Recycling sites in the borough

8. What to put in each recycle bin

You can also use the interactive search tool on the What can go in each container page to identify which bin to use for household items and also where to take items that aren't in your weekly collections.

Paper and cardboard

We can recycle most paper and cardboard, the list is provided below.  Please flatten all boxes to save space.  With larger cardboard boxes please break them down into smaller pieces and remove any polystyrene or other non card packaging. 

Yes please

  • Magazines and newspapers
  • Directories and brochures
  • Flat packed cardboard (large boxes must be broken down to save space in the bin)
  • Window envelopes
  • Photocopier paper
  • Junk mail (plastic wrapping removed)
  • Shredded paper (placed in small cardboard box or paper bag to prevent littering)
  • Cereal boxes
  • Cards (birthday, Christmas, Easter etc, but no glitter)
  • Non-foil / plastic wrapping paper (no glitter, string or bows)

No thank you

  • Drink and food cartons ie Tetra Paks (these contain polythene and/or foil linings so are not suitable for paper mills)
  • Polystyrene and other plastic packaging
  • Tissue paper
  • Plastic carrier bags

Cans, tins, aerosols and foil

Please ensure that the containers have been rinsed, are free of liquids and for aerosol cans fully emptied.  Please do not place them in boxes or bags.

Yes please

  • Food tins
  • Drink cans
  • Biscuit and cake tins
  • Aerosol cans (fully emptied)
  • Foil cases or sheets (with any food removed)
  • Metal lids and tops from bottles and jars

No thank you

  • Scrap metal
  • Old pots, pans and trays
  • Old cutlery
  • Plastic carrier bags

Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays

We can recycle most types of every day plastic bottle, pot, tub or tray from your weekly supermarket shop. It doesn't matter what colour or shape as long as they are clean and not placed in carrier bags.

Yes please

  • Plastic drink bottles
  • Plastic milk bottles
  • Plastic kitchen bottles e.g. washing up liquid, bleach, cleaning, sauces etc
  • Plastic bathroom bottles e.g. shampoo, conditioner, shower gel etc
  • Plastic food pots, tubs, trays e.g. yoghurt/dessert pots, margarine/butter/ice cream tubs, meat/fruit/ready meal (food removed) trays etc.
  • Plastic bottle tops

No thank you

  • Polystyrene of any type
  • Plastic film
  • Bubble wrap and cling film
  • Hard plastic containers e.g. crates, toys, plant pots etc
  • Hazardous chemical bottles
  • Plastic carrier bags

In October 2015 retailers started charging you for carrier bags when you go shopping. We support the reuse of carrier bags as reuseable shopping bags which can be used time and time again.

You will save money by reusing bags and at the same time helping the environment. If you have bags for recycling, most supermarkets have in-store carrier bag recycling facilities for your use.

Glass bottles and jars

We can recycle all colours of glass bottles and jars in the same recycling bin.  Please make sure the containers have been rinsed and are empty.  Please do not place them in boxes or bags.

Yes please

  • Glass bottles - any colour
  • Glass jars - any colour

No thank you

  • Chinaware, mirrors, window panes
  • Kitchenware ie pyrex, crockery, earthenware, cutlery, glasses
  • Plastic carrier bags

Textiles and shoes

You can recycle a wide range of textiles, paired shoes and similarly related items in our specially designed textile and shoe recycling containers.  Please ensure shoes are paired together in a bag or tied lace, and that the textiles are clean and dry to prevent them from going mouldy.

Yes please

  • Bedding (sheets, blankets, pillowcases and duvet covers)
  • Belts
  • Clothing
  • Curtains
  • Cushion covers
  • Gloves
  • Handbags
  • Hats
  • Old or worn textiles
  • Throws
  • Towels and tea towels
  • Shoes and boots (paired)
  • Purses

No thank you

  • Balls of wool
  • Bathroom mats
  • Carpets/rugs
  • Coat hangers
  • Doormats
  • Duvets, pillows or cushions
  • Electric blankets
  • Fire damaged items
  • Safety helmets
  • Single shoes
  • Soiled, dirty or wet items
  • String
  • Paint or chemically damaged items

Foil

Foil can be placed in the 'Cans, tins, aerosols and foil' bin now, please see above. Please note the labels on these bins will be updated soon to include foil and aerosols.

Books

At a limited number of recycling centres we are able to accept reusable books.