A-Z: What goes in my bins

This page is an A-Z guide of what you can place in each of your bins and your paper box, to help you to keep recycling as much as possible.

Please note our Garden Waste Service is a paid for service. Please only place items in the garden waste bin if you have paid for a subscription to this service.

If you are unsure on a where to put any specific items not listed below please visit the Recycle Now website. 

A
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Aerosol cansRecycling BinOnly empty aerosol cans can be recycled.
AsbestosFor advice on asbestos please contact WasteAware 
Aluminium foilRecycling BinScrunch any foil into a ball roughly the size of a tennis ball as smaller bits may get lost down the sides of the recycling machinery.
Ash (coal or wood - once cooled)Refuse Bin 
B
ItemWhere Shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Baby/make-up wipesRefuse Bin 
Bags (plastic)Refuse BinReuse carrier bags on your next shopping trip. Alternatively, some supermarkets have a collection scheme for plastic bags.
Balloons (latex)Refuse Bin 
BarkHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
BatteriesHousehold Waste Recycling CentreSome local supermarkets offer a collection scheme for used batteries.
Biodegradable packagingRefuse Bin 
BirosRefuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for your used pens. Visit the website for more info and to find your closest drop-off point.
Biscuit/chocolate tinsRecycling Bin 
Black sacksRefuse Bin 
Blister packs (for pills)Refuse Bin 
Bones (meat or fish)Home Composting or Refuse Bin 
Books (good quality)Charity Shops 
Books (beyond reuse)Kerbside paper box - pages only (remove cover and spine) 
Bottles, glass - any colour (e.g. wine, beer, spirits)Recycling BinLids can be recycled. Labels can be left on, but any leftover liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Bottles, plasticRecycling BinLids can be recycled including spray bottle lids (trigger and pump)
Branches from trees (smaller than 3cm in diameter)Garden Waste Bin 
BreadHome Composting or Refuse BinBread can be kept in the freezer until you're ready for toast! Alternatively, you can blitz stale bread in a food processor to make breadcrumbs.
Brita water filter cartridgesRefuse BinSome shops accept returned Brita filters to be recycled.
Bricks and rubble (non-trade only)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
BrochuresKerbside Paper Box 
Brown paper and envelopesRecycling Bin 
Bubble wrapRefuse BinReuse bubble wrap when food shopping to protect delicate items. It will also help to keep items coolers for longer!
Buckets, old washing up bowls/tubsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre or Refuse Bin 
Builders waste (non-trade only)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Butter tubsRecycling Bin 
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ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
CandlesRefuse Bin 
CansRecycling BinLeft-over liquid or food residue can contaminate other recyclables so please empty your containers. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Cardboard boxes (e.g. cereal boxes, delivery boxes)Recycling BinPlease flatten before recycling. Remove plastic inserts, polystyrene and tape from boxes.
Cardboard egg boxesRecycling Bin 
Cardboard packets lined with metal (e.g. gravy granules, cocoa powder, Pringles tubesRefuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for some of these products. Visit the website for more information and to find your closest drop-off point.
Cardboard sandwich boxes (including the plastic window, if clean from residue)Recycling BinLeft-over food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. 
Cardboard sleeves (e.g. ready meal sleeves)Recycling Bin 
Cardboard tubes (e.g. from inside toilet rolls and kitchen roll)Recycling BinKeep a recycling bin or bag in the bathroom to remind you to recycle your bottles and toilet roll tubes.
CarpetHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Carrier bagsRefuse BinReuse carrier bags on your next shopping trip. Alternatively, some supermarkets have a collection scheme for plastic bags.
Cartons (food and drink)Recycling BinCard with food residue should be placed in the general rubbish bin.
Cat food pouches (with silver lining)Refuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for some of these products. Visit the website for more information and find your closest drop-off point.
Cat litterRefuse Bin 
CataloguesKerbside Paper Box 
Cassette tapes (plus cases)Remove all tape first and place in Refuse Bin - the plastic cassette case can then be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre 
CDsRefuse BinIf still in good condition, why not donate unwanted CDs and DVDs to charity shops?
CD Cases (hard plastic)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
CellophaneRefuse Bin 
CeramicsRefuse Bin 
Cereal BoxesRecycling BinPlease flatten where possible, to take up less space.
Cereal packets - inner liners (plastic)Refuse Bin 
Chewing gumRefuse Bin 
Chocolate and biscuit tubs and traysRecycling Bin 
Christmas cardsRefuse BinUpcycle or reuse as gift tags.
Christmas trees (real)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Christmas trees (artificial)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Cigarette endsRefuse Bins 
Cleaner and detergent bottles (e.g. bathroom cleaners, washing up liquid, bleach)Recycling BinCheck they are empty first as left-over liquid can make other recyclables dirty. Lids and labels can be left on.
Cling filmRefuse Bin 
Clothes, textiles and shoesDonate to Charity Shop or Textiles Recycling BankHave you considered holding a clothes swap with your friends or community group? WasteAware has advice and equipment available if you are looking for a cheap, easy and fun way to de-clutter and update your wardrobe.
Coat hangers (plastic or wire)Donate to Charity Shop or Household Waste Recycling CentreBe sure and refuse these if you make new purchases.
Coffee groundsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Coffee podsRefuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for some of these products. Visit the website for more information and to find your closest drop-off point.
Coloured paper (except brown)Kerbside Paper Box 
Compostable packaging/bagsHomes Composting or Refuse Bin 
Cooking oilHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Corks (real or plastic)Refuse Bin 
Corrugated cardboardRecycling Bin 
Costa cupsRefuse BinReturn your cup to Costa to have it recycled.
Costa lidsRefuse Bin 
Cotton budsRefuse Bin 
Cotton reelsRefuse Bin 
Cotton wool/make up padsRefuse Bin 
Crisp and sweet packets or wrappersRefuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for all brands or crisp packets. Visit the website for more information and to find your closest drop-off point.
Crockery (broken)Refuse Bin 
Cutlery 

