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Cambridge City Council

Recycling and rubbish A to Z

  • Aerosol cans

    Recycle

    Aluminium is infinitely recyclable! Please ensure cans are empty for safety reasons, and put in your blue bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Aerosol cans

    HWRC

    Dispose of aerosol cans that still contain chemicals at the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Air freshener cartridges

    Specialist disposal

    Air freshener cartridges can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but you can recycle them with TerraCycle.

    Save up your used cartridges and take them to a collection point.

  • Alternative options

  • Air freshener cartridges

    Black bin

    Air freshener cartridges can’t be recycled in your blue bin. If you can’t drop them off at a collection point, put them in your black bin.

  • Aluminium tube e.g. tomato puree

    Recycle

    Empty aluminium tubes can be recycled in your blue bin. You can also buy a small metal device to help you squeeze every bit of the contents out!

  • Asbestos

    Specialist

    Asbestos can be a dangerous material which, while being removed and disposed of, must be handled carefully and competently. A specialist licensed contractor should be used to ensure it is removed and disposed of in a controlled and safe manner.

    Visit the Health and Safety Executive website for the latest advice on asbestos.

    Cambridgeshire County Council offers residents a disposal service for small quantities of cement-bonded asbestos that will fit into a bag 2.59m (8′6″) × 1.37m (4′6″) in size within a 12-month period.

  • Ash (coal)

    Black bin

    Allow the ash to completely cool before putting it in a bag in your black bin.

    It must be bagged or it can blow out when the bin is emptied, which can be a hazard for our bin collectors.

    Coal ash is not suitable for composting or use on your garden.

  • Ash (wood)

    Reuse

    You can use wood ash in your garden by adding it to the soil around alkali-loving plants such as clematis.

  • Alternative options

  • Ash (wood)

    Green bin

    Allow the ash to completely cool before putting it in a paper bag in your green bin.

    It must be bagged or it can blow out when the bin is emptied, which can be a hazard for our bin collectors.

  • Baby food pouches

    Specialist disposal

    Baby food pouches can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled by TerraCycle and turned into products like fleeces, or springy surfaces for playgrounds. For every pouch collected, TerraCycle will donate to charity.

    Rinse and store your empty pouches somewhere convenient until you’ve collected a few. Then take them to your nearest collection point and they will be sent off to TerraCycle. Find your nearest collection point.

  • Bamboo or wood BBQ skewers

    Recycle

    Please place bamboo or wooden BBQ skewers into your green bin.

  • Beds and mattresses

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist recycling

    If you’re buying a new mattress, some retailers will take away your old one when they deliver the new one. This is the easiest way to get your mattress recycled.

    If this is not an option, you can pay for a specialist company to collect your mattress and recycle it. Search online for ‘mattress recycling’.

  • Beds and mattresses

    Household recycling centre

    Take to a household recycling centre – there’s one near Milton and one near Thriplow.

    We also collect and dispose of bulky goods for a fee. We are currently unable to recycle mattresses through this service.

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Biscuit, cracker and cake wrappers

    Blue bin

    Plastic wrappers that do not have a shiny foil-like layer on the inside or outside can be included in your blue bin.

  • Biscuit, cracker and cake wrappers

    Black bin

    Biscuit, cracker and cake wrappers with a shiny foil-like layer on the inside or outside can’t be put in your blue bin, so if you can’t take them to a collection point put them in your black bin.

  • Black bags

    Black bin

    Please do not put black bags in your other bins. Even if a black sack contains recycling your blue bin may not be emptied if it contains one since we cannot see what is inside. Please put recycling into your blue bin loose.

    Empty black sacks - Unfortunately sorting equipment at the Materials Recycling Facility where items from blue bins are sent cannot detect the colour black and therefore black items can not be recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution. See more information about black plastic recyclability issues.

  • Blanket

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Blanket

    Recycle point

    Blankets can be put in textile banks at various recycling points.

  • Specialist recycling

    You can recycle empty medicine blister pill packets at all Superdrug pharmacies.

  • Alternative options

  • Blister pack / pill packet

    Black bin

    These are made of plastic and foil firmly glued together, so are not easy to recycle.

  • Books

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Books

    Household recycling centre

    Take to a household recycling centre – there’s one near Milton and one near Thriplow. Even damaged or out of date books can be recycled if they are not suitable for resale.

  • Books

    Blue bin

    You can recycle any books that are not suitable for re-use, such as old textbooks.

    You can put paperback books straight into your blue bin.

    Hardback book covers contain plastics and glues that can cause problems in the recycling process. Remove the cover and put that into your black bin, then the rest of the book can go into your blue bin.

  • Bottle tops and plastic lids

    Recycle

    After rinsing and (where applicable) squashing your bottles and jars, please replace the lids on them before putting in the blue bin. This helps the small lids to find their way through the various conveyors etc. in the sorting process, and they can be separated from the containers later on.

  • Bras

    Specialist recycling

    Bravissimo and Against Breast Cancer provide bra-recycling collection points, both of which raise money for breast-cancer charities. Please donate only clean bras.

    Donated bras will be refurbished and re-sold in more than 70 countries where bras are expensive and scarce. Any that are not suitable will be broken down and recycled.

  • Alternative options

  • Bras

    Recycle point

    You can also pass on clean bras in any clothing or textile recycling bank.

  • Bread

    Reuse

    If you have surplus bread, try to freeze before it goes stale or mouldy.

    You can use stale bread in many recipes – visit Love Food Hate Waste for inspiration.

  • Alternative options

  • Bread

    Green bin

    All cooked and uncooked food waste can go in the green bin.

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

  • Bric-a-brac

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Broken glass

    Recycle

    Large pieces of broken bottles and jars only can be put into your blue bin. Please put smaller shards into another jar with its lid on (or bag them and put them in your black bin) - this is to prevent them blowing out as the bin is emptied, which could be dangerous for staff.

  • Alternative options

  • Broken glass

    Black bin

    Any other type of broken glass such as wine glasses or tumblers, windows, mirrors, picture frames etc should be carefully bagged and put in your black bin.

    Small fragments of broken bottles and jars should also be bagged and put in the black bin, unless they can be contained in another jar.

  • Bubble wrap

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. To find out your bin collection day, visit our bin collection day page.

  • Buckets

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Buckets

    HWRC

    Take the bucket to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Building rubble, soil and bricks

    Reuse

    Useable bricks and topsoil can be offered on networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Building rubble, soil and bricks

    Specialist

    If you have building work done by a company, any waste resulting from it is classed as business waste and needs to be dealt with by the company.

  • Building rubble, soil and bricks

    HWRC

    You can take small amounts of rubble, soil and brick waste from DIY work to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Bulky waste

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check large items are accepted - some will collect them from you) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Bulky waste

    HWRC

    Take the bulky waste to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Butter wrapper

    Green bin

    A minority of butter wrappers are made from thin greaseproof paper. These can be added to your green bin. Please check it is paper first by trying to tear it - if it tears easily with no stretching and is not metallic it is paper.

  • Alternative options

  • Butter wrapper

    Black bin

    Most butter wrappers are made from a mixture of paper, plastic and aluminium. They are not suitable for recycling or composting.

  • Reduce waste

    Consider whether reusable cable ties could be used. These are cheaply available online and are the same as single-use ties but have a little tab you can press to release the tie. You can re-use these hundreds of times.

  • Alternative options

  • Cable ties

    Household recycling centres

    Metal cable ties are available, which can be recycled with scrap metal after use.

  • Cable ties

    Black bin

    Plastic cable ties are made of nylon and too small to be recycled effectively, and must be put in the black bin. Biodegradable cable ties are available – these should also be disposed of in the black bin.

  • Cakes and pastries

    Reuse

    Freeze before or on the use-by date, or see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com for ideas on using up.

  • Alternative options

  • Cakes and pastries

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag.

    Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.

  • Candles

    Reuse

    f you do not wish to add to landfill, you can re-use your old candles

  • Alternative options

  • Candles

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Car tyres

    Reuse

    Stacked car tyres can make useful planters for plants that need warmth; the black rubber absorbs the heat. This is not recommended for vegetables or edible plants. You can also make tyre swings, outdoor furniture etc. - search online for ideas.

  • Alternative options

  • Car tyres

    Specialist

    Car tyres can not be accepted for recycling or disposal by the Council. If you have tyres to dispose of, contact your local garage who may be able to take them for you either for free or for a small charge.

    Alternatively, search for specialist tyre disposal services online.

