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Types of waste we accept

A pile of cans, plastic bottles, plastic bottle tops, scrunched up paper and yoghurt pots

Find out what types of waste we accept at our recycling centres.

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Use keywords to see types of waste we accept including potential costs. For example 'bike' or 'cardboard'.
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ItemIncludingInfoCost
Aerosol cans (empty)Not applicable

Accepted. You can also put them in your kerbside recycling bin

Free
Aerosol cans (full or part-full)Not applicableOnly accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Air conditionersNot applicable

Accepted

Free
AntifreezeGlycolOnly accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
AsbestosNot applicableNot accepted. More information on asbestos disposal.Not accepted
AshNot applicableNot accepted, as it's a fire risk. When the ash is completely cold you can put it in your kerbside waste bin.Not accepted
Audio Visual
  • Audio cassettes
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Records
  • Video cassettes

Accepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container.

May also be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Batteries
  • Household/dry cell
  • Cars/vehicle - handle with care
  • e-Bike batteries

Accepted. Household batteries are also accepted at retail outlets and supermarkets. Batteries may be a fire hazard if you put them in your household rubbish bin. Please recycle responsibly.

Free
Beer barrels or kegsNot applicableNot accepted. Contact Keg Watch on 0808 100 1945Not accepted
BicyclesNot applicable

Accepted. Put unusable bicycles in the scrap metal container.

Good bikes may be accepted at reuse shops

Free
Blades
  • Food processor blades
  • Knives
Accepted. Let a member of staff know you are disposing of them. Wrap them safely, label them and put them in the scrap metal container. You can also wrap them safely and put them in your kerbside rubbish bin.Free
BooksNot applicable

Accepted. Put them in the cardboard container

May be accepted at reuse shops

Free
Brake fluidNot applicableOnly accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Bubble wrap

Not applicable

Accepted. Put it in the non-recyclables container. Some online recycling groups or websites will accept bubble wrap that's in good condition.Free
Business and trade waste
  • Commercial
  • Charities
  • Churches
  • Community groups
Accepted at some recycling centres, for a charge.Business and trade waste charges
Cans/tins/foil (washed)
  • Cans
  • Tins
  • Foil
Accepted, but these can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Card and cardboard
  • Books
  • Greeting cards
  • Washed cartons
  • Boxes
Accepted, but these can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Carpets and underlay
  • Carpets
  • Underlay
  • Vinyl
  • Lino

Accepted. These go in the non-recyclables container.

Laminate is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Chemicals (listed)
  • Bleach
  • Degreasers
  • Descalers
  • Drain cleaners
  • Fence or shed treatments/preservers
  • Fertilisers
  • Fungicides
  • Insecticides
  • Lubricants
  • Oven cleaners
  • Paintbrush cleaners/thinners
  • Pesticides
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Swimming pool cleaners
  • Weed killer
  • Wood preservers/treatments
Only accepted on Hazardous waste daysFree
Christmas treesNot applicable

Accepted. Real Christmas trees can go in green waste container. Fake trees may go in the non recyclable, metal or electrical container. Please check with staff.

Fake Christmas trees and decorations in good condition are accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Clinical waste
  • Swabs
  • Bandages
  • Dressings
  • Medicines
Not accepted. Your local district, borough or city council might offer a collection or disposal service, but may charge. You could also contact a reputable private waste disposal contractor. Ask to see a waste carriers licence and find out where they will dispose of the waste.Not accepted
ClothesNot applicableAccepted. See textiles for more information.Free
CO2 canistersNot applicableOnly accepted on Hazardous waste days. Or contact Keg Watch on 0808 100 1945.Free
Coat hangers (wire and plastic)Not applicable

Accepted. Put plastic in non-recyclables and metal hangers in metals. Or offer to reuse shops.

Free
Cooking oilNot applicableAcceptedFree
CushionsFurniture cushionsAccepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container. Or donate good quality cushions at reuse shops.Free
Electrical items (large, non-commercial)
  • Boilers
  • Cookers and ovens - Get a qualified gas engineer to disconnect your gas cooker. Use the Gas Safe register to find a local company.
  • Dishwashers
  • Fridges and freezers
  • Washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Microwaves

Accepted. Your local district, borough or city council may offer a collection service for large electrical goods but might charge you. Reuse shops may take some items. Check with staff.

