Recycling A-Z

Find out what items go into your blue recycling bin, green garden or grey household bin, and which items can be taken to recycling sites.

Don't forget to rinse and squash to make room in your blue recycling bin.

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Recycling A to Z
ItemMethod(s) of disposalFilters
A
Adhesives and gluesPut in your grey household bin.

Grey household bin

Advent calendarRemove the plastic insert and recycle the cardboard in the main part of your blue recycling bin.

Blue recycling bin

Aerosols (empty)Put empty aerosols in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites.

Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites

Air bed

Put in your grey household bin or taken to the Recycling Village. Air beds are made from plastics that cannot be recycled.

Grey household bin, Recycling Village
Air freshener (electric)Take to a Recycling site which has an electrical goods section.Recycling sites
Air freshener (plastic)Put in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Alarm clocks

Donate fully working alarm clocks to a local charity shop.

If your alarm clock is electrical, take to a Recycling site which has an electrical goods section.

If your alarm clock is not electrical, put in your grey household bin.

Recycling sites, Grey household bin
Aluminium cansPut in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Aluminium foilPut in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Animal bedding and blankets

Hay, straw and sawdust - put in your grey household bin.

Pet blankets, towels and beds made from fabric - take to a Recycling site which has a textile bank.

Grey household bin, Recycling sites
Animal and pet wastePut in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Asbestos

Asbestos needs to be disposed of by an authorised contractor. See Asbestos.

Do not take asbestos to a recycling centre, and do not put asbestos in any bin provided. Do not move asbestos without first contacting the council on 427 7000 and getting the correct advice.

Contact us, Not in any bin
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B
BalloonsBalloons must be disposed of in your grey, household bin.Grey household bin
BarbequesSolid metal barbeque frames can be recycled at the Recycling Village at Middlefields. Disposable barbeques can be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Bathroom products (shampoo, bubble bath, moisturiser, razors, toothbrushes, cotton buds, cotton wool, toothpaste tubes)

All plastic shampoo, bubble bath, moisturisers and cardboard toothpaste boxes can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites. Don't forget to rinse plastic bottles first.

Razors, cotton buds, cotton wool and toothpaste tubes cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in your grey household bin.

Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Bathroom suite

If you are having a new bathroom professionally installed, the contractor should remove your old suite free of charge. This type of waste includes baths, sinks and toilets.

If you don't have a contractor you can take the suite to the Recycling Village for disposal or alternatively arrange for a Council house and business clearance or a bulky waste collection.

Contact us, Not in any bin
Bath / beach towels

Bath towels cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin.

If these are in good condition, donate to a local charity, or recycle at a textile bank at one of our Recycling sites.

If the towel is in poor condition, please dispose of in your grey household bin.

Recycling sites, Grey household bin
 
Batteries and car batteries

Do NOT put batteries in your blue recycling bin, or your grey household bin.

See: where to recycle batteries.

Not in any bin
Bedding and duvets

Dispose of at one of our textile Recycling sites or at the Recycling Village.

If in good condition, donate to a local charity.

Recycling sites, Recycling Village
BedsBeds and mattresses can be disposed of at the Recycling Village or collected via a bulky waste collection or ring 427 7000 for more information.Contact us, Not in any bin
BikesUnwanted bikes can be donated to a local charity. If the bike is broken then you can put this in the metal container at the Recycling Village.Recycling sites
Birthday cards

Birthday cards with glitter, glue, metallic or 3D decoration cannot be recycled. Please dispose of these in your grey household bin.

Plain birthday cards can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin.

Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Biscuit/sweet wrappersDo NOT put biscuit or sweet wrappers into your blue recycling bin. Dispose of in your grey household bin only.Grey household bin
Biscuit tins (metal and plastic)Biscuit tins can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin. They can also be recycled at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Black plastic food trays / microwave mealsBlack plastic food trays cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Black sacksDo NOT put any type of black sack into your blue recycling or green garden bins. Do NOT use black sacks to separate recycling or garden items. Items in the blue recycling and green garden bins must be loose. Black sacks cause problems at the sorting facility. Black sacks can only go in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Blades (food processor blades / knives)Do NOT place in your recycling bin. Wrap carefully and dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Bones (leftover meat bones or dog bones)Bones cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
BooksDo NOT put books in your blue recycling bin. If they are in good condition donate to a local charity shop, or donate at one of our Recycling sites.Recycling sites
Bottles and jarsThese go in the main section of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites. Don't forget to rinse first.Blue recycling bin
Bottle topsPlastic and metal tops can be recycled. Please remove these from any plastic bottles first.Blue recycling bin
Bricks/builder's rubbleDo NOT place bricks/rubble in your green garden or blue recycling bin. Take these to the Recycling Village or ring 427 7000 to arrange a house or business clearance and request a free quotation.Contact us, Not in any bin
BrochuresDispose of in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin or at one of the paper banks at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Bubble wrapDispose through your grey household bin only. Bubble wrap cannot be recycled.Grey household bin
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C
CablesAsk your family or friends if they could use any unwanted cables or recycle through Universal Recycling contact 0800 294 2901. Cables cannot be recycled through the Council blue bin recycling collection.Contact us
CamerasCameras can be passed to family and friends, donated to a local charity shop or resold.Not in any bin
Camping gas cylindersPlease dispose of in your grey household bin. If the cylinder is leaking, contact the manufacturer.Grey household bin
CansDispose of cans in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites. Don't forget to rinse first.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Cardboard / cardboard boxes / packaging / cereal boxesAll cardboard items can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin. If you have lots of cardboard items, visit the one of our recycling sites, including Recycling Village. Please take out any polystyrene or other packaging, and cardboard that has had any food or grease inside (a pizza box) cannot be recycled. See takeaway.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Carpet / underlayThis can be collected by a bulky waste collection ring 427 7000 for more information. Alternatively take items to the Recycling Village. Do NOT put carpet or underlay in your blue recycling bin.Contact us
Carrier / plastic bags

NO plastic bags of any kind can go in the blue recycling or green garden bin. Do NOT use plastic bags to separate any materials within the recycling or garden bins.

The materials are sent to a sorting facility where the items which can't be identified are removed from the sorting line. Staff cannot for health and safety reasons open and identify whether these bags are full of recyclable materials or full of food scraps, nappies etc. There are three different types of plastic bags biodegradable, degradable and compostable. The problem is that identifying these bags is very difficult and can cause a number of problems when recycling.

Grey household bin
Cartons (juice, milk and food)Place in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites. Don't forget to rinse.Blue recycling bin
CataloguesPlease dispose of any catalogues in the black caddy of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
Cat food pouchesCat food pouches cannot be recycled and they should be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Cat litterPlease dispose of in your grey household bin ONLY.Grey household bin
CDsUnwanted CDs can be donated to charity or disposed of through your grey household bin.Grey household bin
CD casesDo not place CD cases in your blue recycling bin. Dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
CellophanePlease dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Ceramics and crockeryThese cannot be recycled. Wrap and dispose of carefully in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Cereal boxesPlace cereal boxes in the main part of your blue recycling bin. Cereal boxes can be disposed of at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
ChargersChargers can be recycled at one of our Recycling sites which has an electrical goods sectionRecycling sites
Chemicals (including oil, paint and pesticides)

Do not put chemicals or paints in your blue recycling bin or your grey household bin.

See hazardous waste or ring 427 7000 for advice.