  • Cardboard

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Alternative options

  • Cardboard

    Green bin

    Wet or very greasy cardboard or paper can be put in your green bin to be composted. If it is put in the blue bin it will break up and stick to other items, and will not be recycled.

    Do not put large quantities of cardboard in your green bin. If you do not have enough space in your blue bin, find out what to do with extra recycling.

  • Cardboard

    Black bin

    Laminated cardboard e.g. sandwich packets contains plastic and can not be recycled with other card. If you are not sure, try tearing the card and you may be able to see the plastic layers.

  • Cardboard egg boxes

    Reuse

    They biodegrade and can be used for growing seeds. Also suitable for home composting.

  • Alternative options

  • Cardboard egg boxes

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Carpet

    HWRC

    Old carpets will only be recycled if you are fitting new carpets yourself. If you are having a carpet fitted professionally the company should remove the old one for you.

  • Cartons including Tetra Pak

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Cassettes and video tapes

    Re-use

    Cassettes and video tapes are generally considered obsolete, so most charity shops no longer accept them.

    There is a small market online for some items such as Disney films and audio books on tape, so it might be worth offering them on websites such as eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree, or Facebook marketplace.

  • Alternative options

  • Cassettes and video tapes

    Black bin

    Cassettes and video tapes can not be recycled, so if they have no re-use value put them with the general waste in your black bin.

  • Cassettes and video tapes

    Household recycling centre

    If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your cassettes and video tapes to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

  • Cat litter

    Black bin

    Please bag securely and put in black bin. Loose cat litter can be hazardous to our crews when emptying the bin.

    Do not put cat litter (even if it is marked as biodegradable) in your green bin as it can be hazardous during processing.

  • Catalogues and directories

    Specialist

    Prevent waste by notifying companies if you no longer wish to receive catalogues from them.

  • Alternative options

  • Catalogues and directories

    Recycle

    Please remove catalogues from plastic sleeves before recycling. The sleeves can be put in your blue bin separately.

  • CDs and DVDs

    Re-use

    Pass on items in good condition – you could offer them to family or friends, donate them to charity shops, or offer them on websites such as eBay, Freecycle, Gumtree, or Facebook marketplace.

  • Alternative options

  • CDs and DVDs

    Black bin

    Discs can not be recycled, so if they have no re-use value put them with the general waste in your black bin.

  • CDs and DVDs

    Household recycling centre

    If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your CDs and DVDs to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

  • Ceramics, crockery and china

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Ceramics, crockery and china

    HWRC

    Take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Ceramics, crockery and china

    Black bin

    Never put crockery into a glass bottle bank or your blue bin. It is very damaging in the glass recycling process.

  • Cereal boxes

    Recycle

    All cardboard can be put in the blue bin.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reduce waste

    You can find some breakfast cereals sold loose (take your own containers) at refill shops. Find local refill shops.

  • Alternative options

  • Re-use

    Cereal packets can be re-used as sandwich or snack bags, reducing the need to buy new plastic sandwich bags.

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Show your support differently

    Consider whether you can donate and show your support without purchasing single-use products. For example, you could put facepaint on your nose, or wear a knitted poppy.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist

    Hand your poppy or red nose in at a Sainsbury’s store to be recycled.

  • Chest of drawers

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check they accept furniture first - some will collect it for a donation) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Chest of drawers

    HWRC

    Take the furniture to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Chewing gum

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Prevent waste

    Choose reusable crackers. You can find cardboard and fabric reusable crackers online, with or without snaps (a great option if you have nervous pets). You can add your own reusable fabric party hats, a joke, chocolate coins or a small gift chosen for each person.

  • Alternative options

  • Blue bin

    Unembellished cardboard cracker parts can be put in your blue bin. No metallic card, glitter, ribbons or wire decorations.

  • Black bin

    Ribbons, glittery, metallic or plastic parts from crackers can not be recycled, and can cause problems in the recycling process for the card parts.

    Any unwanted gifts from inside which are not suitable to re-use or donate to charity.

    Tissue paper hats can not be recycled, but can be composted in the green bin.

  • Reuse or donate

    Pass on any unwanted decorations in good condition to others via Facebook, Freegle, Gumtree or Freecycle, or donate to charity shops (preferably just before Christmas, so they can be sold on quickly).

  • Alternative options

  • Green bin

    Natural decorations like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias (without the pot) can be put in the green bin. Remove ribbons from natural wreaths and check for florists wire.

    Paper chains can be composted if they are not glittery or metallic – the paper parts are too small to be sorted for recycling correctly.

  • Black bin

    Tinsel, baubles and other plastic decorations can not be recycled.

    Wreaths or other natural decorations containing florist’s wire, ribbons or other plastic or metal embellishments that are hard to remove should be put in the black bin.

  • Christmas tree (real)

    Specialist

    Arthur Rank Hospice Charity collect Christmas trees for a donation. Not all areas are covered, so check their website in December for details.

  • Alternative options

  • Christmas tree (real)

    Green bin

    Cut up and put pieces in the bin with the lid fully closed.

  • Christmas tree (real)

    HWRC

    Take the tree to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Christmas tree fake plastic

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Christmas tree fake plastic

    Black bin

    Dismantle so that the bin lid closes properly.

  • Cigarette butts

    Black bin

    Cigarette filters contain plastic and should never be discarded on the ground; you could be fined for littering.

  • Cigarette packets

    Recycle

    Cardboard cigarette packets can be put in the blue bin for recycling, but please separate the foil inner and the plastic outer wrap first.

  • Cleaning spray bottles

    Recycle

    Plastic spray bottles can be recycled along with all other plastic bottles in your blue bin. Leave the spray trigger attached.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Cling film

    Specialist

    Consider reducing or eliminating your use of cling film by using alternatives:

    • Put leftovers in the fridge in a bowl with a plate on top
    • Use a lunch box for sandwiches
    • Reuse plastic bags e.g. from loaves of bread for sandwiches, or you can put small bowls of food inside them in the fridge
    • Buy or make reusable cloth food covers, or use shower caps!
  • Alternative options

  • Cling film

    Recycle

    Clean cling film can be recycled in your blue bin.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Coat hangers

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check if they want them first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Coat hangers

    HWRC

    Take hangers to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Separate any wood, metal and plastic.

  • Coffee filters

    Reuse

    You can try avoiding coffee filter waste by using a reusable coffee filter made of metal mesh (make sure it’s compatible with your particular coffee maker). You could also experiment with a different method of brewing coffee that doesn’t require paper, like a cafetière

    Coffee grounds and paper filters can be turned into compost.

  • Alternative options

  • Coffee filters

    Green bin

    Paper coffee filters and coffee grounds can be put in your green bin. 

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Coffee grounds

    Specialist

    Add to your home compost bin, if you have one.

  • Alternative options

  • Coffee grounds

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Coffee pods and capsules such as Nespresso and Tassimo

    Reuse

    It is possible to buy reusable Nespresso capsules which you can fill with your choice of coffee grounds.

  • Alternative options

  • Coffee pods and capsules such as Nespresso and Tassimo

    Specialist

    Tassimo T-DISCs and outer packaging can be recycled via TerraCycle.

  • Coffee pods and capsules such as Nespresso and Tassimo

    Black bin

    Foil coffee pods or capsules for coffee machines, e.g. Tassimo or Nespresso, are not recyclable in your blue bin. This is partly due to their size - small plastic items easily drop out of the sorting equipment used.

  • Coins

    Reuse

    Foreign and old money can be given to some charity shops.

    Including:

    • Cancer Research Shops (paper money only)
    • Oxfam Shops
    • Save the Children Fund
    • Sue Ryder
    • EACH (East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices)
  • Prevent waste

    If you are choosing cups or cutlery for an event, the best option, it’s best to use reusable items and wash them up. You could use a glass-hire service or hire a local reusable ‘party kit’.

    Some disposable options can be recycled or composted:

    • Ordinary plastic cups can be recycled in mixed recycling bins.
    • Cheap plain paper plates without a design can be composted – but the more expensive or decorative ones are laminated with plastic.
    • Wooden cutlery can be composted.

    You can buy some products, such as crisps, loose from local refill shops.

  • Alternative options

  • Compostable 'plastic', including bags, cups and cutlery

    Black bin

    We cannot accept compostable or biodegradable ‘plastic’ products in green bins. Examples include:

    • corn starch caddy liners such as those produced by BioBag
    • bio-plastic cups, or compostable paper cups with a layer of bio-plastic
    • bio-plastic cutlery such as those produced by Vegware or Edenware
    • other compostable plastic packaging such as Two Farmers crisp packets, Riverford salad bags, and some magazine sleeves

    Even if these products are EN13432-certified or display the compostable seedling logo, they do not compost quickly enough for our fast-composting process.

