Aerosols
There are many recycling banks where you can recycle your used aerosols. The aerosol can should be completely empty before you recycle it. Do not pierce, crush or suash the aerosol before recycling it. Detach any easily removable parts, such as the lid and nozzle, and dispose as normal rubbish.
Asbestos
Caution – Asbestos is hazardous waste. Asbestos should be handled very carefully and by specialists if possible. If you are going to remove any Asbestos make sure you use a face mask and gloves and try to keep it damp and contained in plastic bags. Some specialist companies can remove Asbestos safely. You may find some local councils that will accept Asbestos at their household waste recycling centres.
Barbecues
You local recycling centre will accept most things metal, so ensure that strip your BBQ down. Consider also donating or freecycle.org
Batteries
All household battery types can be collected and recycled including both rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.Battery packs from electronic and electrical equipment are normally also accepted. The batteries may be full, completely discharged or only part used. Genrally the type of batteries collected-
Of a size that an average person could carry in the hand
Single cell batteries, such as AA, AAA, button and ‘square’ versions.
Mobile telephones, lap tops, cordless power tools, toys and typical household appliance batteries
Bicycles
Un-repairable bicycles may be recycled for the metal only parts, remove anything that is not. Most local recycling centres have a mixed metals recycling facility, call to check. If the bike is usable or almost useable consider contacting your local freecycle group at www.freecycle.org. Often someone will come and collect if for free from you.
Books
It is not possible to recycle books due to the glue that is used to bind them together. It is recommend that you either sell or donate your books or contact you local freecycle.org group.
Building materials such as bricks
It is not possible to recycle bricks or rubble. If the waste is in good condition you may be able to sell or donate it (a local project may benefit). Check online as there are specialist places available.
Car Batteries
Many recycling centres will now accept car batteries. Often you will be breaking the law if you try to dispose of them with ordinary household waste.
Cardboard Boxes
Many of the local council kerbside schemes will collect cardboard, or you can take it to a recycling bank. Note that cardboard boxes are also very useful items for storing items or packing when moving home!
Carpets / Rugs
It is currently very difficult to recycle carpets or rugs. If they are in good condition either sell it or donate it to a local charity shop or school.
Carrier Bags (plastic)
Carrier bags are generally not collected as recycling and unfortunatley most local recycling centres do not have facilites either.
Try and reduce the amount you use! Some supermarkets have recently put up recycling banks specifically to help-
Sainsburys – excluding the smaller stores, recycling points are available
Somerfield – Some instore collection points
Tesco – Some instore collection points
Christmas Trees
Many recycling centres accept them or will arrange specfic days to collect them (check you local council website for details) . The more sustainable alternatives are either to buy a real potted tree and plant it back into the garden after the event for reuse next year or consider a fake tree!
Clinical Waste
Local councils generally offer a specialist service for collecting clinical waste.The waste is then passed on to waste companies who specialise in clinical waste treatment.
Clothes
Clothes, shoes and other textiles are accepted at a number of recycling banks and centres or you may donate to many charitys (provided they are in good or reasonable condition). You can of course also make alternative items out of them such as rags for cleaning, cushions or quilts.
CD’s and DVD’s
It is not currently possible to recycle this media. The following organisations are however available to help-
Keymood
Poly c. Reclaimer
Recyclingcds.com
Consider lso either donating them to a charity shop or freecycle.org (if fully playable), selling them or getting creative and make a decorative object out of them!
Computers
Your local recycling centre will almost certainly accept your computer for recycling. If however the computer is operational a much better idea is to donate either to charity or freecycle.org group who will offer to collect at no charge. If you are a business disposing of more than 200KG of equipment per annum please click here recycling computers.
Cooking Oil
Small amounts of oil currently can not be recycled. Large amounts of cooking oil from restaurants or factories can be collected for recycling (sometimes used for as an alternative fuel is diesel engines!). Small amounts of cooking oil may be disposed of as per normal household collections. If you pour cooking oil down the drain it often causes problems when as it solidifies.
Drinks Cans
It is possible to recycle drinks cans using your local authority’s recycllbe collection or at your local recycling bank, simply rinse before.
Engine Oil
You can recycle engine oil at your nearest recycling bank as long as the oil is stored in a sealed container and unmixed.
Envelopes
Many local authorities will accept envelopes with your regular collections or you can take to your local paper bank. Jiffy envelopes are not accepted however.
Fire Extinguishers
Most household waste recycling centres will accept them. You may also find some local authorities will accept them as a part of the regular household rubbish providing they correctly packaged. A good alternative is to contact the company who supplied the product to see it they can reuse.