Free
Electrical items (small, non-commercial)
  • Christmas tree lights
  • Small items like hairdryers, irons, kettles, toasters
  • Computers/ laptops /monitors
  • Electric blankets
  • DVD players
  • Lawnmowers
  • Leads
  • Telephones, mobile phones - remember to take out your old SIM card
  • Plugs
  • Printers
  • Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
  • Stereos and radios
  • Tablets/iPads
  • Televisions/Smart TVs
  • Toys, including ride-on cars, bikes and scooters
  • Vacuum cleaners/hoovers
  • Vapes

Accepted at recycling centres.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

It is your responsibility to remove all personal data from your electronics before you recycle them. Some items may go on to be reused. More information on deleting your data.

Free
Engine oil (used)Not applicableAccepted. Please bring engine oil in a reusable container. Empty containers cannot be disposed of at the recycling centre.Free
Explosives, boat flares, fireworks, fire arms/BB guns and ammunitionNot applicableNot accepted. Read our advice on disposing of explosives.Not accepted
FacemasksNot applicableNot acceptedNot accepted
FibreglassNot applicableAccepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Fire extinguishersNot applicable

Only accepted on hazardous waste days. Maximum 2 per household.

Some extinguisher supply companies also offer a disposal service - check the label.

Free
Flat glass (DIY waste)
  • Windows and glass doors
  • Greenhouse and Conservatory glass
  • Shower screens
Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Flat glass (free standing)
  • Tables
  • Fish tanks
  • TV stands
May be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Flooring
  • Carpets
  • Underlay
  • Vinyl
  • Lino

Accepted. Goes in the non-recyclables container.

Laminate is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Foil (clean)
  • Kitchen foil
  • Foil food trays
  • Takeaway and ready meal food trays
Accepted. You can also put it in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Food wasteNot applicable

Accepted in small amounts. Needs to be double-bagged and labelled. Goes in the non-recyclables container. Also goes in kerbside rubbish bin or food caddy in some areas.

Free
Fuel
  • Petrol
  • Diesel
  • Paraffin
  • Heating oil
Not acceptedNot accepted
Furniture (free standing)
  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Sofas
  • Beds

Accepted at recycling centres. May be accepted at reuse shops.

Fitted furniture is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Garden/green waste
  • Garden and green waste - except injurious and invasive weeds
  • Garden tools
  • Trees - except ash trees
  • Water butts

Accepted - apart from ash trees, and leaves and prunings, and injurious or invasive weeds.

Read our information about garden or green waste for more information about what we will and will not accept. We also provide advice on how to deal with garden waste that we do not accept.

Free
Gas bottles and cylinders (empty)Not applicable

Accepted at all recycling centres. There are sometimes delays with our gas bottle collections so occasionally we may not be able to accept them. This will be listed at the top of the web page for individual recycling centres. We recommend that you return them to the supplier.

We do not accept full or partially full bottles or cylinders. These must be returned to the supplier.

We do not accept Nitrous Oxide canisters.

Advice on where to dispose of gas bottles and cylinders.

Free
Gas bottles and cylinders (full or part full)Not applicable

Not accepted, under any circumstances. We recommend that you return them to your supplier.

We do not accept Nitrous Oxide canisters.

Advice on where to dispose of gas bottles and cylinders.

Not accepted
Glass bottles and jars (washed)Not applicable

Accepted - put them in the glass containers. They can also go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Flat glass is classed as DIY waste. An example of flat glass is a window pane. More about DIY waste.

Free
GlueNot applicableOnly accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Heating oilNot applicableNot acceptedNot accepted
Household bin waste (including food waste)Not applicableAccepted. Please separate any recyclable materials out beforehand then bag any remaining waste. We might ask you to open the bags at the recycling centre. This is so that we can recycle as much as possible.Free
Incontinence padsNot applicable

Accepted - but incontinence pads should usually be wrapped and put in your kerbside rubbish bin.

We will accept one bag of pads per household, per week. The pads must be double-wrapped and clearly labelled, to reduce human contact with them.

Free
Kitchenware
  • Glasses
  • Crockery
  • Saucepans

Accepted. Please don't put heatproof glass (Pyrex) into bottle banks.

May also be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Lawnmowers
  • Electric
  • Manual
  • Petrol - empty

Accepted at recycling centres. Please empty fuel tanks completely for petrol lawnmowers.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Lightbulbs/fluorescent tubes (household)Not applicable

Accepted. For large quantities, or for commercial collection/disposal, contact Recolight (charges apply).