    These items will have the opportunity to break down to some extent when placed in the black bin, since all material undergoes biological processing before being landfilled.

    Please use only newspaper or 100% paper caddy liners for food waste in your green bin. You can also put food waste in your green bin loose.

  • Specialist

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled by TerraCycle. You need to save up your soft lenses, blister packs and peel-off foil and drop them off at a collection point. For each set of contact lenses and packaging collected, TerraCycle will donate to charity. 

    Find out more about the TerraCycle Acuvue Contact Lens Recycle Programme.

  • Cooked food

    Specialist

    Try to reduce food waste. Check Love Food Hate Waste's website for more information about how to save money by wasting less food.

  • Alternative options

  • Cooked food

    Green bin

    All food waste, including cooked, raw, dairy, meat and bones can be put in your green bin.

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Cooking oil

    Specialist

    If you have a home compost heap or bin you can add small amounts of used vegetable or sunflower oil to it. 

    Kitchen paper with cooking oil on it can be put in your green bin or home compost bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Cooking oil

    HWRC

    Larger amounts of oil can be allowed to cool, poured into a bottle and take to a Household Recycling Centre where it can be poured into a recycling tank to generate energy. 

  • Corks - plastic

    Black bin

    Synthetic/plastic corks need to be put into your main black bin.

  • Corks - real not plastic

    Reuse

    Real corks can be put onto your own compost heap.

  • Alternative options

  • Corks - real not plastic

    Green bin

    You can put real corks straight into the green bin. Please remember you can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Cotton wool and ear buds

    Reuse

    You can buy washable make-up remover pads which can be used over and over again.

  • Alternative options

  • Cotton wool and ear buds

    Black bin

    Do not flush down the toilet. Choose biodegradable ear buds (with a cardboard stick instead of plastic) which will break down.

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging, including crisp and snack packets, in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Crisp packets including multipacks

    Black bin

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, so if you can’t drop them off at a collection point please put them in your black bin.

  • Crisp tubes e.g. Pringles

    Black bin

    The plastic lid can be put in the blue bin but the tube itself is made of layers of plastic, foil and card and cannot be recycled. It is possible to remove the metal bottom of the tube with a tin opener, the metal can then be put in your blue bin.

  • Cuddly toys

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check what toys they are able to accept first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree. New toys with tags can be accepted by Cambridge Women’s Aid.

    If you have several, there are charities online who may accept donations of soft toys by post, to send to needy children in shelters, orphanages or war-torn areas e.g. The Teddy Trust

    Check with your local church who may collect toys for families in need.

  • Alternative options

  • Cuddly toys

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Curtains / textiles

    Reuse

    Consider if this can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to a friend or family, sell or give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, or donate to charity.

  • Alternative options

  • Curtains / textiles

    Recycle point

    Curtains can be accepted in most textile banks, which are located around the city at various recycling points.

  • Curtains / textiles

    HWRC

    Take the textiles to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Cutlery

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Cutlery

    HWRC

    Do not put cutlery in your blue bin. Take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Dairy - yoghurt, cheese

    Prevent waste

    Check use-by dates and freeze dairy if you are not going to be able to use it in time (check packaging to ensure it has not already been frozen). You can freeze up to the use-by date.

    For more inspiration go to www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

  • Alternative options

  • Dairy - yoghurt, cheese

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Dead flowers

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reduce waste

    Keep a spork or some lightweight cutlery in your usual bag, car glovebox or bicycle panniers for eating on-the-go.

    If you are having an event and need extra cutlery, you could:

    • ask if you can borrow from friends or relatives
    • see if there is a Party Kit Hire near you
    • hire from catering equipment suppliers
    • buy some from a charity shop and donate it back afterwards if you can’t store it for next time
  • Alternative options

  • Disposable cutlery

    Green bin

    Disposable wooden cutlery can be home composted or put in your green bin.

  • Disposable cutlery

    Black bin

    Disposable plastic or biodegradable plastic cutlery cannot be recycled and must be put in your black bin.

  • Disposable nappies

    Prevent waste

    Disposable nappies cannot be recycled. Consider using reusable washable nappies - modern styles are easy to use and wash. For more information see www.goreal.org.uk 

  • Alternative options

  • Disposable nappies

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Doors

    Reuse

    Consider if this can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to a friend or family, sell or give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, or donate to charity.

  • Alternative options

  • Doors

    HWRC

    Take the door to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Drinking straws

    Reuse

    Straws are optional - ask for no straw next time you order a drink. Or if you like to have a straw, find a reusable one you really like and take it with you. If buying straws for a party, opt for paper ones.

  • Alternative options

  • Drinking straws

    Black bin

    Please put disposable straws in your black bin.

  • Dust or vacuum contents

    Black bin

    Always empty your vacuum cleaner into a bag before placing this into your black bin. It can be a plastic bin liner or a paper sack. Loose dust or ash can blow out of the bin when it is being emptied and cause eye injuries for bin collection staff.

  • Duvets, pillows and cushions

    Specialist recycling

    Dunelm accepts clean duvets, pillows and cushions in their in-store textile take-back scheme. They also accept a wide range of other textiles including bath mats and curtains. The items are either re-used if suitable or recycled.

    You cannot recycle duvets, pillows or cushions in ordinary textile banks.

  • Alternative options

  • Duvets, pillows and cushions

    Black bin

    If you cannot take them to be recycled, you can put smaller duvets, pillows and cushions in your black bin for disposal.

    Larger duvets might not fit, or they might jam in the bin and not fall out when it is emptied.

  • Duvets, pillows and cushions

    Household recycling centre

    If you do not have enough space in your black bin, you can take your duvets, pillows or cushions to the household recycling centres (‘tips’) at Milton and Thriplow.

  • Egg shells

    Compost at home

    Add to your home composter, if you have one.

  • Alternative options

  • Egg shells

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Envelopes

    Recycle

    You do not need to remove windows from envelopes, as they are sieved out during the pulping process.

  • Expanded polystyrene foam packaging

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Faeces - dog poo and cat poo

    Black bin

    Please bag securely and put in black bin. Loose cat litter or dog poo can be hazardous to our crews when emptying the bin.

    Do not put cat or dog faeces in your green bin as it can be hazardous during processing.

  • Fat

    Reuse

    Animal fat can be mixed with seeds to make bird feeders, you can find instructions on various websites, including the RSPB.

  • Alternative options

  • Fat

    Green bin

    Avoid pouring down the drain – it can cause blockages and problems for wastewater treatment facilities. Find out more on Anglian Water's website. Allow fat to solidify and put in your green bin. You can buy devices called ‘fat traps’ to help with this, which are small biodegradable pads made from coconut fibre. You use them to soak up fat, which then solidifies, and the pad can be put in your green bin. 

  • Fish

    Prevent waste

    Check use-by dates and freeze fish if you are not going to be able to use it in time (check packaging to ensure it has not already been frozen). You can freeze up to the use-by date.

    Use up small amounts of fish in a kedgeree or other recipe - for inspiration see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

  • Alternative options

  • Fish

    Green bin

    All cooked and uncooked food waste, including fish, meat and bones can be put in your green bin.

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the soil improver is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Flexible plastic tube

    Specialist disposal

    Flexible plastic tubes from beauty or personal care products can be recycled for charity via the TerraCycle Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Programme.

  • Alternative options

  • Flexible plastic tube

    Blue bin

    Clean, empty flexible plastic tubes that do not contain a metallic layer can be accepted in your blue bin. You can leave the lids on.

    This type of tube springs back after you squeeze it – those with a metallic layer, such as toothpaste, usually stay squashed when you squeeze them.

  • Foil

    Recycle

    Clean foil, including foil trays from takeaways or ready-meals can be put in your blue bin. If possible please save up small pieces of foil and scrunch into a tennis-ball sized ball before putting in the bin - this is because very small items can get lost throughout the sorting process, and this will help ensure they can be recycled effectively.

  • Alternative options

  • Foil

    Black bin

    If foil is just too dirty to wash (burnt-on greasy food etc) it is not suitable for recycling. Please put it in the black bin.

  • Food waste

    Reuse

    Add raw vegetable peelings or fruit skins to your home compost heap, if you have one.

    For inspiring ideas how to reduce food waste and save money, go to Love Food Hate Waste's website.