Contact us, Not in any bin
Children's car seatsThese can be disposed of at the Recycling Village. Do NOT place any car seats in the blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
China cups / plates / ornamentsDonate to a local charity if in good condition or wrap carefully and dispose in your grey household bin. China cannot be recycled.Grey household bin
ChipboardCan be taken to the Recycling Village and disposed of in the wood container. Staff on site can advise.Recycling sites
Christmas treesThis is seasonal only and dates will be confirmed closer to December. Keep checking: Bins and recycling for a list of locations within the Borough. 
Cling filmThis cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Clinical wasteThis includes adult nappies, sanitary products, soiled dressings and bandages, or any item that may be soiled by blood or bodily fluids. Please wrap carefully and dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Clothes / children's clothingDonate to a local charity or take to one of the Recycling sites or to the Recycling Village. If you can't get access to these, then alternatively use the grey household bin.
Do NOT place clothes in the blue recycling bin. The council service does not recycle clothes or textiles.
Recycling sites, Grey household bin
Coat hangersPlastic, wood or wire coat hangers cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin. Some supermarkets will recycle coat hangers or donate them to a local charity shop.Grey household bin
Coffee grinds and filtersThese can go in your compost bin or grey household bin. Do NOT put these in your green garden or blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
Computers/laptopsA computer cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin and must be taken to the Recycling Village and disposed of in the WEEE (electrical good) area. The council can also pick this up as a bulky waste collection ring 427 7000 for more information.Blue recycling bin
Confidential documentsShredded paper cannot be recycled. Dispose of through your grey household bin. If you have lots of confidential information these can be disposed of through a specialist company. Check the telephone directory or search engine.Blue recycling bin
CookersThe Recycling Village takes all white goods. If you can't get to the Recycling Village ring 427 7000 to arrange a bulky waste collection.Recycling Village, Contact us
Cooking oil / fatIf you have any cooking oil from deep fat fryers, cooled oil can be placed in a sealed plastic bag and disposed of at the Recycling Village, staff on site can advise. Cooking oil cannot be placed in the grey household, green garden or blue recycling bin.Contact us
CorksPlace in your grey household bin, do not put into your blue recycling bin. Corks cannot be recycled.Grey household bin
Crisp / snack food packetsDispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
CrockeryDonate to a local charity if in good condition or wrap carefully and dispose of in your grey household bin. Do NOT place any crockery in the blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
CurtainsThese can be donated to a local charity or alternatively taken to one of the textile banks at Recycling sites. As a last resort these can be placed in your grey household bin. Do not put in your blue recycling bin. South Tyneside do not recycle textiles as part of our recycling service.Recycling sites, Grey household bin
CutleryDonate to a local charity shop if in good condition or use your grey household bin.Grey household bin
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D
DetergentsThe cardboard boxes and plastic bottles can be disposed of in the main part of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
DirectoriesThese can be recycled through the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our recycling points.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
DIY waste (bathroom fixtures / fittings, bricks, cement, doors, fence panels, floor tiles, rubble, roofing, sheds, tiles, wood)Do NOT place these items into your grey, blue or green bins. Ring 427 7000 and arrange a Council home or business clearance or to arrange a bulky waste collection.Contact us
Dog / animal messWrap any dog and animal mess and use your grey household bin to dispose. Do NOT put any animal mess into your blue recycling or green garden bin. Pet waste cannot be recycled and contaminates the whole load of recyclables.Grey household bin
Drinking glassesDrinking glasses cannot be recycled and should be wrapped carefully and disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
DustDispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Duvets and pillowsDuvets and pillows cannot be recycled through your blue, recycling bin. Please take to one of the Recycling sites that has a textile bank.Recycling sites
DVDsIf in good condition you can donate to a local charity, take to the Recycling Village or one of our Recycling sites that has a book and media bank. If not, please dispose of in your grey household bin.Recycling sites, Grey household bin
DVD players/video recordersTo recycle electrical goods, please take to one of the Recycling sites that has a WEEE (electrical good) area.Recycling sites
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E
Egg cartons / boxesOnly cardboard egg boxes can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin. Food leftovers cannot be recycled. Egg boxes made out of other materials like plastic must go in your grey household bin.Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Egg shellsEgg shells can be added to a compost bin, or disposed through your grey household bin. Do not place in your green garden or blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
Elastic bandsThese go in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Electrical goods (small)Most small electrical goods can be recycled at the Recycling Village at Middlefields.Recycling Village
Electrical goods (large)Large electrical goods including washing machines, fridges, freezers, televisions, monitors, computers, microwaves, batteries, fryer, printer or vacuum cleaners can be taken to the Recycling Village or collected through a bulky waste collection ring 427 7000. Do NOT place these items in the blue recycling bin.Recycling sites, Contact us
Engine oilDo NOT put in your blue recycling bin or in the grey household bin. Ensure that the oil is in the original container and clearly labelled before taking it to the Recycling Village, and ask staff for advice.Recycling sites
EnvelopesAll envelopes except padded or jiffy envelopes can be recycled through the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin. This includes envelopes with windows. Jiffy envelopes can be either reused or put in your grey household bin.Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
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F
FabricIf you cannot find a use for unwanted fabric donate to a local charity or take to one of the textile Recycling sites in the Borough or to the Recycling Village. Fabric cannot be recycled through your blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
FibreglassFibreglass from floorboards, skirting boards etc. is classed as DIY waste and can be disposed of at the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise.Recycling sites
FireworksUSED fireworks should be disposed of in your grey household bin. Ensure they are wrapped carefully.Grey household bin
Fire extinguisherContact the supplier to collect. Do NOT place in ANY of the bins provided.Not in any bin
FlaresNo flares can be placed in the blue recycling bin, grey household waste or the green garden bin. If you have out of date flares and need to arrange their safe disposal, you should contact the supplier you bought them from to see if they will take them back. Clearly this is not possible if you buy them online and you should bear this in mind. There are specialist hazardous waste disposal companies that will dispose of your unwanted TEP, but there will be a cost for such a service. Again, you should keep this in mind if ordering flares online.Not in any bin
FlowerpotsFlowerpots should not be placed in your green garden collection or blue recycling bin. Dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Flowers and plantsFlowers and plants can be placed in your green garden bin or compost bin. No flowers or plants can be recycled through your blue recycling bin. You can take and plants or flowers to the Recycling Village. Visit our Recycling sites for information around location and times.Green garden bin, Recycling Village
Fluorescent tubesDispose of at the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise. These do not go in your blue recycling bin. Staff remove the hazardous mercury so the metal and plastic can be recycled. See light bulbs.Recycling sites
Food containers (food trays, yoghurt pots etc.)Rinse all of the materials and place in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our recycling points.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Food tinsDispose of in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our recycling points. Don't forget to rinse first.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Food waste / leftoversNO food waste of ANY kind is to go in your blue recycling bin. Some food can be added to a compost bin otherwise all food leftovers must be disposed of through your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Fridge or freezers

