We are encouraging all households to help reduce recycling contamination by putting the correct items in their recycling bins, following an increase in recycling contamination during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Our rubbish and recycling bins become contaminated when the wrong items are put in them, meaning less can be recycled and more waste is sent to landfill.

As more people are at home we have seen an increase in the amount of rubbish and recycling being collected. To help reduce contamination, please follow these instructions when disposing of:

  • Gas canisters and helium bottles – either return them to the company you bought them from or take them to a community recycling centre. If these items are put in your bins, they can explode and cause a fire in the vehicle which creates a risk to the safety of our collection crew.
  • Batteries – put these in a clear plastic bag which is tied up and put it next to your food caddy on your collection day.
  • Covid tests, face masks, gloves – these should be put inside a carrier bag which is tied up and placed in your rubbish bin.
  • Used nappies / incontinence pads / sanitary items / stoma bags – double bag these items, tie up the bag and place it in your rubbish bin.
  • Syringes, needles, Epi pens and other medical items – do not put these in either your rubbish or recycling bin. To request a one off or regular collection, please call us on 01883 722000 and we will pass your details to our contractor, PHS.
  • Medicines – take unwanted or out of date medicines to your local pharmacy. Empty packaging, paper instructions and empty plastic containers can be put in your recycling bin.
  • Food – Put all your food waste in your green food caddy, don’t put it in your rubbish bin. You can order a free green food caddy.

Use our what do I do with page to check what to put in each bin