  • Alternative options

  • Food waste

    Green bin

    All food waste can be put in your green bin, including cooked, raw, meat, fish, bones and dairy.

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Green bin

    You can add fruit pits or stones to a home compost bin, but they take an extremely long time to break down.

    If you put them in your green bin they will go through a shredder and high-temperature process, and will continue to break down slowly when the compost is in use.

  • Frying-pans/Saucepans

    Reuse

    If in good condition, sell, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Frying-pans/Saucepans

    HWRC

    Take the pans to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Garden waste

    Compost at home

    Some garden waste can be added to your home compost bin or heap. For more information, go to Recycle Now's website.

  • Alternative options

  • Garden waste

    Green bin

    More information on how the soil improver is made from your garden and food waste can be found on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Prevent waste

    Do you need to use a gift tag? If you are seeing the person you are giving to, maybe not. For family members you could use reusable gift tags, and use them again next year, and for birthdays. You can have personalised ones made, or use chalkboard versions that wipe clean. Or you could write directly onto the wrapping!

  • Alternative options

  • Green bin

    Plain card tags, without ribbon ties, glitter or other embellishments, can be composted at home or added to your green bin.

  • Black bin

    Gift tags are too small to be sorted correctly along with other card. Paper items smaller than postcard size often drop through sorting machinery and conveyors, ending up with glass, where they then have to be removed. 

  • Glass bottles including medicine/perfume

    Recycle

    All colours of glass bottles and jars can be put in your blue bin. Please rinse and replace the caps on the bottles - this helps stop the small caps falling out of the sorting process. They are separated from the glass when it is broken. You do not need to remove labels from the glass.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Glass jars and lids

    Recycle

    Rinse and replace the lid on the jar before putting in the blue bin. You do not need to remove labels from the glass.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Glass perfume bottles

    Recycle

    All colours of empty glass bottles and jars can be put in your blue bin. No need to remove sprays and caps, they are separated from the glass when it is broken.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Good clothes / clothing / textiles / woollens

    Specialist

    Prevent clothing waste. Making clothes uses a lot of resources, including water, fertiliser, pesticides and up to 10x more energy than the production of steel or glass.

    • buy clothes that will last longer where possible
    • bag a bargain with second-hand fashion
    • mend or restyle 

    Learn more about minimising the environmental impact of your clothes on the Love Your Clothes website.

  • Alternative options

  • Good clothes / clothing / textiles / woollens

    Reuse

    Donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Good clothes / clothing / textiles / woollens

    Recycle point

    Tie in plastic bags and drop off at a clothing bank, located at various recycling points around the district.

  • Good clothes / clothing / textiles / woollens

    HWRC

    Take the textiles to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Grass cuttings

    Reuse

    Add to your home compost bin, if you have one. Grass cuttings are a great 'activator', helping your compost to heat up and rot down faster, but they need to be layered with other drier materials (e.g. prunings, shredded paper) so that they don't go sludgy.

  • Alternative options

  • Grass cuttings

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Greaseproof paper

    Green bin

    Check whether your greaseproof paper has a silicone coating. If it does not, you can add it to your home compost bin or your green bin. It is not suitable for recycling.

  • Alternative options

  • Greaseproof paper

    Black bin

    If your greaseproof paper has a silicone coating, please dispose of it in your black bin. If you are not sure please put it in your black bin.

  • Greetings / birthday / Christmas cards

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Handbags

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Handbags

    Recycle point

    Put in a textile/clothing bank in various car parks around the district (e.g. supermarkets). 

  • Handbags

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Hard board fruit punnet

    Reuse

    These hard MDF-type hard board punnets can not be recycled and are not suitable for green bins either. They can be useful as storage trays though – you could use them to organise your fridge or cupboards, or example.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    If you can't reuse these items, put them in your black bin.

  • Hearing aids

    1

    Hearing aids are often collected for charity at a variety of places including:

    • Doctors surgeries
    • Hospital audiology departments
    • Private hearing specialists
    • Some charity shops such as Help the Aged and Age Concern
    • Organisations such as The Lions Club

    Donated hearing aids are repaired, refurbished and sent overseas for re-use in developing countries. Batteries for hearing aids are also wanted.

  • Hedge trimmings

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Ice cream tubs and lids

    Recycle

    Ice cream tubs can be recycled along with all your other clean plastic pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Inhalers

    Recycle

    Take empty inhalers to your local pharmacy. Some pharmacies are part of a specialist recycling scheme – those that are not will be able to safely dispose of them.

  • Prevent waste

    Make your own instant porridge. Buy oats loose at a refill shop, or in a paper bag and measure out yourself – use half a cup of oats for every 1 cup of milk, and heat for 2 minutes in the microwave.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Instant porridge sachets that appear to be made of paper usually have a thin layer of plastic, in order to measure out the milk needed. This means they are not recyclable.

  • Jewellery

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Jewellery

    Black bin

  • Jiffy bags and padded envelopes

    Reuse

    Keep and reuse, pass on to friends or family or offer on Freegle (those who sell things on internet auction sites will be glad of them!).

  • Alternative options

  • Jiffy bags and padded envelopes

    Black bin

    These are usually a mixture of plastic and paper, or in the case of Amazon Prime envelopes a mixture of different plastics, and cannot be recycled.

  • Junk mail

    Specialist

    If you receive unsolicited addressed mail, you can opt out by using the Mailing Preference Service.

  • Alternative options

  • Junk mail

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Jute or cloth bags

    Compost at home

    If you have a worn out jute or cotton shopping bag and you’re confident it contains no plastic, you can add it to your compost bin or heap. It will take many months to break down.

  • Alternative options

  • Jute or cloth bags

    Black bin

    If you do not have a home compost bin or heap, put your worn-out bag in your black bin.

    Clean cotton bags can be recycled with clothes in clothing collection banks.

    Fabrics and jute are not accepted in green bins because they can jam the shredding machinery and take too long to compost.

  • Large electrical appliances

    Reuse

    If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop. Check whether they want it before leaving it – some might want large electrical items, while others will not.

    You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Large electrical appliances

    Repair

    If your large appliance has stopped working, get quotes from local repair services to fix it before you consider replacing it.

  • Specialist

    If you’re having a new appliance delivered, check whether the retailer will remove and recycle the old one for you.

  • Large electrical appliances

    HWRC

    Take the appliance to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection. We do not remove large American-style fridge-freezers.

  • Latex or rubber gloves

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website

  • Lawnmower

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check if they accept them first) or pass on via networks such as Freegleor Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Lawnmower

    HWRC

    Household Recycling Centres are near Milton and Thriplow. More information can be found on Cambridgeshire County Council’s website. We also collect bulky goods for a fee. You can find out the costs and book a collection on our bulky collections page.

  • Leaves

    Reuse

    Add to your home compost bin if you have one.

  • Alternative options

  • Leaves

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable or compostable 'plastic' bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Leftovers (food)

    Reuse

    Love your leftovers! An average family of four could save £60 a month just by using up food before it goes to waste. Find lots of recipe inspiration and practical tips at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

  • Alternative options

  • Leftovers (food)

    Green bin

    All cooked and uncooked food waste can go in your green bin.

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable or compostable 'plastic' bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Lids / caps

    Recycle

    Metal and plastic lids from jars and bottles can be put in your blue bin.

    Although it sounds counter-intuitive, ideally please rinse (and squash if plastic) your bottles and jars, then put the lids back on. Because lids are small, this helps them to go through the sorting process without getting lost, before being separated from the glass later on.

    You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. 

    You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Light bulbs

    HWRC

    Compact energy-saving light bulbs (not long fluorescent tubes) and LED bulbs can be recycled at some recycling points.

    You can also take them to the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow, which can also accept long fluorescent tubes.

    For fluorescent tubes from commercial premises, a company called Envirogreen recycles lamps. They charge for storage and collection.

    Energy-saving light bulbs (including fluorescent tubes) contain small amounts of mercury, so care should be taken when disposing of them.

  • Alternative options

  • Light bulbs

    Black bin

    Halogen bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs do not contain mercury like compact fluorescent lamps (CFL's) and can be safely disposed of to landfill.

    They should never be placed in glass recycling or mixed recycling bins, as they are a different type of glass from bottles and jars.

  • Liquid soap dispenser bottle

    Prevent waste

    You can avoid the need to dispose of liquid soap bottles by using solid bars of soap.

  • Alternative options

  • Liquid soap dispenser bottle

    Blue bin

    Put liquid soap bottles in your blue bin.