Large appliances can be collected through a bulky waste collection or taken to the Recycling Village.

Alternatively, if the furniture is in good condition you can donate to a local charity or sell them through ads or classifieds.

Recycling Village, Contact us
Fruit punnets (plastic)Plastic fruit punnets, before recycling, rinse to remove all food residue. Plastic fruit punnets can be placed in the main part of your blue recycling bin. They can also be recycled at our Recycling Village.Blue recycling bin, Recycling Village
Fruit punnets (wooden)Wooden fruit punnets cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Furniture

Large items of furniture can be taken to the Recycling Village. If you have difficulties taking these items to the Recycling Village these can be collected through a bulky waste collection. Alternatively, if the furniture is in good condition you can donate to a local charity or sell them through ads and classifieds.

Do NOT fly-tip or leave items outside in back lanes or on footpaths. This is illegal and causes a number of problems for the Borough.

Recycling Village, Contact us
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G
Garden (grass cuttings, plants etc.)Use a compost bin or dispose through your green garden bin if you are on the service. See a full list of Garden waste items.Green garden bin
Gas bottles and cylindersGas cylinders remain the property of the issuing company. Please return them to the address shown on the label. Camping gas and helium bottles can disposed of at the Recycling Village.Not in any bin, Recycling Village
GazeboDispose of in your grey household bin or taken to the Recycling Village for disposal.Grey household bin, Recycling Village
Glass

Glass bottles and jars can be rinsed and placed into the main part of your blue recycling bin or taken to the Recycling Village. Remove all corks, metal lids or plastic tops before recycling.

Window pane glass, mirrors, glass from picture frames, photo frames, broken glass tumblers, light bulbs, spectacles, ceramics or glass ovenware such as Pyrex dishes cannot be recycled through the blue recycling bin.

NEVER put broken glass into your recycling bin. Dispose of this carefully through your grey household bin.

PLEASE wrap glass carefully in newspaper and ensure that the lid is closed fully. This is to prevent injury to the collection crew.

Blue recycling bin, Recycling Village, Grey household bin
Glasses / spectaclesSpectacles cannot be collected through the recycling collection. However, many high street opticians will take back unwanted pairs for re-use in the developing countries. Glasses can be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
GlitterGlitter cannot be recycled. Please do NOT put any item with glitter in the blue recycling bin as glitter will contaminate the whole load of recyclables this includes cards, cardboard, plastic bottles etc.Grey household bin
GrassGrass can be placed in your green, garden bin or composted in a compost bin. Do NOT put grass in the blue recycling bin. Grass can also be taken to the Recycling Village.Green garden bin, Recycling Village
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H
Hair / hair extensionsDispose of in your grey household bin. Do not use the blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
HangersThese cannot be recycled, either reuse at home or donate through a local charity.Grey household bin
Hazardous waste ( antifreeze, fertiliser, fire extinguishers, oven cleaners, oil, paint, petrol, thermometer, weed killer etc.)All types of hazardous waste including paint, pesticides, batteries, poisons, battery acid, paint stripper, household cleaners and chemicals, weed killer, medicines, tablets and fluorescent tubes should not be disposed of through your blue recycling or green garden bins. Petrol cans should NOT be put in the blue recycling bin. If you have any harmful substances seek advice from the Council contact centre on 427 7000.Contact us, Not in any bin
Hearing aidsUnwanted hearing aids can be sent to the Hearing Aid Appeal, run by Help the Aged. The hearing aids are tested and cleaned and sent to India. Send to: Hearing Aid Appeal, Help the Aged, FREEPOST LON 13616, London, EC18 1PS or visit: www.helptheaged.org.ukGrey household bin
Hedge trimmingsYou can recycle hedge trimmings in your green garden bin or these can be taken to the Recycling Village.Green garden bin, Recycling Village
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I
Inhalers

You can remove the hard plastic casing and place it in the main part of your blue recycling bin. You can dispose of the plastic outer casing in the plastic outer casing in the plastic container at our Recycling Village.