Reuse it. If it's in good condition, take it to a reuse drop off point. Or you can sell, donate, pass it on.

Recycle it. If it's metal, recycle at recycling centres in the metals containers.

D
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
DairyHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Disposable cutleryRefuse Bin 
Disposable cardboard 'paper' or plastic plates (without heavy food residue)Recycling BinIf you are hosting a party, why not look into local reuseable party kits available to hire? These kits are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than buying disposable equipment!
Disposable drinking cups (plastic)Recycling Bin 
Disposable drinking cups (cardboard or polystyrene)Refuse Bin 
Disposable nappiesRefuse BinWhy not give Real Nappies a try? Visit Hertfordshire WasteAware for more information.
Disposable razor bladesRefuse Bin 
Dog wasteRefuse Bin 
Drinks bottles (e.g. juice, squash, milk)Recycling BinPlease remove plastic film and place in the general rubbish bin. Lids and labels can be left on. Save space by squashing bottles.
Drinks cansRecycling BinLids and labels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. it does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Drinks cartons (e.g. juices and milk)Recycling BinLids can be recycled. Left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Drinking glassesRefuse BinMany glass items such as cookware, glasses and vases can be taken to charity for refuse if in good condition. Otherwise, please dispose of in the appropriate container at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Duvets and pillowsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
DVD casesRefuse Bin 
E
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Egg boxes (cardboard)Recycling Bin 
Egg boxes (plastic)Recycling Bin 
Egg boxes (polystyrene)Refuse Bin 
Egg shellsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Electrical itemsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Engine oilHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Envelopes including windows (brown)Recycling Bin 
Envelopes including windows (white)Kerbside Paper Box 
F
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Film lids from the pots or traysRefuse Bins 
Financial TimesKerbside Paper Box 
FishHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Flower pots - plastic (small only)Recycling BinLarge pots are more rigid plastic and should be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre or Placed in Black Bin.
FlowersHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Foam food trays and food packagingRefuse Bin 
FoilRecycling BinPlease rinse to remove food residue
Foil trays (e.g. take-away trays)Recycling BinAny disposable BBQ trays must be completely cool before adding to your recycling container. Douse with cold water then leave overnight to cool completely.
Foil/plastic wrapping (e.g. crisp packets)Refuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for all brands of crisp packets. Visit the website for more information and to find your closest drop-off point.
Food and drink cartons (e.g. TetraPak©)Recycling BinLeft-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Food cartons (e.g. soups)Recycling BinLids can be recycled. Left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Food scrapingsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Food tinsRecycling BinLids and labels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
FruitHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Fruit peelingsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Fruit punnetsRecycling Bin 
Frying pansRefuse Bin 
G
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
General kitchen ware (e.g. cutlery, pots & pans)General kitchen ware (e.g. cutlery, pots & pans) and home goods can be taken to charity for reuse if in good working order. Otherwise, please dispose of in the appropriate container at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. 
Gift bagsRefuse Bin 
Glass bottles and jars (lids can be recycled)Recycling BinLeft-over liquid or food residue can contaminate other recyclables so please empty your containers. It does not have to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Glass cookware (e.g. Pyrex dishes, drinking glasses, vases, ceramics)Refuse BinGlass - Many items such as cookware, glasses and vases can be taken to charity for reuse if in good condition. Otherwise, please dispose of in the appropriate container at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Glass - sheet/window panesRefuse Bin or Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Glasses - drinkingRefuse Bin 