    The dispenser pump contains a small metal spring that is not currently recyclable, so remove that first. You can recycle pumps in the TerraCycle Personal Care and Beauty Recycling Programme, or put them in your black bin.

  • Magazine wrappers

    Recycle

    Ordinary polythene or cellophane plastic magazine wrappers can be recycled in your blue bin. Compostable 'plastic' wrappers can not be recycled.

  • Alternative options

  • Magazine wrappers

    Black bin

    Compostable 'plastic' magazine wrap (e.g. made from corn starch) does not break down quickly enough in the fast composting process used for green bin material. Please put it in your black bin.

    Black bin materials go through a Mechanical Biological Treatment plant prior to being landfilled.

  • Magazines

    Reuse

    Donate to doctors or dentists surgeries, hairdressers, playgroups, schools or residential homes.

  • Alternative options

  • Magazines

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Magazines

    Recycle point

    You can recycle paper at recycling points around the city, or take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Make-up and hair dye packaging

    Blue bin

    Plastic bottles and pots, glass jars and cardboard boxes can all be rinsed out and recycled in your blue bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Make-up and hair dye packaging

    Specialist disposal

    Flexible metallic plastic tubes and flexible plastic or foil pouches can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but if they contained beauty or personal-care products you can recycle them with TerraCycle.

    Save up the packaging and drop it off at a collection point.

  • Make-up and hair dye packaging

    Black bin

    If you can’t take them to a collection point, put them in your black bin.

  • Margarine tubs

    Recycle

    Please rinse and put in the blue bin with all your other clean plastic pots, tubs and trays.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Meat and bones - cooked

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

  • Meat or fruit tray soaker pad

    Black bin

    Please remove from the plastic tray and put in your black bin.

  • Medicines / drugs

    Prevent waste

    Prevent medicine waste and lower NHS costs by only ordering what you need. Find more tips at Medicine Waste UK.

  • Metal drinks cans

    Recycle

    Please rinse and crush. Beer cans with widgets are accepted.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Metal food tins - chocolate, biscuit and coffee

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Mirror glass

    Black bin

    Mirror glass can not be recycled with container glass (bottles and jars). Small amounts can be put in your black bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Mirror glass

    HWRC

    Take the glass to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Mop

    HWRC

    Take the mop to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Alternative options

  • Mop

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on the Recap website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page. Please note that bin lids must be properly closed.

  • Motor oil / engine oil

    HWRC

    Contact a local garage or take it to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    Never pour used engine oil down the drain. It will cause pollution and it is also an offence. Engine oil is classed as a hazardous waste and must be disposed of properly. If you spill engine oil, use sand or earth to absorb it – never hose it down.

    Avoid mixing used engine oil with other materials as this makes it difficult to separate and recycle.

  • Musical instruments

    Reuse

    Used orchestral instruments – strings, woodwind, brass and percussion can be donated to children via Sistema England. Otherwise, if in good condition, ask if your local school would like it, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Nail varnish

    Black bin

    It is difficult to remove the varnish and the bottles are too small to be captured during the recycling process.

  • Newspapers

    Reuse

    Newspaper can be used for wrapping food waste to go in your green bin, and for lining a kitchen caddy if you have one. 

  • Alternative options

  • Newspapers

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reuse

    If you have an open fire or woodburner, you can use nutshells as part of your kindling.

  • Alternative options

  • Green bin

    You can add nutshells to a home compost bin, but they take an extremely long time to break down.

    If you put them in your green bin they will go through a shredder and high-temperature process, and will continue to break down slowly when the compost is in use.

  • Packing chips

    Compost at home

    Dissolvable or compostable packing chips can be added to a home compost bin. Make sure they are not polystyrene first!

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Please bag, tie the bag and put in your black bin, to prevent litter when the bin is emptied.

    Some packing chips are now made from biodegradable or dissolvable materials, but these are not accepted in the green bin. Black bin materials go through a biological process to break down any compostable elements.

  • Paper

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Prevent waste

    If you regularly buy coffee when on your way to work or out and about, buy a reusable cup to take with you. There are lots of options, from metal and ceramic to lightweight bamboo. Some coffee shops sell them, and some give a discount if you take your own cup.

    If you’re buying disposable cups for a party, consider using reusable plastic ones. If washing up or storage is an issue, choose disposable plastic cups, which can be recycled in the blue bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist disposal

    You can take single-use coffee cups to some branches of Costa – they will recycle them for you, even if you did not buy them there.

  • Paper cups

    Black bin

    Paper cups, even those with a recycle mark, can not be put in the blue bin – they are not easily recyclable unless collected as part of a dedicated scheme (see above).

    Compostable paper cups (such as Vegware or Edenware) have a layer of compostable ‘plastic’ which makes them unsuitable for putting in the green bin. Compostable plastic can take up to 12 weeks to break down, whereas the process we use takes 6 to 8 weeks.

    Compostable cups put into the black bin will have a chance to break down during the biological process they are put through before landfilling.

  • Paper towels and kitchen roll

    Black bin

    Please put all paper towels and kitchen roll in your black bin at this time.

    If you have symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19), please keep your personal waste in a separate bin bag – including tissues and cloths or wipes used to clean exposed surfaces.

    When the bag is full, tie the top, place the whole bag into another bin bag and tie the top of that. Store the bag for at least 72 hours before putting in your black bin for collection.

  • Choose reusable

    Washable fabric face masks, and even gloves, can be washed and re-used over and over again. You can buy them online, or make your own using instructions online.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Dispose of all medical waste and disposable personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks and gloves, in your black bin.

    If you are outside and there are no litter bins, take the waste home.

    If you are suffering from coronavirus symptoms, bag any medical waste and PPE separately. Leave it for 72 hours (3 days) before putting it in your black bin.

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins. They must be thoroughly cleaned before recycling.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Pet food pouches

    Black bin

    These type of pouches are made from layers of plastic and aluminium which are very difficult to separate out, and therefore they can not be recycled at the moment. Please put in the black bin.

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website.

  • Photos / photographs

    Black bin

    Photos are made from various different kinds of plastic or coated paper, and can not be recycled.

  • Pizza box

    Recycle

    It's important that cardboard for recycling is fairly clean and dry. Remove any food, and tear off any parts which are greasy (the greasy cardboard can be put in your green bin for composting).

  • Alternative options

  • Pizza box

    Green bin

    Please put any cheesy or greasy parts of your pizza box in your green bin.

  • Pizza box

    Black bin

    If you do not have a green bin and your pizza box has a lot of grease or food on it, it's best to put it in your black bin rather than your blue bin.

  • Plastic bags / carrier bags

    Reuse

    If you don't have a use for plastic bags yourself, some charity shops and small independent shops will be grateful for them.

  • Alternative options

  • Plastic bags / carrier bags

    Recycle

    Put empty bags in your blue bin. Please do not use bags to contain other items - it means we can't see the items inside properly to check they are accepted, and we may not empty your bin.

    Never put plastic bags in your green bin.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website.

  • Plastic bottles and tops

    Recycle

    Empty drinks, shampoo and detergent bottles, if needed please rinse, squash and put lids back on. 

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Plastic dishwasher tab tub

    Blue bin

    Recycle with other pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

  • Plastic egg boxes

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put empty things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reduce waste

    Avoid nets by buying fruit and veg loose.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Plastic fruit and vegetable nets

    Black bin

    These can not be recycled at present.

  • Plastic fruit punnets and food trays

    Recycle

    You can recycle plastic punnets from fruit or vegetables and food trays from ready meals in your blue bin.

    Remove soaker pads from meat or soft fruit trays and put them in your black bin. Plastic film and bubble wrap pads can go in your blue bin.

    The sorting equipment at the recycling facility where we send items from blue bins cannot detect black items, but some sorting is done by hand so black plastic trays can be pulled out and recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution.

  • Plastic instant noodle pot (e.g. Pot Noodle)

    Blue bin

    Rinse and recycle with other pots, tubs and trays in your blue bin.

  • Plastic milk bottles

    Recycle

    Please make sure bottles are empty and rinsed out. Put loose in your bin, not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reduce waste

    Avoid unnecessary plastic packaging by:

    • Choosing loose produce where possible
    • Taking your own shopping and produce bags to the shops
    • Buying refills or refilling your own containers

    Check our list of local refill shops.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist recycling

    1,500 Co-op food stores nationwide now accept clean soft-plastic packaging (also called flexible plastic, or plastic films and wrappers) for recycling. This includes the following items, which we do not collect in the blue bin:

    • Plastic pouches such as those for microwave rice, pre-cooked mussels or pet food
    • Plastic fruit and veg nets
    • Plastic sauce sachets
    • Crisps, nuts and snack packets
    • Chocolate and sweets bags and wrappers
    • Biscuit wrappers
    • Packets for tea, teabags and ground coffee
    • Pet-food wrappers

    Find out more and your nearest participating store on the Co-op soft plastic packaging recycling page.