Free
Litter (bagged)Not applicableAccepted. We'll take up to three bags, but you need to let us know before you arrive. Find out how to drop off litter.Free
Liquid cartons/Tetra Paks (washed)Not applicable

Accepted. Put them in the cardboard container. They can also go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Free
Loft insulationNot applicableAccepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
MattressesNot applicableAccepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container.Free
Medicines and medical equipment
  • Inhalers
  • Tablets
  • Syringes
  • Sharps
Not accepted. Never place leftover or expired medicines or medical equipment in your kerbside rubbish bin or flush them down the toilet. Your local GP or pharmacist will help you dispose of them safely.Not accepted
Metals (household)
  • Barbecues
  • Bicycles
  • Lawnmowers (empty of fuel)
  • Kitchenware
  • Shelving
  • Empty metal paint tins
  • Rotary washing lines
Accepted. Non-ferrous metals are separated out (copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminium). Also see foil.Free
Mobility equipment
  • Wheelchairs
  • Crutches
  • Walking frames

Accepted for recycling. Not accepted for reuse. Do not bring any items that belong to the NHS or NRS, return these to the provider.

Find out how to return mobility equipment.

Free
NappiesNot applicable

Accepted - but nappies should usually be wrapped and put in your kerbside rubbish bin.

We accept one bag per household, per week of disposal nappies. They must be double-wrapped and clearly labelled, to reduce human contact with them.

Free
DIY non-recyclables
  • Insulation and roof felt
  • Plastic guttering, drains and fascia
  • Baths and shower trays (plastic/acrylic)
  • Soil and turf
  • Pond liners and garden membranes
  • Doors, window and frames (UVPC)
  • Walk in structures (not wood or metal)
  • Oil tanks (plastic)
  • Sand
Accepted. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Oil tanks (empty)
  • Plastic
  • Metal

Accepted as long as they are fully drained. They are classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

Oil tanks will not fit in the bins whole. They must be broken up into smaller pieces that can be carried up steps if necessary. We suggest you visit your recycling centre before you bring the item and discuss it with site staff. Or consider hiring a tank removal company.

More about DIY waste
Oil tanks (full or partially full)Not applicableNot accepted. Look for specialist waste disposal contractors in your local telephone directory or online. Remember to ask to see a waste carriers licence and find out where the waste will be disposed of.Not accepted
Paint cans (empty or dried out)Not applicableAccepted. Empty metal paint cans go in the metals container, plastic cans go in the non-recyclable bin. Dried out or empty cans also go in your kerbside rubbish bin.Free
Paint cans (full or part full containing liquid paint)Not applicable

Only accepted on hazardous waste days.

Do not put liquid paint into your kerbside bin. Mix in cat litter or soil to completely dry out the paint first.

Free
Paper
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Directories
  • Envelopes
  • Shredded paper (put it in your bin loosely, not in bags)
Accepted - but can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Pets/animals bedding and housing
  • Animal bedding
  • Fish tanks and aquariums

Accepted. We accept up to 2 bags of vegetarian pet bedding per week (from rabbits, guinea pigs etc). Please double-bagged it and label it clearly. Think about home composting it instead.

We also accept household fish tanks/aquariums and animal housing. Put filters or lights in the small electrical appliances container. Good, clean items may also be accepted for reuse shops.

Free
Pets/animals waste
  • Dog and cat faeces (including cat litter)
  • Horse manure
  • Dead animals
Not accepted, for hygiene reasons. If you have a small quantity, wrap it and put it in a plastic bag in your kerbside rubbish bin.Not accepted
Pillows and duvetsNot applicableAccepted. Pillows and duvets go in the non-recyclable bin. Pillow cases and duvet covers go into the textile bins.Free
Plant potsNot applicable

Accepted at recycling centres. Ceramic pots can go in the rubble container.

Unfortunately we can't recycle plastic pots, so put them in the general waste container. You can also put them in your kerbside rubbish bin. Some garden centres will accept plant pots for reuse or recycling.

 

Ceramic plant pots may be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Plasterboard
  • Plasterboard
  • Plaster

Accepted at Caister, Dereham, Hempton, King's Lynn, Norwich North, Norwich South and Thetford.

Plasterboard is classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance. Cost is per item or 50 litre bag.

More about DIY waste
Plastic
  • Bottles
  • Toys
  • Garden furniture
  • Plant pots

Accepted. Things like toys and plant pots go in the non-recyclable container. They may be accepted at reuse shops.

