.

Before you do this, first make sure you cannot get refills for the same container. If the container is not reusable, then here is a handy guide on how to sort your packaging and other household waste so it can be recycled as effectively as possible.

• Glass: recycle bottles, flasks and jars but not oven-proof glass, porcelain, ceramics, earthenware, crystal, sheets of glass, mirrors, light bulbs or fluorescent lights. Also leave out all tops, lids and corks. Depending on your local scheme, you may need to sort the glass into different colours.
• Paper and cardboard (carton): recycle paper bags, card boxes, newspapers, magazines, leaflets, books and printer and letter paper. Leave out painted, dirty or greasy paper, cellophane and tin foil, as well as any plastic magazine covers or wrappers.
• Other containers: recycle plastic bottles and flasks, metallic packaging such as aerosol cans, aluminium trays, bottle tops, tins and cans) and drink cartons.

These are general guidelines but the details may differ in your country. Check with your local scheme to find out exactly what types of material are recycled and how it has to be sorted.

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