    Other supermarkets including Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s also accept some soft plastics in their carrier bag recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Plastic packaging

    Blue bin

    Clean, empty plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, bags, film and wrapping can be put in your blue bin.

    If you are not sure if the item is plastic or is a mixture of plastic and paper or something else, put it in your black bin. Examples of acceptable items include:

    • yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and fruit punnets
    • trays from meat, vegetables or ready meals
    • shampoo, fizzy drink, milk or cleaning spray bottles
    • thin moulded plastic packaging from Easter eggs, toy packaging, packs of batteries etc

    The following plastic films are accepted and will be recycled when markets are available.

    General

    • thin plastic peel-off lids of all types
    • plastic kitchen towel, toilet roll, nappy pack, cotton wool, magazine wrappers
    • plastic fruit and veg bags and wrappers

    Bags

    • Ordinary carrier bags
    • Bread bags
    • Multipack crisps outer bags
    • Bags from:
      • Cereal and porridge
      • Dried goods – dried fruit, pasta, rice, sugar, pulses, etc
      • Frozen foods and ice cubes

    Wrappers and film

    • Cling film
    • Pizza wrapping film
    • Bread product wrappers:
      • Croissants
      • Pancakes
      • Naan bread
      • Pitta bread
      • Fresh pasta
    • Wrappers from:
      • Cheese, pastry, cakes
      • baby wipes, etc
    • Flower wrappers

    Due to market fluctuations it is not always possible to find recycling outlets for plastic films collected in the blue bins. Under these circumstances they will be used to generate energy instead.

  • Plastic packaging

    Black bin

    Very dirty items and those with food left inside should either be cleaned before recycling or put in the black bin.

    Some examples of plastic packaging that cannot be recycled in the blue bin include:

    • CD and DVD cases
    • shiny metallic plastic pouches from pet food, coffee or drinks – you can take these to participating Co-Op stores
    • crisp packets with a shiny foil coating on the inside – you can take these to participating Co-Op stores
    • polystyrene foam cartons, for example, from takeaways
    • moulded, protective polystyrene, for example from a new TV
    • foam or sponge packaging, for example from a new computer
    • multi-material wrappers, a mix of paper and plastic or paper and foil, for example some cheese wrappers or peel off lids on coffee jars
  • Plastic plant pots

    Reuse

    Pass on to friends or family, give away via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree, donate to local allotments or charity gardening projects (check if they need them first), or take back to garden centres which have a collection/pick-up area for them.

  • Alternative options

  • Plastic plant pots

    Blue bin

    You can recycle clean plastic plant pots that are not black and are smaller than about the size of an A3 piece of paper in your blue bin. Rinse off any soil or compost.

  • Plastic plant pots

    HWRC

    Take plastic pots larger than 5″ in diameter to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Plastic plant pots

    Black bin

    Seedling trays, small pots (5 inch or less), very dirty pots and all black pots are not recyclable, please put in your black bin.

    Unfortunately, recycling sorting equipment cannot detect the colour black and therefore black plastic items can not be recycled. This is an issue across the UK and work is being done to find a solution. Find out more about black plastic recyclability issues.

  • Plastic washing-up bowls

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Plastic washing-up bowls

    HWRC

    Take the bowl to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Plastic washing-up bowls

    Black bin

    If you can't get to a HRC, you can put it in your black bin. They can not be recycled in your blue bin.

  • Polystyrene foam meat or fruit tray

    Black bin

  • Black bin

    Please put polystyrene in your black bin. Bag any broken pieces to avoid them blowing out when the bin is emptied and causing litter.

  • Polystyrene takeaway food packaging

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Postage stamps

    Reuse

    Give to charity - ask your local charity shop or call a national charity to see if you can post to them.

    Many charities collect postage stamps, where they can be sold in bulk. Cut around postage stamps and leave a good margin, do not steam off.

  • Postcards

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Printer cartridges

    1

    You may be able to return your printer cartridges to a shop or manufacturer to be refilled. Some stationers e.g. Ryman do this, as well as the Smart Cartridge Shop in Cambridge (01223 464100).

  • Alternative options

  • Printer cartridges

    Specialist

    There are many charities which collect used cartridges, or organisations that collect on their behalf. Search 'recycle printer cartridges' online for various schemes which you can send your cartridges to Freepost.

  • Printer cartridges

    HWRC

    Take the cartridges to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Pull tab / Safety seal - e.g. milk bottle or tablet bottle seals

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Pyrex crockery

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Pyrex crockery

    Specialist

    Broken Pyrex should never be put in a recycling bin or bank with other glass. It has a very high melting point, and will cause other glass that is with it to be wasted and result in problems for the glass recycling facility.

  • Reusable sanitary pads / menstrual cups

    Reuse

    Many different styles of washable pads are now available, as well as alternatives such as menstrual cups.

  • Alternative options

  • Reusable sanitary pads / menstrual cups

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Ring binders

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Ring binders

    Recycle

    Cardboard type binders (not plastic-covered) can be dismantled by removing the metal rings. The cardboard part can then be put in the blue bin. The metal part can be taken with other scrap metals to a Household Recycling Centre, or put in the black bin.

  • Ring binders

    Black bin

    Plastic or plastic-coated binders not suitable for re-use should be put in the black bin.

  • Rugs, mats and doormats

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to charity or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Rugs, mats and doormats

    Black bin

    Put small mats in your black bin. Take large rugs to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Blue bin

    Sandwich boxes can be recycled along with other cardboard packaging. Just remember to make sure that they are empty of food first. The plastic versions can also be recycled.

    Some boxes are designed so that the plastic lining and window can be removed before recycling. If it’s easy to remove it then you can do so. These should be put in your black bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    If your sandwich packet has a lot of mayonnaise or other food stuck on it, please put it in your black bin.

  • Sanitary pads / pantyliners / tampons

    Reuse

    Disposable sanitary pads and tampons cannot be recycled, so please consider reusable alternatives - many different styles of washable pads are now available, as well as alternatives such as menstrual cups.

  • Alternative options

  • Sanitary pads / pantyliners / tampons

    Black bin

    Disposable sanitary pads should be wrapped and put in your black bin.

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Sawdust and wood shaving pet bedding

    Green bin

    Soiled sawdust or wood shavings from rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil cages can be put in your green bin. If you have large amounts please put in a paper bag, as the sawdust can blow out over the bin collectors when emptying the bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Compost at home

    Sawdust, shavings, newspaper, hay and straw from small pets can be added to a home compost bin or heap.

  • School uniform

    Reuse

    For branded items check whether your school has a uniform swap or sell scheme, or pass on to other parents. Generic items can be donated to charity shops.

  • Alternative options

  • School uniform

    Recycle point

    Clothing (either in good condition or worn out) can be taken to clothing banks at recycling points around the city. Please tie in bags.

  • Scrap car

    Specialist

    An unwanted vehicle may be worth a small amount as scrap. See the local telephone directory for a list of scrap dealers. 

    Alternatively visit Give a Car, who can collect the car for free and recycle it with any proceeds donated to the charity of your choice.

    Abandoned vehicles can be reported to us.

  • Scrap materials

    Reuse

    Scrapstores gather useful scrap materials to pass on to schools and community groups.

    Otherwise, consider if it can be upcycled and used for another purpose at home, pass on to friends or family, give away or donate to charity. 

  • Sellotape / sticky tape

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate spare rolls to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Sellotape / sticky tape

    Black bin

    Although not recyclable itself, small amounts of sellotape do not need to be removed from paper or boxes before putting them in the blue bin. 

    Whole rolls of un-useable sellotape should be put in the black bin.

  • Sewing machine

    Reuse

    Sewing machines can be repaired via local sewing-supplies shops.

    Old treadle or hand-powered machines can be donated to Africa via Tools For Self Reliance - they can be taken to Mackays in Cambridge who act as a collection point, or you can contact them to find out if there are other volunteers collecting near you.

    Treadle machines will usually be taken if not working, as they can be re-purposed into chic furniture.

    If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop – check whether they want it before leaving it.

    You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist

    You can take the item to a Currys store – they’ll recycle it for you free of charge.