Every pharmacy in South Tyneside now has a specially labelled inhaler bin on display. Many patients can make an even bigger difference by switching to eco-friendly dry powder inhalers for most of their needs. While one blue inhaler makes the same climate change impact as driving from South Shields to Liverpool, a dry powder inhaler is equivalent to driving from Shields to Jarrow.

Blue recycling bin, Recycling Village
Ink cartridgesInk cartridges can be recycled at our Recycling Village. Do not recycle in your blue recycling bin.Recycling Village
InsulationTake to the Recycling Village and dispose of in the general waste skips. Do not put insulation in your blue recycling or green garden bins.Recycling sites
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J
Japanese knotweedIf you suspect that you have Japanese knotweed on your property you should take care not to allow it to spread. Japanese knotweed should NOT be disposed of in your green garden, blue recycling or grey household bin.Not in any bin
JarsSee glass. 
JewelleryDonate unwanted jewellery to a local charity or dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Junk mail and magazine insertsJunk mail can be recycled in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin, or in the paper banks at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin
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K
KeysKeys cannot be recycled via your blue recycling bin. Therefore, dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Kitchen towels/tissuesUsed kitchen towels and tissues cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
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L
Laminate flooringDispose of in laminate wood container at the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise. Alternatively ring 427 7000 to arrange a house and business clearance removal and request a free quotation.Recycling sites, Contact us
Laminated paper, posters or cardboardLaminated materials cannot be recycled and must be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Lawnmower (electric, manual, petrol)Electric and manual lawnmowers can be taken to the Recycling Village or collected through the Council bulky waste collection. Petrol lawnmowers can only be accepted if the tank is empty/fully drained. We do not accept petrol as it is hazardous.Contact us
LeavesUse a compost bin or your green garden bin. Do not place leaves in plastic bags in your green garden bin.Green garden bin
LinenTake to a textiles bank at one of our recycling sites, donate to a local charity if in good condition or take to the textiles bank on site at the Recycling Village. Do NOT put linen in your blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
Light bulbsStandard light bulbs and energy saving light bulbs cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin. Please wrap and dispose of in your grey household bin. You can also dispose of them at the Recycling Village, staff on site can advise.Grey household bin, Recycling sites
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M
Magazines / papers / cataloguesMagazines and papers go in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin, or take to one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
MattressesTake these to the Recycling Village or arrange a bulky waste collection. Do not leave outside your property in a back lane. Fly-tipping is illegal.Recycling sites, Contact us, Not in any bin
Meat trays (plastic and aluminium)Please rinse any food residue. Meat trays can be placed in the main part of your blue recycling bin. You can use selected Recycling sites across South Tyneside.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
MedicineEmpty glass medicine bottles or cardboard boxes go in the main section of your blue recycling bin. Any foil packets can be disposed of in your grey household bin. Unused medicines can be returned to a local pharmacist.Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
MetalScrap metal can be recycled at the Recycling Village, please ask staff on site for advice. If you obtain a company to remove scrap metal ensure they have an appropriate license. Do not put scrap metal into your blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
Metal pots and pansMetal pots, pans, lids and trays cannot be recycled in your blue bin. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Milk bottlesGlass and plastic milk bottles go in the main section of your blue recycling bin. Remove the lid first and don't forget to rinse.Blue recycling bin
Milk containers (plastic)Please rinse any milk residue. Place milk containers in the main part of your blue recycling bin. They can also be recycled at our Recycling Village.Blue recycling bin, Recycling Village
MirrorsMirror glass cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin, make sure any broken glass is wrapped carefully before placing in the bin.Grey household bin
Mobile phonesDonate to a local charity or dispose of in the main part of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
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N
NapkinsUse the grey household bin to dispose of any napkins. Do NOT put in your blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
NappiesDo NOT place nappies into your blue recycling or green garden bin. These must be placed into your grey household bin. Nappies cannot be recycled. Nappies will contaminate all the other recycled materials in the load.Grey household bin
Needles/syringesDo NOT place into your grey household, blue recycling or green garden bin. All used needles, empty syringes, empty insulin cartridges and lancets must be put in a sharps bin. Sharps bins are yellow plastics containers designed for the safe disposal of such items. For further advice on how to get sharps bin and how to dispose, please contact your doctor, pharmacist or the NHS.Not in any bin
NewspapersThese can be recycled in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin, or at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
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O
Oil - engineHouseholds can dispose of engine oil through the Recycling Village. When you bring engine oil to the Village, we advise that you keep it in its original containers. Ask staff on site for more information.Recycling sites
Oil - cookingIf you have large quantities of cooking oil, there are a number of companies who operate waste cooking oil collections. Use a telephone directory or search engine on a computer to find companies who collect oil for recycling. Check with the Environment Agency that any company you use is licensed to collect and transport waste oil.Not in any bin
OvensOvens can be taken to the Recycling Village or collected through the Council bulky waste collections.Recycling sites, Contact us
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P
Padded / jiffy envelopesPadded envelopes cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bin. These can be reused or disposed of in your grey household bin.Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Paddling poolsPlastic paddling pools cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin. You can donate these to charity, dispose of in your grey household bin or at the Recycling Village.Grey household bin, Recycling Village
Paint/paint thinnersPaint and paint thinners are classed as hazardous waste. If you have excess paint at home, try and use it up, either by yourself or give it to friends and relatives. Clean and dry metal tins can be disposed in the metal banks at the Recycling Village, but plastic or contaminated tins must be disposed of in the general waste skip at the Recycling Village. Solvent based paint, paint thinner and white spirit should be disposed as hazardous waste, and not poured down the drains.Not in any bin, Recycling Village
Paper