Food Waste
Some councils collect kitchen waste or provide special containers at local recycling centres. Better still, if you have the facilites create compost heaps (using fruit / vegetable waste, coffee waste / filter papers, tea bags, paper towels or tissues, making sure they have touched meat products)
Furniture
Wooden furniture can often be recycled. Your local authority will be able to advise you on other materials. Better alternatives are to either donate to charity or to your local freecycle.org group who will collect it from you.
Garden waste
Most local councils provide special bins or bags for collection or you may recycle garden waste at your local recycling centre. Good alternatives are to create your own compst heap usingdead leaves, flowers weeds etc.
Gas Bottles
Most gas bottles are recycled by the supplier or manufacturer. Check the product or website of the product for instructions.
Glass
Most types of glass can be recycled using collection schemes, bottle banks or local recycling centres.
Glass containers such as bottles and jars should be rinsed with non-glass sealants removed. A good alternative nowadays is also to return it, some companies offer money back schemes. Also consider retaining glass items for storage or decorative items.
Greeting cards
Many local schemes will collect cards, or you can use you local recycling bank. Consider also Re-using your greetings cards again.
Ironing boards
Your local recycling centre will accept both metal and wood versions, though always strip down to the core material. Also consider donating for free collection at freecycle.org.
Keys
Local recycling centres accept most metal types.
Light Bulbs
Genrally local authorities will not accept normal household light bulbs for recycling due to the complexity of the product. Do however check with your local authority to make sure. Try to buy longer lasting more effecient bulbs types.
Magazines
It is possible to recycle magazines and other paper items via your local council recylcing collection or at your nearest paper bank.
Mobile Phones
There are an increasing number of options for recycling / re-using old mobile phones such as www.recycleyourmobile.co.uk. Most of the original suppliers will also have schemes in place. Consider also using www.freecycle.org or simply retain it as back up.
Musical Instruments
Due to the complexity of materials used it is not possible to recycle music instruments. Consider selling, freecycle.org or make somthing creative!
Nappies – see clinical waste above
Paint
Most local recycling centres will accept paint. It is also worthwhile seeing if you can donate your paint to a local community project.
Paper
Paper is the most common item to recycle. It can be recycled using normal local council recycling collections. You can also find paper banks at supermarkets and schools. Also consider re-using your waste paper from printing or wrapping presents.
Plastic bottles
Most local authorities accept plastic bottles via recycling banks or normal recycling collection schemes.
Plastic bottles should be rinsed and have their tcaps removed so they can be crushed flat. Recycling plastic is less environmentally friendly than glass. Try to avoid!
Printer Cartridges
There are many company’s that will enable you ro recycle your printer cartridges by refilling them for you (which will also save you money). Cartridge World is one of the most popular. If you prefer you may refill them your self using a DIY kit available from many online retailers.
Shoes
It is possible to recycle shoes at your local recycling centres. An alternative is to donate them to a charity shop such as Oxfam, Age Concern or Cancer Research (if they are in reasonable condition) or get them repaired.
Stamps
See paper section above, alternatively If the stamps are collectible consider donating to your local charity shop.
Televisions and monitors
Your local recycling centre is most likely to accept televisions and PC monitors for recycling. If the unit is still working a better alternative would be to offer if for free collection using freecycle.org (the person who collects will provide it with a good home).
Textiles (bed linen, rugs, floor mats, towels, cloths & curtains etc)
It is possible to recycle textiles are recylcing centres or your local clothes bank or to donate them to charity (if they are in reasonable condition). A good alternative is to consider remaking another item out of the old one.
Tin foil (aluminum foil)
You can recycle foil at a recycling bank, and some collection schemes will accept it too (please clean it before).
Other items you should recycle too are- Milk bottle tops, take away and other food packaging and disposable BBQ’s.
You should also consider reusing your foil or tbe creative and make some decorative.
Toys
Recycling centres are unlikely to accept toys and collection services are not geared up for them either. Consider donating them to the local community, save them (you never know!) or offer them for free collection on freecycle.org
Tyres
Larger recycling centres generally accept tyres from individuals, however businesses must dispose of them as commercial waste. Most garages will automatically put your old tyre in for recyling when you are having your new one fitted.
Video cassettes
local recycling centres tend not to accept videos for recycling and they can’t be collected as part of your local authority’s kerbside schemes (this is due to the many different materials used during construction). Some commerical organisations can help you to recycle. Consider donating them to charity or freecycle.org
White goods (cookers, hobs, fridges, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves)
Recycling centres generally accept white goods for recycling. If the item is still usable consider offering for free collection on www.freecycle.org
Wood
Wood is recyclable and most recycling centres will accept it . Also consider reusing your wood by making a new item out of it or hire a macerator and use for compost.
Wrapping Paper
See paper above or consider re-using for your next present.
Yogurt Pots
Some collection services do offer recylcing facilities but you will need to check. A good alternative is to reuse them for storage or creative items.
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