The Complete A-Z Waste and Recycling Guide

Fabrics and clothing can be recycled at recycling centres and clothes and textile banks, which are usually in supermarket car parks and public places. Ideally, any unwanted clothes that are in good condition should be donated to registered charities. You can also find clothing recycling points in large high street retailers, including M&S, Primark and H&M.

Plastic film is typically defined as thin plastic sheets with a thickness of less than 10mm. The majority of plastic films are manufactured from polythene resin. These are easily recyclable if the material is clean and dry and they can be taken to your local recycling centres. However, non-polythene plastic films are not recyclable.

Fire extinguishers are classed as hazardous waste. These can be very dangerous when put in your bin at home or at work because they are pressurised containers. Empty fire extinguishers can be taken to your local recycling centre for recycling, once fully discharged, the components can be recycled using standard recycling techniques.

You can take fluorescent tubes to your local recycling centre. Please do not put them in your mixed recycling bin at home. Recycling points are available at some supermarkets throughout the UK. Fluorescent tubes lights are common in offices/businesses, for business waste management get in touch for more information.

Different types of food come in very different packaging so it can be difficult to know what can be recycled. Cardboard packaging and outer sleeves are widely recycled and should go in your recycling bin at home or work. Once cleaned out, glass jars and containers can also be recycled at home. Plastic food packaging is where the confusion usually comes from,

Food waste should go into your food and garden waste bin at home. Please make sure all packaging has been removed. Home composting is also a great idea if you have a garden, producing your own high-quality fertiliser and it makes looking after your garden much cheaper.

Even if a freezer could fit in your bin at home they're classes as WEEE waste meaning they would be prohibited. You need to take it to your local recycling centre for safe disposal. It's also possible to get your freezer removed when you're getting your new one delivered; the retailer may offer a service to take away your old one for an additional fee. Your local council will also provide a collection service for a fee.

Large household appliances often require specialist collections due to their size. Because fridges use electricity and have plugs, they are categorised as WEEE waste. If possible, you need to take it to your local recycling centre for safe disposal. It's also likely you can get your fridge removed when you're getting your new one delivered; the retailer may offer a service to take away your old one for an additional fee. Your local council will also provide a collection service for a fee.