We're not able to recycle rigid plastic as we need to ensure we have a secure market for the material. We are searching.

Bottles, tubs and trays can go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Free
Plastic filmNot applicableAccepted. It goes in the non-recyclables container. Find places to recycle plastic film.Free
PolystyreneNot applicableAccepted. It goes in the non-recyclables container.Free
Printer ink cartridges (including laser ink toner cartridges)Not applicableAccepted. Put them in the ink cartridges bin.Free
Roofing slatesNot applicableAcceptedFree
Rubble
  • Floor and wall tiles
  • Sinks, toilets and shower trays (ceramic)
  • Bricks, concrete and concrete posts
  • Paving slabs and stones
  • Roof tiles
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance. Cost is per item or per 50 litre bag.More about DIY waste
Scrap metal
  • Bikes
  • Dried out empty metal paint cans
  • Sports equipment
  • Radiators
AcceptedFree
Septic tanksNot applicableNot accepted. Anglian Water may be able to help you.Not accepted
Soil and turfNot applicableAccepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Sports equipment
  • Broken non-electrical equipment
  • Electrical sports equipment
Accepted. Working items may be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Storage heatersNot applicable

Might be accepted if it does not contain asbestos.

If the storage heater contains asbestos then we cannot accept it.  Check your make and model on the Armco Asbestos Consultants website. See more information on asbestos disposal.

If it does not contain asbestos, we will accept it as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

More about DIY waste
Sweet/chocolate/biscuits tinsNot applicableAccepted. Tins go in the scrap metal container and plastic containers go in the non-recyclables container.Free
Textiles
  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Boots
  • Curtains
  • Towels

Accepted. Put clean items in bags and place them in the textiles banks for recycling.

If the banks are full we may ask you to hold on to items until we have a collection.

Put soiled, damaged or torn items in the non-recyclable container.

Free
ThermometersNot applicableNot acceptedNot accepted
Timber/wood
  • Fitted kitchen units
  • Fitted and built in furniture
  • Doors, door frames and skirting
  • Laminate flooring, floorboards and joists
  • Fence panels Wooden garden structures (sheds, walk-in pet runs, gazebos or other garden structures)
  • Decking, fencing, trellises, pergolas and arches
  • Chipboard Wood chipping
  • Pallets - except any coloured pallets, which cannot be accepted and should be returned to the supplier
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Tools
  • Household tools (including broken)
  • Garden tools
  • DIY tools
  • Power tools
Accepted. Power tools are classed as small electrical items. Tools are not classed as DIY waste. Tools in good condition may also be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Turf/soilNot applicable

Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

More about DIY waste
Tyres
  • Car tyres
  • Bicycle tyres

We accept car tyres for a charge at these sites: Caister, Dereham, Hempton, King's Lynn, Norwich North, Norwich South and Thetford.

We accept bicycle tyres for free at all recycling centres.

We do not accept agricultural or industrial tyres.

More about charges for vehicles and parts waste

Vehicles and parts
  • Car/vehicle batteries
  • Small quantities of small car parts
  • Child car seats
  • Caravans fixtures and fittings
  • Boats and canoes

We do not accept cars and caravans. Get a list of vehicles and parts waste that we do accept at our recycling centres.

Free
Wallpaper
  • Unused wallpaper
  • Used/stripped wallpaper

Accepted. Unused wallpaper goes into the cardboard container. Used/stripped wallpaper goes into the non-recyclables container.

Free
Water filtersNot applicableAccepted. These go in the non-recyclables container. These may also be accepted at retail outlets, electrical retailers and in supermarkets.Free
Weeds (invasive)
  • Ragwort
  • Japanese knotweed
  • Giant hogweed
  • Himalayan balsam

Not accepted. Treat them where they are growing. Don't move them,to reduce the risk of them spreading.

Read government advice on invasive plants.

Not accepted
Wood (DIY waste)
  • Fitted wardrobes
  • Kitchens
  • Laminate flooring
  • Sheds
  • Pallets - except any coloured pallets, which cannot be accepted and should be returned to the supplier
  • Fence panels/posts
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Wood (free standing)
  • Free standing furniture
  • Garden bench
  • Dining table
  • Chairs

Accepted at recycling centres.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Wrapping paperNot applicable

Accepted. Paper goes into the cardboard container, or your kerbside recycling bin. Shiny or foil type paper goes into non-recyclables container or your kerbside rubbish bin.

Free