Recycle or not?

As a nation, we’re getting so much better at recycling. 

But there are some common culprits that look like they can be recycled, but currently can’t, at least not with a household collection. Sometimes that’s because a recycling process hasn’t been invented for a particular item yet, and for other materials, the economics of recycling them simply doesn’t add up. 

Some of the items on this list regularly catch even the savviest recyclers out. To give our team as much time as possible to focus on recycling the good stuff, please check none of these are inadvertently creeping into your recycling bin…

1. Pyrex and drinkware

Reason they can’t be recycled: Pyrex has been specially treated to withstand high temperatures, and drinkware is toughened, so they’re not suitable for recycling. They also can’t be dropped in bottle banks for the same reason.

Where to take these instead: If they’re reusable, donate them. If they’re broken please wrap and dispose of them in your black bin.  

2. Water filter cartridges

Reason they can’t be recycled: These contain a combination of different materials that can’t be sorted at our recycling sorting plants.

Where to take these instead: Many supermarkets collect BRITA filters for recycling, you can find your nearest BRITA recycling point. Other filters should go in your black bin.

3. Crisp packets

Reason they can’t be recycled: The shiny inside of crisp packets is a mix of metallised plastic film, which can’t be recycled at our recycling sorting plants.

Where to take these instead: Some supermarkets do recycle thin plastics like this and you can also recycle certain brands via TerraCycle. As a last resort, they can go in the black bin.

4. Foil-lined cardboard tubes

Reason they can’t be recycled: Cardboard tubes like Pringles packets and cocoa tubes are also made with foil and mixed materials that can’t be recycled at our recycling sorting plants.

Where to take these instead: You can take Pringles tubes to certain TerraCycle points, while cocoa tubs and similar tubes should go in your black bin.

5. Compostable packaging

Reason they can’t be recycled: Compostable wrappers, cutlery and coffee cups are designed to break down in specific commercial composting units, but they’re not compatible with our recycling or composting processes.

Where to take these instead: These go in your black bin, so it’s best to use reusables instead if you can.

6. Bubble wrap

Reason it can’t be recycled: Bubble wrap is made from LDPE – that’s low-density polyethene film to you and us. This material can’t be recycled at our recycling sorting plants. 

Where to take this instead: Try reusing it as much as possible or see if your local charity shop or a neighbour (via Freegle) can make use of it to wrap delicate items. Supermarkets’ thin plastics collections also accept bubble wrap too. 

7. Polystyrene

Reason it can’t be recycled: While polystyrene is recyclable at specialist plants, it isn't recyclable in regular kerbside collections.

Where to take it instead: Pop it into the black bin.

8. Wood

Reason it can’t be recycled: While paper can go in with your regular collection, most recycling sorting centres don’t have the technology to handle wood – even small things like ice lolly sticks. 

Where to take it instead: Take wood to one of our recycling centres (AKA tidy tips). Small branches and twigs can go in your garden waste bin.

9. CDs, DVDs and other plastics

Reason they can’t be recycled: While some plastics can be recycled kerbside, many hard plastics – like CDs, DVDs and their packaging – can’t be. The same applies to things like plastic children’s toys and plant pots.

Where to take it instead: Try your local charity shop for toys, CDs and DVDs. Our household recycling centres take some children’s toys too. Flowerpots can be reused and then taken back to garden centres. Broken plastic items should go in your black bin.

10. Corks

Reason they can’t be recycled: Despite its appearance, natural cork is not accepted for kerbside recycling, and nor are synthetic corks. You should leave screw caps on their glass bottles for recycling.

Where to take it instead: Majestic wine stores collect them for recycling. You can pop it in the black bin, or if you’re feeling crafty, there are loads of things you can make with cork - from huge artworks to mobiles! Have a look on websites such as Pinterest to find some inspiration!

11. Pet food pouches

Reason they can’t be recycled: Because of the combination of materials involved, pet food pouches are not recyclable kerbside, plus they’re often contaminated with food waste.

Where to take it instead: Some supermarkets can recycle these thin plastics and Pets at Home do a take-back scheme. Specific brands can be recycled through TerraCycle. 

And one last thing…

That unlikely lot might have surprised you, (sneaky as they are) but the top four items that cause the most contamination of our recycling waste are slightly more obvious. Recognise any of these main offenders?

• food: rinse or scrape it off your recycling, pop it in your food bin, not your recycling bin
• nappies: these go in your residual bin (yes, even the ‘eco’ nappies); better yet: try reusable nappies!
• gas canisters: depending on size and type, these can be returned to the retailer, or some can go to the tidy tip
• textiles: things like cushions, clothing, soft furnishings should go to charity shops or clothing banks or put out in a separate bag next to your bin on collection day