Paper, newspapers, brochures, catalogues and junk mail can all be recycled in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin, or at one of our Recycling sites. Shredded paper can be disposed of in your inner caddy but it must be wrapped in newspaper or weighed down.

Laminated paper, foil, glitter or foil wrapping paper cannot be recycled in the blue recycling bin and must be disposed of in the grey household bin.

Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Paper bagsPaper bags can be recycled in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin providing they are not damp or any food or drink traces have been left inside.Blue recycling bin
Paper towelsPaper towels cannot be recycled due to the materials they are made from. Use your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Pens / stationeryDispose of any pens or stationery through your grey household bin.Grey household bin
PetrolSee hazardous waste. 
Pets / pet waste

NO pet waste of any kind can go in the blue recycling bin. Please wrap and dispose of in your grey household bin.

Fish tanks / aquariums - do NOT place these in the blue recycling bin. Wrap carefully and dispose of through your grey household bin. The glass used is thick and cannot be melted and reused.

Pet bedding - please dispose of through your grey household bin.

Grey household bin
PhotographsPhotographs cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
PillowsTake to a textile bank at one of our recycling sites or to the Recycling Village. Pillows cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
Pizza boxesPizza boxes cannot be recycled as they often contain unwanted food residue or grease that may contaminate other materials. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Plants

You can place these in your green garden bin or be composted in your compost bin. Alternatively, you can take to the Recycling Village.
Plants cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin. This will contaminate all of the materials.

Green garden bin, Recycling Village
Plastic chairsAny hard plastic or metal framed summer chairs can be disposed of at the Recycling Village at Middlefields. No summer camping chairs can be disposed of in your blue recycling bin.Recycling Village
Plastic plant pots / traysPlastic plant pots cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey, household bin.Grey household bin
Plant pots / hanging basketsDo NOT place plant pots in the green garden bin. Dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Plastic

Plastic bottles and food containers can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin. These include water bottles, pop bottles, milk bottles, shampoo bottles, margarine tubs, yoghurt pots etc. Do not place items in plastic bags to separate them. Please remove the plastic lids and these can go into your blue recycling bin.

Plastic chairs or tables can be taken to the Recycling Village. Do NOT place these items in your blue recycling bin.

Blue recycling bin, Recycling Village
Plastic bags

No plastic carrier bags of any kind should go in your blue recycling or green garden bin. Please re-use bags or recycle at allocated banks outside supermarkets.

Do NOT use plastic bags to separate materials in the blue recycling or green garden bin. Items must be kept loose. Plastic bags cannot be recycled through the South Tyneside Council scheme.

Grey household bin
Plastic trays (microwave)Plastic food trays cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
PlywoodDispose in the wood container at the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise.Recycling sites
Polystyrene cups/food trays/packagingThese items must be disposed of through your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Pond algae and plants

You can place these in your green garden bin or to these can be composted in a compost bin. Alternatively, these can be taken to the Recycling Village.

