What goes in each bin? A practical UK household guide
Bin colours are not standard across the UK, so use the name of the collection, not the colour. Your council may collect the same materials in a wheelie bin, box, bag or split container.
Dry recycling
Usually: paper and card, metal food and drink cans, empty aerosols, glass bottles and jars, and common plastic packaging such as bottles, pots, tubs and trays. Keep it loose unless your council explicitly asks for bags.
- Empty containers and give food packaging a quick rinse.
- Flatten boxes to save space.
- Follow the on-pack label for removable sleeves, films and lids.
- Keep batteries, electricals, nappies, food and bagged general waste out.
Food waste
Usually: unavoidable food scraps, peelings, bones, tea leaves, coffee grounds, stale food and plate scrapings. Caddy-liner rules vary, so use the type your council specifies. Never put packaging in with food waste unless your council explicitly accepts it.
Garden waste
Usually: grass cuttings, leaves, small twigs, plants and hedge trimmings. Soil, rubble, plant pots, plastic bags and large branches normally need another route. Garden-waste collections may be charged for.
General waste
For items that cannot be reused or collected through another service. Common examples include nappies, heavily soiled paper or card, vacuum dust and mixed-material items with no take-back route. Do not use it for batteries, vapes, electricals, gas cylinders or other hazardous items.
Retailer and specialist take-back
Common routes include batteries, electricals, vapes, soft plastic packaging, medicines, printer cartridges and water filters. The exact scheme depends on the retailer and product.
Recycling centre
Use a household recycling centre for bulky materials, DIY waste where accepted, scrap metal, electricals, paint, engine oil, hard plastics and other streams not collected at home. Check opening hours, booking rules, proof-of-address requirements and vehicle restrictions before travelling.
Still unsure? Search the item first, then use your postcode to check the final local rule.
Sources: Recycle Now — recycling contamination; GOV.UK — household recycling in England.
✓ Last checked: 17 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?