Recycling guide 

Here’s a comprehensive guide on what household wastes can & can’t be widely recycled, with reference to the guidance given by DEFRA’s Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM), and tips on where to recycle these items. 

Paper and Cardboard 

100% of local authorises collect paper and cardboard. 

Can Be Recycled: 

• Office paper, newspapers, magazines 
• Cardboard boxes, paperboard (e.g., cereal boxes) 
• Paper bags, paper towel rolls 
• Books (remove hard covers) 
• Junk mail, envelopes (without plastic windows) 

Cannot Be Recycled: 

• Paper towels, napkins, tissues 
• Waxed paper, wrapping paper 
• Contaminated paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes) 
• Fibre-based composite (double-sided lamination) 
• Paper & cardboard with glitter attached 
• Greaseproof & siliconsied paper 
• Baking paper 
• Padded polyethylene lined envelopes 

Specifics of items that cannot be recycled:  

• If less than 40mm in at least 2 dimensions 
• If it contains non-paper content greater than 15% by weight 
• If fillers, additives, or agents have been intentionally added 
• Urea/formaldehyde 
• Urea/melamine 
• If it contains two-sided wax coating, siliconising agents  

Glass 

Glass is widely collected, as at least 89% of local authorities. The UK’s infrastructure is well equipped to handle contaminants. However, while glass is technically capable of being recycled, materials below can reduce the quality of recyclate produced.  

Can Be Recycled: 

• Glass bottles (clear, green, blue, brown) 
• Glass jars (food containers) 

Cannot Be Recycled: 

• Light bulbs, mirrors, window glass 
• Ceramics, crystal 
• Heat-resistant or lead glass 
• Decorative glass 
• Contaminated glass e.g. nail polish bottles or concealer   
• Ceramic swing stoppers on bottles and jars 

Plastics 

Flexible plastics (e.g. crisp packets, cling film) are not widely kerbside recycled, as only around 14% of local authorities collect it. This means you would need to go to household recycling centres or find your nearest flexible plastic recycling bank.  

On the other hand, rigid plastics are widely collected. With 100% of local authorities taking plastic bottles and 88% taking mixed plastics (pots, tubs & trays).  

Can Be Recycled: 

• Plastic bottles and containers (labelled 1, 2, 4 & 5) 
• Milk & detergent bottles 
• Plastic bags (check local guidelines) 

Cannot Be Recycled: 

• Plastic cutlery, straws 
• Styrofoam, plastic wrap 
• Plastic toys, garden hoses 

Specifics of items that cannot be recycled: 

• If plastic is carbon black pigment 
• Less than 40mm in 2 dimensions
• If the label is made from a different polymer 
• On a bottle covers more than 40% 
• On pots, tubs & trays covers more than 60% 
• Contains PVC 
• Contains polystyrene 
• Is biodegradable, compostable or oxo-degradable plastic 
• Non-polyolefin foamed plastic e.g. non-PP and non-PE 

Components of packaging: 

• Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) as a barrier or coating over 10% of weight 
• Caps or seals comprised of steel or aluminium of 1g or more 
• Silicone caps, seals or valves 
• If labels or sleeves that are PVC, metallised or PS with a density more than 1g 
• PVDC barriers or coating 

Metals 

Steel & aluminium are widely recycled at kerbside. 94% of local authorises collect metal aerosols; 100% of food cans/tins, 89% of metal lids and 84% take foil & foil trays.  

Can Be Recycled: 

• Aluminium cans, tin cans 
• Metal food containers, foil 
• Metal cookware (pots, pans) 

Cannot Be Recycled: 

• Paint cans, aerosol cans (if not empty) 
• Motor oil cans 
• If over 300mm in height, width or length, unless:  
  • If it can be dismantled or folded 
  • If there are take-back schemes available   

Wood 

Wood currently is not widely collected kerbside. These would have to be recycled using a take-back scheme or taken to a household recycling centre. 

Other material not currently kerbside recycled: 

• Cork 
• Bamboo 
• Ceramic 
• Copper 
• Hemp 
• Rubber 
• Silicone 

Where to Recycle 

Kerbside Recycling 

Most communities offer kerbside recycling programs. Check with your local waste management service for specific guidelines on what can be placed in your recycling bin.   

Recycling Centres 

For items not accepted in kerbside programs, use resources like WasteConnect to find local recycling centres. They provide information on kerbside collection and your nearest recycling centre. However, hazardous waste should not go in your general rubbish and instead should be taken to your nearest recycling centre or collected by an appropriate waste carrier.  

Retail Drop-Off Programs 

Some retailers offer recycling programs for specific items: 

• Plastic Bags/Soft Plastics: Many supermarkets have bins for recycling plastic bags such as; Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, The Co-op, and Waitrose. 

• Electronics: Stores like Currys, B&Q, and John Lewis often accept old electronics for recycling. 

• Light Bulbs: Home improvement stores like B&Q or Robert Dyas typically have recycling bins for these items. 

To find where to recycle a specific item near you, you can search on WasteConnect. 

Tips for Effective Recycling 

• Clean and Dry: Ensure items are clean and dry before recycling to prevent contamination. 
• Check Local Guidelines: Recycling rules can vary by location, so always check your local guidelines. 
• Reduce and Reuse: Before recycling, consider if items can be reused or repurposed. 

By following these guidelines, you can help reduce waste and support recycling efforts in your community.

Business waste

The above applies to householders’ waste.  Businesses are not allowed to use household waste recycling facilities. Businesses have a Duty of Care to ensure their waste is handled legally and safely, meaning they must arrange for a public or private contractor to collect their waste. Some local authorities offer paid services for commercial waste collection, but availability varies across the country. 

New regulations introduced on 31 March 2025 require workplaces in England to separate their recycling from general waste. Businesses with 10 or more employees must now arrange for the collection of: 

• Dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal, glass, paper, and card) 
• Food waste 
• Residual (non-recyclable) waste 

Micro-firms (with fewer than 10 employees) have until 31 March 2027 to comply. These rules aim to boost recycling rates and support the circular economy by ensuring businesses properly manage their waste. 

If you’re an SME looking for waste disposal options, check with your local authority or private waste management providers to find a suitable service.