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What goes where? Questions on what goes in the bins
If I forget what goes into the recycling bin, is there help?
What happens if the recycling gets wet?
What happens if I have more rubbish than will go in my bin?
Can I put my rubbish into sacks or bags before putting them into the wheelie bins?
What happens to the collected material?
What about glass? Can I put that in the recyclables bin?
Can I recycle drinking glass, window glass, mirrors or Pyrex?
What about garden waste?
Can I recycle plastic?
Are there any plastics that still cannot be recycled?
Can I recycle plastic carrier bags?
Can I recycle tin foil?
Can I recycle plastic food trays, ice cream tubs and yoghurt pots?
Can you collect caps and lids?
Will you collect card?
Can I recycle toilet paper rolls / pizza boxes / books?
What do I do about shredded paper?
Are greetings cards and windowed envelopes recyclable?
What kind of paper can be recycled?
What about motor oil and batteries?
Can I put garden waste in the wheelie bin?
What do I do with my empty ink cartridges?


If I forget what goes into the recycling bin, is there help?

Yes. Either call us on 01784 451499, look at our website or refer to the article in the borough bulletin.

What happens if the recycling gets wet?

It shouldn’t get too damp in the wheelie bins if the lids are properly closed but it doesn’t matter if it does get wet.

What happens if I have more rubbish than will go in my bin?

Rubbish either not in the bin or preventing the bin lid from closing properly will not be collected and should be taken to Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre for disposal.

Can I put my rubbish into sacks or bags before putting them into the wheelie bins?

General rubbish is best tied in sacks before being put into the wheelie bin. Recyclable material must be placed into the bin loose.

What happens to the collected material?

The recycled material is separated into sections; paper, card, metal, plastic and glass and is sold to different recyclers to make new cans, newspapers etc.

What about glass? What if it gets broken?

Glass can go in the recycling bin.  It's no problem if it gets broken because it is never handled manually.  Please do not put glass out for collection except in the light green bin.

Can I recycle drinking glass, window glass, mirrors or Pyrex?

No, you can only recycle glass bottles and jars.

What about garden waste?

The present service will be unchanged.

Can I recycle plastic?

Yes, you can recycle plastic bottles, pots, tubs and food trays, microwave trays, sandwich containers, yoghurt/ice creat tubs and butter/spread containers. Plastic bottles can be placed in your light green recycling bin. It is preferable to squeeze as much of the air out of the bottles to save space in your bin.

Are there any plastics that still cannot be recycled?

Yes, the following:

  • plastic bags
  • film
  • bubble wrap
  • polystyrene
  • hard plastic e.g. toys, vehicle parts, furniture, coat hangers
  • garden items e.g. plants, plant pots, potting trays,
  • garden furniture
  • building products/DIY products e.g. paint tubs, sealant/adhesive tubes, pipes.
  • fabrics/covers
  • electrical equipment e.g. IT equipment, cables, plugs, phones
  • drinks cartons
Can I recycle plastic carrier bags?

No but plastic bags can be recycled at most supermarkets.

Can I recycle tin foil?

No. This sticks to paper making it difficult to separate out.

Can I recycle plastic food trays, ice cream tubs and yoghurt pots?

Yes, you can now recycle your plastic food and microwave trays, sandwich containers, yoghurt pots and ice cream and butter tubs.

Can you collect caps and lids?

Yes, but the tops must be separate.

Will you collect card?

Yes. This can go into your light green recycling bin.

Can I recycle toilet paper rolls / pizza boxes / books?

Yes.

What do I do about shredded paper?

This can be placed in your light green recycling bin along with the rest of the paper.

Are greetings cards and windowed envelopes recyclable?

Yes.

What kind of paper can be recycled?

All types.

What about motor oil and batteries?

No. These items can only be recycled at Charlton Lane Community Recycling Centre.

Can I put garden waste in the wheelie bin?

No. The Spelthorne green waste service should be used or material taken to Charlton Lane

What do I do with my empty ink cartridges?

You can recycle your empty ink cartridges easily and free of charge by using inkcartridges.uk.com.  They have a freepost address and will pay you for your empty cartridges.  For more information, and to find out how you can recycle your cartridges, please click on the logo which will take you to their website.