  • Sewing machine

    HWRC

    Take the item to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Reuse

    You can crush thinner shells like mussels and use them in your garden to deter slugs around vulnerable plants.

    You can use larger shells decoratively, for example to edge flowerbeds. Scallop shells make great soap dishes!

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Shells are made of the mineral calcium carbonate. They are inorganic and will not compost, so should not be put in the green bin.

  • Shoes

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Shoes

    Recycle point

    Tie in bags to keep pairs together and put in clothing banks at recycling points around the city. Please tie in bags.

  • Shoes

    HWRC

    Take clothing and shoes to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Shredded paper

    Recycle

    Please put shredded paper in an old envelope or paper bag to prevent it blowing out when the bin is emptied and littering the street. Large quantities can be put in a transparent sack (available in supermarkets). 

  • Alternative options

  • Shredded paper

    Compost at home

    Small amounts of shredded paper can be added to your home compost bin.

  • Small electrical items

    Reuse

    If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop – check whether they want it before leaving it.

    You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Small electrical items

    Repair

    Before recycling broken gadgets, see if you can get them fixed.

    • Check out local repair shops for items like phones and computers, and repair services for large appliances like dishwashers.
    • Take small items to a local volunteer-run repair café – we are lucky to have a great network of these locally.
    • If you want to try repairing it yourself, get support at iFixit or check out repair videos on YouTube.
  • Small electrical items

    Recycle

    There are recycling banks for small electrical items at the recycling points on Fawcett Road, Glebe Farm Drive, Hawkey Road, Gwydir Street car park, Lammas Land car park, Chesterton Road public toilets and Abbey Pool car park. The banks will fit items smaller than about 30cm in their largest dimension (or about the area on their smallest side of an A4 sheet of paper).

    We do not accept smoke detectors, light bulbs, e-cigarettes or batteries in these banks, except those that cannot be removed from electrical items.

    We are currently working to install more banks in convenient locations.

    You can also take the item to large Curry’s or John Lewis stores – they’ll recycle it for you free of charge. Most other smaller electrical retailers, for example Argos, will take back your old appliances for recycling on a like-for-like basis if you are buying a new item.

    Participating repair cafés have a small wheelie bin for recycling small electrical items. Check information for your local event.

    Visit Recycle Your Electricals to find all locations for recycling small electrical items.

  • Small electrical items

    HWRC

    Take the item to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Small household batteries

    Reuse

    Consider using rechargeable batteries. Modern rechargeable batteries hold their charge a lot longer than in the past, and can be charged more quickly.

  • Alternative options

  • Small household batteries

    Specialist

    Small portable household batteries (for example AA, AAA, C, D, button) can be put in a small tied plastic bag and placed loosely on the top of your blue, green or black bin lid for kerbside collection. Never put batteries in your bins as they get damaged and cause fires. On occasions when the battery container on the bin lorry is full, we cannot collect the batteries. If this is the case, please wait until the following week.

    If you live in a flat or share large communal bins, there are over 50 battery collection points in Cambridge shops that sell batteries for example corner shops, supermarkets and electrical shops. You can find locations at Recycle Now.

    Items that contain non-removable batteries should be recycled with small electrical appliances instead, with the exception of vapes (these can be recycled at Household Recycling Centres.

  • Small household batteries

    Recycle points

    There are recycling banks for batteries at eight of our public recycling points.

  • Household Recycling Centre

    You can take batteries to the large Household Recycling Centres near Milton or Thriplow.

     

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Snack packets

    Black bin

    Snack packets can’t be recycled in your blue bin. If you can’t drop them off at a collection point, put them in your black bin.

  • Soil and stones

    HWRC

    Take soil and stones to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Do not put them in your bin, as they will make it too heavy

    Small amounts of soil on the roots of plants are acceptable in your green bin. Soil and stones are not compostable and larger amounts can cause problems in the composting process.

  • Spectacles / glasses

    Reuse

    Unwanted spectacles can be sent to developing countries for reuse. Check with your local opticians and library as many have a collection point.

  • Sponge scourer or washing-up brush

    Shop smart

    Compostable alternatives exist made from loofah plants – these can be put in the green bin when worn out.

    Wooden washing-up brushes are available, but the bristles are synthetic so they still need to be put in the black bin.

  • Alternative options

  • Sponge scourer or washing-up brush

    Black bin

    Most sponges are synthetic, especially those used in the kitchen. For the avoidance of doubt, please do not put any sponges into your green bin. Natural sponges can be composted at home if you have a garden composter.

  • Specialist disposal

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Sweet wrappers and pouches

    Blue bin

    Wrappers without a shiny foil layer can be put in your blue bin.

    Please save up small pieces of foil and scrunch into a larger ball to aid recycling.

  • Sweet wrappers and pouches

    Black bin

    If you can’t take wrappers or pouches with a shiny foil layer to a collection point, put them in your black bin.

  • Tea bags and coffee grounds

    Reuse

    Add to your home compost bin, if you have one. You can find out more on Recycle Now's composting webpage.

  • Alternative options

  • Tea bags and coffee grounds

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biobags or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and reduce the quality of the compost made. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on RECAP’s website.

  • Specialist recycling

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can now be recycled at some shops that accept soft plastic packaging in their in-store recycling bins.

    Visit Recycle Now to find out about recycling plastic bags and wrapping.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Teabag and coffee packets are usually made from metallised plastic, and can not be recycled. You can do the scrunch test – foil will not spring back when scrunched, but plastic will.

  • Blue bin

    Thin aluminium cases from tealights, which do not have any wax remaining in them, can be put in your blue bin for recycling.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Tealight cases still containing candles or wax should be put in your black bin.

  • Telephone directories / phone book / Yellow Pages

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Black bin

    If you break a mercury thermometer you must not handle it without gloves. If it is indoors, immediately ventilate the room by opening windows or doors. Remove pets or children from the room.

    Using gloves, wrap the pieces well in newspaper or similar, bag them, tie the bag and dispose of it directly in your black bin.

  • Tissue paper

    Reuse

    Save and reuse any tissue paper. You can use it to wrap presents, or put some in the top of a gift bag to hide the gifts.

  • Alternative options

  • Tissue paper

    Green bin

    You can put tissue paper in your green bin if it has no sticky tape or metallic decoration on it.

  • Tissue paper

    Black bin

    Put any tissue paper with metallic decoration or sticky tape on it in the black bin.

  • Tissues

    Black bin

    Please put all tissues in your black bin at this time.

    If you have symptoms of coronavirus (Covid-19), please keep your personal waste in a separate bin bag – including tissues and cloths or wipes used to clean exposed surfaces.

    When the bag is full, tie the top, place the whole bag into another bin bag and tie the top of that. Store the bag for at least 72 hours before putting in your black bin for collection.

  • Toothbrushes and toothbrush heads

    Reuse

    We would encourage you to re-use your toothbrush for cleaning shoes and getting in those hard to reach cleaning spots.

    You can consider using bamboo toothbrushes.

  • Alternative options

  • Toothbrushes and toothbrush heads

    Specialist

    Toothbrushes, toothbrush heads and interdental brushes can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they can be recycled by TerraCycle. You need to save them up and drop them off at a collection point. For every batch of items collected, Terracycle will donate to charity. 

    Find out more about the Philips Dental Care Recycling Programme including local collection points.

  • Toothbrushes and toothbrush heads

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reduce waste

    You can avoid plastic toothpaste packaging by trying tooth tabs instead. These are tablets of tooth powder which you chew and then brush.

    They are often available in cardboard packets by post, which you can transfer to a jar.

  • Alternative options

  • Toothpaste pump

    Recycle

    Hard-plastic upright pump-style toothpaste tubes can be recycled in your blue bin. Please empty as much toothpaste as possible and leave the cap on.

  • Reduce waste

    You can avoid plastic toothpaste packaging by trying tooth tabs instead. These are tablets of tooth powder which you chew and then brush.

    They are often available in cardboard packets by post, which you can transfer to a jar.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist

    These can’t be recycled in your blue bin, but they are accepted along with other hard-to-recycle beauty and personal care packaging at Boots stores in their Recycle at Boots scheme.

    Find your closest location to recycle toothpaste tubes at Recycle Now.

  • Toothpaste tube (soft squeezy tube)

    Black bin

    If you cannot take toothpaste tubes to Boots to recycle, please put them in your black bin.

  • Towels - cloth

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop, Cambridge Women’s Aid or homeless shelter (check what they will accept first) or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

    If in clean but worn condition check if animal shelters would like them for pet bedding.

