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Your blue recycling box

Blue box

Recycle Your:

  • Cans (aluminium & steel) -- including aerosol cans
  • Clean foil
  • Glass (bottles & jars) -- no window glass please
  • Paper (brochures, catalogues, envelopes, junk mail, magazines and newspapers)
  • Plastic bottles (all plastic bottles, but not plastic packaging or other plastic containers)
  • Textiles (clean and dry clothing, pairs of shoes - tied together, rags, sheets, towels)

But not:

  • Broken glass
  • Crockery
  • Paint pots

Before putting materials into your recycling box please:

  • "Wash and squash" i.e., rinse and flatten your plastic bottles
  • Remove lids from plastic bottles and place them in the box
  • Rinse your cans, foil and glass (bottles & jars)
  • Place paper and textiles in bags, if possible
  • Remember, the crews sort your box by hand.

Please place your recycling box on the kerbside by 7am on your normal collection day.

If you would like an extra recycling box or have any queries call 0845 277 7000.

Your Questions:

What can I put in my recycling box?

A full list with photos and downloadable leaflet is available here.

What types of plastics can I put in the box?

All plastic bottles are accepted -- inluding those used for milk, juice, fizzy drinks, red sauce, detergent, washing up liquid, fabric softener and others.  However, this does not include plastic packaging, yogurt pots, pot noodle cups, ice cream containers, plant trays or plastic cutlery.  Only plastic bottles will be collected.

Is there a simple way of identifying which plastic bottles can go in the recycling box?

Yes.  All plastic bottles can go in the recycling box.

What about other types of plastic?

There are at least 7 different types of plastics commonly used in consumer packaging and containers.  Locally we have expanded our collection to accept all plastic bottles (typically either Type 1 or Type 2).  When our available resources allow us to accept other types,.householders will be informed and we will post the information on this website.  

What if there is no symbol on a plastic bottle?

Any type of plastic bottle is accepted (but not other kinds of plastic containers)

What about the lids of plastic bottles?

Please remove the lids and put them in the recycling boxes. Removing the lids allows the bottles to be crushed and baled more easily.

How often will the box be collected? And on which day?

Your box will be emptied weekly on your normal collection day.

How many recycling boxes can I have?

Up to three per household.

Can I get a recycling box pull out?

For those who can not manage to take the recycling box to the kerbside, a pull out service is available. To apply please call 0845 277 7000.  A form will be sent for you to complete and return.

The lid won’t stay on the box when it’s full, what should I do?

We have some new recycling box caps available to help prevent wind-blown litter.  These can be tied onto your box and put over the top when it's placed at the kerbside for collection.