A to Z guide to Recycling
Packaging
Most packaging cannot be recycled and is sent to landfill. When you next go out shopping, make an active choice not to buy goods which have a lot of packaging (e.g. when buying fruit and vegetables, don't put them in a plastic bag, put them loose in your basket)
Paint
Unfortunately, we can't recycle paint. You can get rid of it by sealing it tightly and putting it out with your normal rubbish for collection.
You can also take paint to the Household Waste Recycling Centre|.
Paper
All forms of paper can be recycled. Junk mail, letters, envelopes, birthday cards, office paper – all can be added to your normal recycling.
Pet food
If your pet’s food comes in a can, it can be recycled. Rinse it out and add it to your recycling. To find out what else can be recycled visit the Black Box Recycling Service| page.
Plastic
We currently only collect plastic bottles for recycling.
Plastic bags
Over ten billion plastic bags are used each year - about 167 per person. They are not biodegradable and sit in landfill or litter the streets.
When you next go shopping, why not take some plastic bags with you. Better still, purchase a "Bag for Life" or take a canvas bag to carry your shopping in - not only are they stronger but they can be reused many times.
Polystyrene packaging
This cannot be recycled. When buying new things, make a conscious effort to buy things with as little packaging as possible.
Postage stamps
If you cut out used postage stamps from envelopes (with a border of about 1cm) you can give them to Oxfam for resale.
Printer cartridges
Take them to shops to be refilled
Pyrex glass
This cannot be recycled as it can explode when heated up in the glass recycling furnace. If you have broken pyrex glass, wrap it carefully and put it out with your normal rubbish collection.
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