Grass cuttingsHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Greaseproof paperRefuse Bin 
Greetings cardsRefuse BinCut old cards up and reuse them as gift tags, or send an E-Card as a zero-waste alternative.
H
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
HairHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Hard covers (from catalogues and books)Recycling Bin 
Hard plastic (children's toys, storage boxes, recycling boxes)Donate to Charity Shop or Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Hay and strawHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Hedge cuttingsHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Holiday brochuresKerbside Paper Box 
Hoover bags and dustRefuse Bin 
I
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Ice-cream tubsRecycling Bin 
Incontinence wearRefuse Bin 
J
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
J ClothsRefuse Bin 
Jars (e.g. sauces, jam, baby food) - lids can be recycledRecycling BinLabels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Jiffy bag envelopesRefuse Bin 
Junk mail includingKerbside Paper Box 
K
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Kitchen roll tubesRecycling Bin 
Kitchen towelsRefuse Bin 
KnivesRefuse BinThese can be wrapped and disposed of in your rubbish bin. If it's metal, at recycling centres in the metals containers.
L
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Laminated plastic food/drink pouches (e.g. baby food pouches, cat food pouches or coffee pouches.Refuse Bin 
Latex glovesRefuse Bin 
LeavesHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Leftover foodHome Composting or Refuse BinVisit https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for recipe ideas on how to use up leftovers.
Lids (metal or plastic)Recycling BinYou can keep lids on the containers, or put them separately into your mixed recycling bin.
Light bulbs and fluorescent tubesHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Light bulbs (energy saving)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Light bulbs (halogen)Refuse Bin 
Light bulbs (LED)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Light bulbs (old style)Refuse Bin 
M
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
MagazinesKerbside Paper BoxRemove any plastic wrapping or free gifts from newspapers, magazines and flyers. These should go in your refuse bin.
MDFHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Margarine tubsRecycling Bin 
Meat - raw or cookedHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
MedicinesReturn to Pharmacy 
Medicine pill packets (e.g. blister packs)Refuse Bin 
Metal items such as kettles, irons, pipes, white goodsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Metal lids and topsRecycling BinPop food tin lids inside the tin and gently squash the top to stop them falling out.
Metal tins (biscuit/chocolate -including lids)Recycling Bin 
Microwave meal trays (including black plastic)Recycling BinPlease remove plastic film and place in the refuse bin.
Milk bottles (lids can be recycled)Recycling Bin 
MirrorsDonate to Charity Shop or Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Motor oil containersHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
MossHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
N
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Napkins/serviettesRefuse Bin 
NappiesRefuse BinWhy not give Real Nappies a try? Visit Hertfordshire WasteAware for more information.
Netting - plastic (e.g. orange nets)Refuse Bin 
NewspapersKerbside Paper BoxRemove any plastic wrapping and free gifts from newspapers, magazines and flyers. These should go in you refuse bin.
O
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Office paperKerbside Paper Box 
Other glass bottles (e.g. perfume, aftershave, face/body cream)Recycling BoxLabels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Other metalsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Other non-paper wrappingsRefuse Bin 
P
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Padded envelopes (e.g. Jiffy bags)Refuse Bin 
Paint and solvent tins (full or empty)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Paint including varnishes, gloss (over half full)Ecowaste offer a paint recycling scheme 
Paper (coloured except brown)Kerbside Paper Box 