No plants can be recycled in your blue, recycling bin.

Green garden bin, Recycling Village
Pots and pansIf pots and pans are in good condition donate to a local charity. Any pots and pans can be disposed of at the Recycling Village in the metal container skip. Do NOT put these in the blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
Pyrex dishesPyrex dishes cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey, household bin.Grey household bin
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QuiltsPlace in your grey household bin or donate to a local charity. Do not put quilts or any bedding in your blue recycling bin. Check local textile banks to see if quilts can be collected.Grey household bin
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RadiatorsMetal radiators can be put into the metal containers at the Recycling Village. Radiators cannot be disposed of through the blue recycling, green garden or grey household bins.Recycling sites
RagsDispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Rechargeable batteriesSee: where to recycle batteries 
Records and tapesUnwanted records and tapes can be donated to charity or disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Roof tilesTiles can be disposed of at the Recycling Village ask staff on site to advise. If you are using a contractor to carry out the works, then they will need to arrange for their disposal.Recycling sites
RubbleRubble can be disposed of at the Recycling Village. Do not put rubble in your green garden bin. If you are using a contractor to carry out the works, then they will need to arrange for the disposal of the material.Recycling sites
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SawdustSawdust cannot be recycled. Please put this in your grey household bin or compost bin.Grey household bin
Sofa/settee

You can donate old sofa/settees to a local charity or sell them through a classified or online advert. Alternatively, you can arrange for a bulky waste collection ring 427 7000 for more information.

Please do not leave these items in back lanes. Fly tipping is illegal.

Contact us
Shoes

Shoes which are in good condition can be donated to a local charity, taken to a clothes bank outside supermarkets or at the Recycling Village. Alternatively shoes can be disposed of through your grey household bin.

Do not put shoes in your blue recycling bin.

Grey household bin, Recycling sites
Shredded paperShredded paper can be recycled in your blue recycling bin BUT the shredded paper must be wrapped in newspaper or weighed down (under catalogues/brochures).Blue recycling bin
ShrubsYou can place these in your green garden waste bin or be composted in your compost bin. Alternatively, these can be taken to the Recycling Village.Green garden bin, Recycling Village
SoilSmall amounts of soil are acceptable in the green garden bin as long as the soil is loose and not bagged. Large amounts of soil makes the bin too heavy for our operatives. If you have building work then use a contractor or find out more about the Home and Business clearances for a free quote.Green garden bin, Contact us
SpectaclesSee glass. 
Sports equipmentYou can donate any unwanted sports equipment that is still in good condition to a local charity. This includes balls, bats, golf clubs, skates, bikes etc. Sports Equipment can be disposed of through your grey household bin or taken to the Recycling Village.Grey household bin, Recycling sites
Spray cansEmpty metal bug cans, sun tan lotions and miniature hand luggage sized bottles can all be recycled in your blue recycling bin. Wash any miniature sized bottles first before recycling.Blue recycling bin
Steel cansDispose of through the main part of your blue recycling bin, or at one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Straw and hayThese can only be disposed of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Syringes

Do NOT place directly into your grey household or blue recycling bin. All used needles, empty syringes, empty insulin cartridges and lancets must be put in a sharps bin. Sharps bins are plastics containers designed for the safe disposal of such items.

For further advice on where to get these and the disposal please contact your doctor, pharmacist or the NHS.

Not in any bin
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Takeaway boxes/containers

Most takeaway boxes and containers cannot be recycled. Paper and cardboard containers should only be recycled if they are completely free of food/grease. Takeaway cardboard boxes contain grease which contaminates other items in the recycling bin.

Polystyrene containers go in your grey household bin.

