In addition to attempting to reduce the overall amount of plastic we consume, and making an effort to reuse whatever items we can, most of us probably do not think further than throwing our single use plastic items in the recycling bin, before feeling satisfied that we have done what we can to combat plastic pollution. However, what happens to your plastic refuse after it has been collected can vary considerably depending on your location and who buys the recycled material.
It is important to check local recycling guidelines, since facilities are different in different localities. In most areas, you should rinse out items such as yoghurt containers because contaminated items are likely to be treated as waste rather than being recycled.