    Re-use worn out towels at home for wipes or rags.

  • Alternative options

  • Towels - cloth

    Recycle point

    Clean, dry towels in any condition can be put in textile banks at recycling points.

  • Towels - cloth

    Black bin

    Dirty, oily or wet towels can not be re-used or recycled.

  • Toys

    Reuse

    If in good condition, pass on to friends or family, donate to a charity shop (check they accept them first) or pass on via networks such as Facebook, Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Toys

    Specialist

    Some hard plastic toys can be recycled with hard plastics at Household Recycling Centres. Large broken toys that can not fit in your black bin can be disposed of here too. 

  • Toys

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Treated wood / timber

    Reuse

    Large useable pieces in good condition can be passed on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Treated wood / timber

    Black bin

    Small pieces of treated wood (e.g. parts of varnished or stained furniture) can be put in your black bin. 

  • Treated wood / timber

    HWRC

    Take the wood to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow. Do not put it in your green bin

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Trigger spray

    Blue bin

    Leave triggers on your empty spray bottles and put them in your blue bin. They can be recycled along with bottle caps.

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Reuse

    Make turkey stock or broth. If you don’t have time right away, put the carcass in a freezer bag, label it and freeze it for later.

  • Alternative options

  • Green bin

    When you have used your turkey carcass to make stock, broth or gravy, it can go in your green bin to be composted.

  • Untreated wood and bark

    Reuse

    You can burn untreated wood in a woodburner or open fire after seasoning for a year. If you have a lot of wood from a fallen tree for example, and don't have a woodburner, consider passing on via  Freegle or Gumtree.

    You could also make a wood pile in your garden as a wildlife habitat.

  • Alternative options

  • Untreated wood and bark

    Green bin

    Branches and pieces of bark up to the thickness of a broom handle can be accepted in the green bin. Larger pieces can be added if they are split first.

    Sawn timber is not suitable for composting as it may have been pressure treated or contain nails.

  • Untreated wood and bark

    HWRC

    Take branches thicker than a broom handle to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

    We also collect bulky goods for a fee – arrange a bulky waste collection.

  • Prevent waste

    Many of us receive unwanted gifts at Christmas or for birthdays. Clothing, cosmetics and fragrances are the most likely gifts to be unwanted, so if you're not sure, perhaps avoid those.

    • Maybe just do gifts for children, and not the grown-ups
    • For groups at Christmas, try ‘secret Santa’ and ask everyone to include a hint of what they would like alongside their name
    • Ask! If you don't want to ask the person themselves, get help from a partner, parent or family member
    • Try gifting subscriptions to magazines, meal kits, music streaming services, coffee, vegetable boxes or animal adoptions
    • Try gifting experiences like ice skating, climbing walls, hot air balloon rides or visits to attractions
  • Vacuum bags

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Vacuum cleaner

    Reuse

    Vacuum cleaners can often be repaired – it might be worth checking whether it is empty!

    Check the Circular Cambridge directory for a list of repairers, or take it to a repair café.

    If the item is in good condition, donate it to a charity shop – check whether they want it before leaving it.

    You could also pass it on to somebody else via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Specialist

    You can take the item to a Currys store – they’ll recycle it for you free of charge.

  • Vacuum cleaner

    HWRC

    Take the item to one of the household recycling centres near Milton and Thriplow.

  • Vegetable peelings

    Reuse

    Put in your home compost bin or heap, if you have one.

  • Alternative options

  • Vegetable peelings

    Green bin

    You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection. More information on how the compost is made can be found on the Recap websiteYou can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page

  • Vinyl records

    Reuse

    If in good condition, donate to a charity shop (check they are accepted first), sell or pass on via networks such as Freegle or GumtreeMade from PVC, vinyl records are often 're-purposed' into new stylish ornaments, wall art or tableware - so even scratched records may be wanted by somebody.

  • Alternative options

  • Vinyl records

    Black bin

    Vinyl records cannot be recycled. If broken, put in your black bin.

  • Wallpaper

    Reuse

    Unused surplus rolls of wallpaper can be donated to some charities (check first) and Scrapstores, or reuse at home for children's artwork etc.

  • Alternative options

  • Wallpaper

    Black bin

    Wallpaper not suitable for reuse should be put in the black bin.

  • Water filters

    Recycle point

    Water filters cannot be recycled as part of your recycling collection scheme nor at household waste recycling centres. However, if you use a BRITA branded water filter you can recycle the used filters at most Argos, Robert Dyas and Homebase stores where boxes are provided for the collection of used cartridges.

    To find your nearest participating store, visit the BRITA website.

    For other water filter brands, please contact the manufacturer to find out if they provide a similar service.

  • Alternative options

  • Water filters

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Watches

    Reuse

    Repair, or if in good condition, donate to a charity shop or pass on via networks such as Freegle or Gumtree.

  • Alternative options

  • Watches

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Waxed paper

    Black bin

    What we would think of as waxed paper is usually actually paper with a thin layer of plastic or cellophane.

    Paper that is mixed with other materials cannot be recycled or composted. Put it in your black bin with general rubbish.

  • Worn out clothes / clothing

    Reuse

    Have a go at repairing your clothes. It's easier than you may think, and many techniques (e.g. Sashiko, a style of Japanese visible mending) are very fashionable.

    Find out more at Love Your Clothes.

  • Alternative options

  • Worn out clothes / clothing

    Recycle point

    Clean worn out clothes are accepted at clothing banks located at various recycling points around the district. You can also use charity collection bags if you receive them through your letterbox.

    Clothes not suitable for re-use are turned into rags, which can be used for cleaning machinery in factories, used as stuffing in furniture, or even insulation.

  • Worn out clothes / clothing

    Black bin

    If clothes are soiled or wet, please place them in your black bin.

  • Weeds

    Reuse

    Most weeds can be added to your home compost bin if you have one. However, avoid adding those which have seeded, as well as pernicious weeds like ground elder or bindweed, which will survive the low temperatures in your heap and will then be spread around your garden when you use the compost. For more home composting tips visit Garden Organic. To find out about how buy a compost bin or get a free soil conditioner mage from green bin contents, visit this page.

  • Alternative options

  • Weeds

    Green bin

    With the exception of the pernicious Japanese knotweed and Hemlock, all weeds can be safely put in your green bin. The high temperatures the compost reaches during the municipal composting process will kill off any seeds.

    To find out more about how waste is treated, visit RECAP's website.

  • Wine, tumblers and drinking glasses

    Reuse

    Donate it to a charity shop if not broken.

  • Alternative options

  • Wine, tumblers and drinking glasses

    Black bin

    Broken wine glasses, tumblers or other glass drinking vessels should be carefully bagged and put in your black bin.

    Small fragments of broken bottles and jars should also be bagged and put in the black bin, unless they can be contained in another jar.

  • Wipes

    Reuse

    Wipes are not recyclable, compostable or flushable, since they are made of a mix of paper and plastic fibres.

    Consider using washable alternatives, there are various brands of washable baby wipes, and cotton dishcloths can be washed and reused for most other applications.

  • Alternative options

  • Wipes

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Wool packaging

    Compost at home

    Wool packaging insulation such as from meat deliveries can be put in a home composter. It takes quite a long time to break down.

  • Alternative options

  • Black bin

    Wool insulation (or wool from jumpers) is not suitable for the green bin. This is partly because these kind of fibres can jam the shredding machinery used before composting, and also that wool can take several months to break down. The process used for green bin material takes 6 to 8 weeks.

  • Wrapping paper

    Reuse

    You can re-use wrapping paper and gift bags.

  • Alternative options

  • Wrapping paper

    Recycle

    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Wrapping paper

    Black bin

    Metallic and plastic gift-wrap that you cannot re-use, need to be placed in your black bin as it can not be recycled.

  • Wrapping paper - metallic or glittered

    Reuse

    Re-use pieces of wrapping paper whenever possible.

  • Alternative options

  • Wrapping paper - metallic or glittered

    Black bin

    Do the scrunch test – if the wrapping paper springs back rather than staying scrunched, it is probably made of metallised plastic, and can not be recycled.

    Heavily glittered paper should also not be recycled as the plastic glitter and glue cause problems with the recycling process.

  • X-rays

    Black bin

    Black bin items go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more on RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.

  • Yoghurt pot

    Recycle

    Please rinse.


    Materials from your blue bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it. You can find out more about processing by visiting RECAP’s website. You can find out your bin collection days on our bin collection day page.