Recyclables bin
The following are the only materials accepted in the recyclables bin:

•  Paper and cardboard
• Glass bottles and jars
• Food and drink cans/tins
• Aluminium food packaging and clean foil
• Household plastic packaging
• Plastic bottles
• Aerosols
• Plastic shopping carrier bags

So many items fall into the category of ‘household plastic packaging’ that it’s impossible to list them all. As a rule of thumb – if the plastic packaging is rigid such as a margarine tub then it can go in the recyclables bin. On the other hand, non-rigid plastic film lids such as those found on meat trays need to go into the non-recyclables bin. Materials should be rinsed out as necessary. Bottle lids can also be recycled but need to be removed first and put into the bin separately.

Compostables bin
The two categories of materials accepted in the compostables bin are food and garden waste:

• Food waste (raw or cooked food including meat and fish bones tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells etc)
• Garden cuttings (including grass, flowers and hedge clippings)

Soil, compost and turf can’t be accepted.

Please ensure liners or bags are bio-degradable (look out for the compostable symbol).

 Alternatively, items may be wrapped in single sheets of newspaper or kitchen paper towel.

Non-recyclables bin

• Any materials which can’t be recycled in the other two bins, for example bin liners, nappies, personal hygiene products, crisp packets or cling film.

If an item can’t go in either of the other two bins, then it needs to go in the non-recyclables bin (apart from special types of waste – see step 4).

If you’re not sure if an item is recyclable or not – put it in the nonrecyclables bin. Even better, check our website or contact the recycling team who will be happy to help!

Beyond the three bins…
There are certain items which can’t be accepted in any of the three bins but there are alternatives:

Recycling banks
The Council runs a network of recycling banks across the District.

Recycling Centre for Household Waste
For information regarding what is accepted at the Recycling Centre for Household Waste in Castle Road, Rayleigh, please contact Essex County Council on 0845 603 7625, or visit www.recycleforessex.co.uk

Kerbside Textile Recycling
Textiles can be recycled using the kerbside textiles recycling collection provided by Essex Textiles, call 01702 544720 or visit www.essextextiles.co.uk

Bulky Waste Collection & Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
The Council offers a collection service for bulky items of waste, such as furniture, as well as the collection of  electrical household items. There is a charge for this service. Electrical items will be recycled, but furniture will be taken to landfill, so consider whether the items can be reused and donated to charity before you book a collection. 

Alternatively, there are organisations which reuse your old or unwanted items, such as the Hamelin Trust – 01277 653889 www.hamelintrust.org.uk/collectionservices.html

Finally, if you are still stuck over one or two particular items then visit our A-Z recycling guide at www.rochford.gov.uk/recyclingatoz