Paper (office, mail, newspaper, magazines, white envelopes)Kerbside Paper Box 
Paper towels and tissuesRefuse Bin 
Parchment/baking paperRefuse Bin 
Peelings (fruit and vegetables)Home Composting or Refuse Bin 
PencilsRefuse Bin 
Pet bedding for vegetarian pets (hay and straw)Home Composting or Refuse Bin 
Pet litter (carnivorous)Refuse Bin 
Pet faeces (bagged)Refuse Bin 
Pet food pouchesRefuse BinTerracycle offer a recycling service for some of these products. Visit the website for more information and to find your closest drop-off point.
Phone directoriesKerbside Paper Box 
Photo negativesRefuse Bin 
Photographic paperRefuse Bin 
Pill (blister) packsRefuse Bin 
Pillows and duvetsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Plant pots - plastic (small only)Recycling BinLarge pots are more rigid and should be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre or placed in refuse bin.
Plants (no soil)Home Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Plastic bags (e.g. carrier bags, compostable bags, bread, salad, fruit/veg bags, frozen food bagsRefuse Binreuse carrier bags on your next shopping trip. Alternatively, some supermarkets have a collection scheme for plastic bags.
Plastic bottles (all drink, detergent, shampoo bottles)Recycling BinCheck they are empty first as left-over liquid can make other recyclables dirty. Firm lids can be recycled. Plastic film goes in the general rubbish bin. Try putting a bag or bin in the bathroom to remind you to recycle your bathroom bottles and toilet roll tubes. Save space by squashing bottles.
Plastic films (from ready meals)Refuse Bin 
Plastic furnitureDonate to Charity Shop or Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Plastic food tubs, pots and trays - including black plasticRecycling BinFirm lids can be recycled. Plastic film goes in the refuse bin.
plastic sweet containersRecycling Bin 
plastic sweet wrappersRefuse Bin 
Plastic wrapping (includes food wrappers)Refuse Bin 
Plastic toysDonate to Charity Shop or Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Plastic sweet tubsRecycling Bin 
Plate glassHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Polystyrene (e.g. cups and packaging material)Refuse Bin 
Post-it notesKerbside Paper Box 
Potato sacks (think brown paper)Recycling Bin (please cut off the string top and place in the Refuse Bin) 
Pots (e.g. yogurt, soup)Recycling BinFirm lids can be recycled. Plastic film goes in the refuse bin.
Printer CartridgesSome supermarkets, schools and charities offer recycling collections (check with your local store) or they can be recycled at a Household Waste Recycling Centre or places in your Refuse bin. 
PruningsHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
PyrexRefuse BinMany glass items such as cookware, glasses and vases can be taken to charity for reuse if in good condition. Otherwise, please dispose of in the appropriate container at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre.
R
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Razor bladesRefuse Bin 
Reading glassesDonate to Charity Shop 
Resealable plastic packets (e.g. containing cheese, sandwich bags)Refuse Bin 
Rigid plastics (e.g. toys and hangers)Donate to Charity Shop if in good condition or put in your Refuse Bin 
Ring bindersRefuse Bin 
Rubber glovesRefuse Bin 
S
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Sanitary products (wrapped)Refuse Bin 
Sanitary towelsRefuse Bin 
SaucepansRefuse Bin 
Seed trays - no larger than 30cmRecycling Bin (larger seed trays are rigid plastic and should be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre 
SellotapeRefuse Bin 
ShellfishHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Shiny cardboard (that will tear and has no plastic coating)Recycling Bin 
Shiny cardboard (that has plastic coating)Refuse Bin 
ShoesDonate to Charity Shop 
Shower curtainRefuse Bin 
Shredded paperKerbside Paper BoxPut shredded paper into a paper bag or envelope to stop it blowing away.
Shrink wrapRefuse Bin 
Shrubs and flowersHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Soil/turf/rubbleHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Solar panelsFor more information please contact a solar panel recycling service such as www.recyclesolar.co.uk 
SpectaclesDonate to Charity Shop 
Sponges and loofahsRefuse Bin 
Sticky labels and backing paperRefuse Bin 
StrawHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
StyrofoamRefuse Bin 
Syringes (sharps)Clinical Waste