Grey household bin
Tapes/cassetteDonate to a local charity or take to one of the book and media recycling banks throughout the Borough including the Recycling Village.Recycling sites
TarmacWe cannot accept tarmac in any bin or at the Recycling Village. Tarmac is classified as industrial waste and we are not legally required to accept it. To arrange for the disposal of tarmac you should contact a legitimate commercial waste management or a skip hire company that is licensed to accept it. Suitable companies can be found by looking in a telephone directory or use a search engine.Not in any bin
Tea bagsIf you use tea bags for compost make sure the tea bag is compostable. Only 20-30% of all tea bags are compostable. Tea bags cannot be recycled. Do NOT put tea bags into the green garden or blue recycling bins.Grey household bin
Telephone directoriesPlace in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
Tetra pack cartonsPlastic cartons can be disposed of in the main part of your blue recycling bin, or at one of our recycling points.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Textiles/clothes/curtainsDonate to a local charity if in good condition or take to a textile container at one of the Recycling sites in the Borough. These items are NOT to be placed in the blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
TilesSee roof tiles. 
TimberSolid timber can be recycled in the designated containers at the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise.Recycling sites
TinsThese go in your main part of your blue recycling bin, or take them to one of our Recycling sites.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Tin wrappersTin wrappers can be kept on the tins when they are put in the blue recycling bin. Part of the recycling process of tins will remove these.Blue recycling bin
Tissues (hankies, kitchen towel, napkins and other absorbent products)The fibres used to make tissues cannot be recycled into new products. These go into your grey household bin. Do NOT put used or unused tissues/kitchen towels in your blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
ToolsConsider donating to a local charity. Small electric power tools can be placed in the main part of your blue recycling bin. Large appliances can be taken to the Recycling Village and disposed of in the electrical WEEE area.Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
Toothbrushes / shaversElectrical toothbrushes and shavers can be disposed of in the main section of your blue recycling bin. Hard plastic toothbrushes and shavers must be disposed of through your grey household bin.Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
Towels / beach towelsTowels and beach towels can be recycled at certain textile banks across South Tyneside. Beach towels cannot be recycled in your blue recycling bin.Recycling sites
Toys, soft toys and gamesSmall electrical toys can be put in the main part of your blue recycling bin. Cardboard boxes which contain games can be recycled in the main part of your blue recycling bin (but not the small dices, playing cards or playing pieces).
Donate to a local charity shop if in good condition or take to the Recycling Village. Do not put soft toys in the blue recycling bin.
Blue recycling bin, Recycling sites
TyresBicycle and car tyres can be taken to the Recycling Village. Staff on site can advise.Recycling sites
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Vacuum cleanerPlease take to the Recycling Village. Vacuum cleaners cannot be placed in any recycling, garden or household bin.Recycling sites
VapesVape pens should not be put in your recycling or household waste bins. Please take it to the Recycling Village and dispose of in the electrical section.Recycling Village, Not in any bin
Vegetables/vegetable peelingsUse a compost bin or dispose of through your grey household bin. Do NOT place vegetables or vegetable peelings into the green garden or blue recycling bin. Food cannot be recycled through the South Tyneside recycling scheme.Not in any bin
Vegetable oilUsed oil cannot be recycled. You can carefully pour into a plastic container and dispose of it in your general household bin. Empty oil bottles must be thoroughly washed before placing in the main part of your blue, recycling page.Grey household bin
Vending cupsTo avoid generating plastic waste, avoid using disposable cups and use glasses, mugs or cups of water or coffee. Dispose of through your grey household bin. Do NOT use the blue recycling bin.Grey household bin
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Walking sticksUnwanted walking sticks can be donated to a local charity.Not in any bin
WallpaperUsed or unused wallpaper goes in your grey household bin. Do NOT place wallpaper in the blue recycling or green garden bins.Grey household bin
Washing machineTake to the Recycling Village or arrange a bulky waste collection ring 427 7000 for more information.Recycling sites, Contact us
White goodsLarge white goods such as a washing machine or a fridge freezer can be collected through the bulky waste collections on 427 7000 or taken to the Recycling Village.Recycling sites, Contact us
Window frames wood/UPVCWooden and UPVC frames can be taken to the Recycling Village or ring 427 7000 to arrange a home and business clearance removal and request a free quotation.Contact us
Wood / sheds / timber fencing / wooden chairsDo NOT place any wood in the blue recycling bin. Wood can be taken to the Recycling Village and disposed of through the correct container. Staff on site can help. We can accept all wood and timber for recycling apart from laminate flooring and treated timber.Contact us
WoolWool cannot be recycled. Please dispose of in your grey household bin.Grey household bin
Wrapping paper

Traditional brown paper can be recycled in the inner caddy of the blue recycling bin. Please remove any sticky tape before recycling.

Any other wrapping paper - foil, glitter or laminated cannot be recycled as this causes problems at the recycling facility. Wrapping paper can be disposed of through your grey household bin.

Blue recycling bin, Grey household bin
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Yellow pagesPlace in the inner caddy of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
Yoghurt cartonsRinse and dispose of in the main part of your blue recycling bin.Blue recycling bin
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Zimmer framePlease return to the issuer or donate to social services, a health centre or a hospital.Not in any bin
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