Other items FAQs
Can textiles go into my recycling bin?
No. They wrap around the sorting machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility. Please take them to a charity shop, clothing bank or any of the recycling centres in Nottinghamshire.
Can nappies be put in the recycling bin?
No. Nappies and other sanitary waste should never be placed in the recycling bin. They are not recyclable and will dirty the rest of the recyclables in your bin. The waste goes through mechanical and hand sorting process and puts the employees at the Materials Recovery Facility at risk of health issues.
Please put them in your general waste bin. If you are struggling for space in your general waste bin please contact your local District or Borough council.
Can batteries go in the recycling bin?
No. Your District or Borough Council may collect them as a separate item at the kerbside, please check your local council for further details. If this is not the case please take them to your local Recycling Centre, or a collection point such as a supermarket. Batteries are made of hazardous multi-alloy materials which could leak and contaminate recyclables. In addition, if they do go into the recycling bin they will fall through the sorting machines at the Materials Recovery Facility and will not be recycled.
Can batteries go in the general waste bin?
No. Your District or Borough Council may collect them as a separate item at the kerbside, please check with your local council for further details. If this is not the case please take them to your local Recycling Centre, or a local collection point such as a supermarket. Batteries contain hazardous materials and can cause problems during transportation and at the Energy Recovery Facilities.
Can polystyrene go in the recycling bin?
No. Polystyrene is not accepted for recycling and causes a problem as it mixes with paper during the sorting process at the Materials Recovery Facility. Please place in your general waste bin.
Can bubble wrap and film go in the recycling bin?
No. We are currently unable to recycle plastic films and bubble wrap as they are low grade plastics and often get tangled around the sorting machinery causing problems. Please try to reuse them or put them in your general waste bin.
Can crisp packets go in the recycling bin?
No. We are currently unable to recycle plastic films as they are low grade plastics and will not be sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility. Walkers recently launched a crisp packet recycling scheme, with recycling points located across the UK - find your nearest crisp packet recycling point.
Can light-bulbs go in the recycling bin?
No, but they can be taken to your local recycling centre.
Can paint tins go in the recycling bin?
No. Empty paint tins cannot be recycled in the kerbside bins in Nottinghamshire as these will not fit through the sorting machinery at the Materials Recovery Facility. If they are empty they can go into the general waste bin. Never put tins with liquid paint in either bin as it can spill into the collection truck or onto the road.
If you have paint tins with good reusable paint in them they can be taken to the four Recycling Centres that accept paint to be included in the Community RePaint scheme.
Can books go in the recycling bin?
Paperback books can go into the recycling bin, hardback books would need to have the covers removed. Why not donate used books that are in good condition to charity shops, local community groups or schools.
Can junk mail go in the recycling bin?
Yes any paper junk mail can go into the recycling bin, but please ensure that any plastic bags / packaging are removed. To reduce the amount of junk mail you receive you can sign up to the mail preference service.