 

T
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Tablet packets (plastic and foil)Refuse Bin 
TapeRefuse Bin 
Tea bagsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
Telephone directoriesKerbside Paper Box 
Textiles, clothes and shoesDonate to Charity Shop or Textiles Recycling BankHave you considered holding a clothes swap with your friends or community group? WasteAware has advice and equipment available if you are looking for a cheap, easy and fun way to de-clutter and update your wardrobe.
TetraPaks©/CartonsRecycling BinLids and labels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Tins (food, biscuit, chocolate)Recycling BinLids and labels can be left on, but any left-over liquid or food can make other recyclables dirty. Please empty your containers before recycling. It does not need to be spotless, a quick rinse will do.
Tins (paint and solvent - full or empty)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Tin foilRecycling BinScrunch any foil into a ball roughly the size of a tennis ball.
TissuesRefuse Bin 
Toiletries and other bathroom bottles (e.g. shampoo, shower gel)Recycling BinCheck they are empty first as left-over liquid can make other recyclables dirty. Lids and labels can be left on. Try putting a bag or bin in the bathroom to remind you to recycle your bathroom bottles and toilet roll tubes.
Toilet roll tubesRecycling Bin 
Toner cartridgesSupermarket and school recycling points, Household Waste Recycling Centre or Refuse Bin 
Toothpaste tubesRefuse Bin 
Toys (plastic or soft)If in a good condition - a charity shop, if not then Household Waste Recycling Centre or Refuse BinSome supermarkets offer a plastic film recycling point, check your local store. 
Toys (cardboard packaging)Recycling Bin (remove any plastic film or polystyrene) 
Trays/punnets (e.g. meat trays, takeaway trays, fruit/veg trays, including black plastic)Recycling Bin 
Tree cuttings (branches no larger than 3cm in diameter)Home Composting or local waste and recycling centre 
Treated wood (e.g. fence panels, painted doors, furniture, wicker basketsHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Tree cuttings (only small twigs and branches accepted)Home Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Tubs (e.g. margarine, ice cream)Recycling BinFirm lids can be recycled. Plastic film goes in the refuse bin.
TupperwareRefuse Bin 
Turf/soil/rubbleHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
U
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Uncooked foodHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
V
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Video cassettesRemove all tape first and place in Refuse Bin - the plastic cassette case can then be taken to a Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Vegetable peelingsHome Composting or Refuse Bin 
VegwareHome Composting Although Vegware is a plastic free alternative we are not able to accept it in the recycling bin. Consider using reusable items to reduce waste.
W
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Washing powder boxesRefuse Bin 
WallpaperRefuse Bin 
Water filter cartridges (e.g. Brita)Refuse BinSome shops accept returned Brita filters to be recycled.
Wax crayonsRefuse Bin 
Weed control fabricRefuse Bin 
WeedsHome Composting or Garden Waste Bin 
Wet wipesRefuse Bin 
White paper (e.g. printer paper and letters)Kerbside Paper Box 
Window frames (wooden or plastic)Household Waste Recycling Centre 
Window glassHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Window panesHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
Wire and cablesHousehold Waste Recycling Centre 
WoodHousehold Waste Recycline Centre 
Wood shavings (untreated)Home Composting or Refuse Bin 
Woodchip wallpaperRefuse Bin 
Wrappers (e.g. from sweets, biscuits)Refuse Bin 
Wrapping - plastic (e.g. from around magazines)Refuse Bin 
Wrapping paper - with foil, glitter or plastic coatingReuse or Refuse Bin 
Wrapping paper   - plain brown or printed paper, no foil or metallic effectedRefuse Bin 
Y
ItemWhere shall I dispose of?Useful tips
Yellow PagesKerbside Paper Box 
Yogurt potsRecycling BinFirm lids can be recycled. Plastic film goes in the refuse bin.
Yogurt pot lidsRefuse Bin