Well, the short answer is – tea bags can't be recycled.
Tea bags are mostly made from a natural fibres, but to prevent them falling apart when you pour boiling water on them, there is a small amount of plastic additive to stop this from happening... Most of the major players do use non-bio polypropylene (PP) as sealants in their bags...
Luckily, many brands have either moved, or are in the process of moving to #plasticfree bags.
Now, after using a plastic-free bag, you can absolutely compost them.
And if you use loose leaf tea then this can be emptied directly into the food waste bin!
Oooor... if you fancy, here are my 4 fave things one can do to #REUSE tea bags!
🌿Dye some fabric or clothing
If you prefer something with a delicate 'vintage' look, this tea bag tip could be your new fashion go-to move. Pop all your used tea bags into hot water over the stove, leave to brew, remove from heat and add your fabric, leaving it to absorb the new hue
🌿Craft a DIY air freshener
Spilt milk, dog hair, yucky shoes - our cars take a beating with regards to smelly odours... with 2 kiddos, I know mine certainly does! Place your used and dried, flavoured tea bags in your car to keep smells at bay. The leaves will absorb the moisture in the air, a common cause of stale smelling interiors #LOVEIT
🌿Make compost!
Get your plants growing like no tomorrow with some super-nourishing compost. Just break open your used tea bags and add them to your compost. They will speed up the decomposition process, drawing in acid-producing bacteria which helps your garden to thrive
🌿Relieve your eyes
Lack of beauty sleep? I hear ya! Do two things:
i) Make a cuppa - tea makes everything better!
ii) Place the cooled tea bags over your eyes. The tannins in the tea will encourage blood circulation and reduce puffiness - you'll look brighter, feel lifted and be ready to tackle the world!
Hope that’s useful and as usual, send any Q’s you have our way!
Tea bags are mostly made from a natural fibres, but to prevent them falling apart when you pour boiling water on them, there is a small amount of plastic additive to stop this from happening... Most of the major players do use non-bio polypropylene (PP) as sealants in their bags...
Luckily, many brands have either moved, or are in the process of moving to #plasticfree bags.
Now, after using a plastic-free bag, you can absolutely compost them.
And if you use loose leaf tea then this can be emptied directly into the food waste bin!
Oooor... if you fancy, here are my 4 fave things one can do to #REUSE tea bags!
🌿Dye some fabric or clothing
If you prefer something with a delicate 'vintage' look, this tea bag tip could be your new fashion go-to move. Pop all your used tea bags into hot water over the stove, leave to brew, remove from heat and add your fabric, leaving it to absorb the new hue
🌿Craft a DIY air freshener
Spilt milk, dog hair, yucky shoes - our cars take a beating with regards to smelly odours... with 2 kiddos, I know mine certainly does! Place your used and dried, flavoured tea bags in your car to keep smells at bay. The leaves will absorb the moisture in the air, a common cause of stale smelling interiors #LOVEIT
🌿Make compost!
Get your plants growing like no tomorrow with some super-nourishing compost. Just break open your used tea bags and add them to your compost. They will speed up the decomposition process, drawing in acid-producing bacteria which helps your garden to thrive
🌿Relieve your eyes
Lack of beauty sleep? I hear ya! Do two things:
i) Make a cuppa - tea makes everything better!
ii) Place the cooled tea bags over your eyes. The tannins in the tea will encourage blood circulation and reduce puffiness - you'll look brighter, feel lifted and be ready to tackle the world!
Hope that’s useful and as usual, send any Q’s you have our way!
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