Recycling at home

Click on the button above to find out what you can and can't put in your waste or recycling bin or bag. 

Some easy tips!

• Garden waste:  

  • Home composting

  • Take it to your local household waste and recycling centre 

  • Join SKDC's Garden Waste Service.

• Manage your food budget. An average family of four could save £50 a month!  Visit the Love Food, Hate Waste website

• Buy items packaged in easily recyclable materials

• Rinse out food jars and tubs before putting them in the silver bin or clear bag

• Donate unwanted toys, clothes, shoes and books to  schools or charity shops

• Replace disposable items such as cleaning wipes with washable cloths

• Use reusable cotton nappies rather than disposables

• Avoid using cling film and aluminium foil to wrap food

• Use boxes with lids instead

• SKToday magazine, which includes your annual bin collection calendar

More re-use tips:

Kitchen items

• Egg cartons: Use for organising small items like jewellery, screws, or seedlings for gardening.
• Wine corks: Create corkboards, trivets, or even use as garden markers.
• Old utensils: Turn forks and spoons into hooks or wall art.
• Baking soda containers: After emptying, use them as shakers for powdered sugar or cinnamon.
• Glass jars: Can be used for storage, as vases, or even for homemade candles.
• Plastic containers: Useful for organizing small items, gardening, or as craft supplies.

Bathroom items

• Toothbrushes: Use old toothbrushes for cleaning tight spots or cleaning jewellery.
• Towel: Repurpose old towels as cleaning rags or make them into reusable makeup remover pads.
• Empty toilet paper rolls: Use for craft projects.

Living room items

• Magazine holders: Repurpose as storage for kitchen items like foil and plastic wrap or as file organizers.
• Old CDs and DVDs: Create coasters or use them in art projects as reflective surfaces.
• Picture frames: Turn into serving trays, chalkboards, or jewellery organizers.
• Candle jars: Clean and use for storage of small items, like cotton balls.
• Furniture: Show how old furniture can be updated with paint or new hardware.

Bedroom items

• Pillowcases: Use as garment bags, cleaning/dusting cloths, or even for crafting projects.
• Shoe boxes: Decorate and use as storage for photos, stationery, or as drawer organizers.
• Clothes hangers: Repurpose wire hangers as plant supports or make them into hooks or wreath forms.

Garden and outdoor items

• Plastic bottles: Create bird feeders, watering cans, or use as cloches to protect young plants.
• Old tyres: Make into garden planters, swings, or even outdoor furniture.
• Wooden pallets: Convert into garden beds, outdoor furniture, or vertical planters.
• Old tools: Turn into garden decorations or use handles as plant supports.
• Upcycled planters: Turn tin cans or old teapots into stylish planters.

Miscellaneous items

• Gift wrap and bags: Save and reuse for future gifts or use in craft projects.
• Old sheets and curtains: Turn into drip cloths for painting, sewing projects, or as picnic blankets.
• Baby food jars: Perfect for storing spices, small craft supplies, or as small planters.
• Binder clips: Use to organize cables, keep food bags sealed, or even as photo holders.
• Envelopes: Reuse for scrap paper, organizing receipts, or as seed packets.