Did you know? You can recycle that?!
We have made considerable progress in recycling over recent years and according to 'WRAP's* Spring 2025 Recycling Tracker' - 89% of UK residents say they regularly recycle most items that can be recycled.
*WRAP stands for the Waste and Resources Action Programme. It is a UK-based registered charity and environmental organisation established in 2000 to promote sustainable resource use and reduce waste.
Our efforts collectively contribute to a more sustainable approach to waste management in the UK. However, we could all do more if we are aware.
Recycling has evolved and more common items are not being recycled when they could be. Did you know you can recycle the following?
- Tetra Pak cartons - these are drink cartons, often used for juices and soups
- batteries - local councils provide drop-off points for household batteries, which should not go in general waste as they can cause a fire
- coffee pods - certain brands offer recycling schemes for their single-use coffee capsules
- textiles - worn-out clothes and fabrics can be taken to charity shops or special recycling bins
- crisp packets - some recycling programs accept flexible plastic packaging
- plastic bags - while not accepted in regular recycling, many supermarkets have designated bins for carrier bags
- toothbrushes and razors - some brands have take-back schemes for these items and you can re-cycle toothpaste tubes if it they are empty and have the lid on
- hard plastic items - many recycling centres now accept a wider range of hard plastics, like toys and garden furniture
- plant pots - many recycling programs accept these, especially if they are made from specific plastics
- electrical and electronic - items that require batteries or need to be plugged into the mains to work are classed as WEEE. This stands for 'waste electrical and electronic equipment'. Do not dispose of these items at home. Take this waste to your local recycling centre
- cosmetic containers - many beauty brands have take-back schemes for empty makeup and skincare containers
- tennis balls - some organisations recycle old tennis balls into new products
plastic bottles, caps and lids - to be squashed and the lids replaced, these include milk, roll-on deodorants, laundry and cleaning products - glass bottles - wine, beer, coffer jars, jam jars and perfume with tops all ok but NO to mirror, Pyrex, drinking glasses, milk bottles, paperweights or spectacles.
The reason for this is the have different chemical properties to regular glass and melt at higher temperatures, so cannot be recycled with glass bottles and jars - old bicycles - local bike shops or charities often take unwanted bikes for recycling or refurbishment
- cookware - some places accept pots and pans for recycling, especially if they are made of specific metals
- light bulbs - energy-efficient bulbs can often be recycled at specific collection points
- plastic wrapping - many supermarkets have bins for recycling flexible plastic, including food wrapping
- CDs and DVDs - some recycling centres accept these, along with their cases
- old tools - some charities and recycling initiatives accept unwanted tools for refurbishment or reuse
Make sure all your recycling is clean and dry.
Always check your local council recycling guidelines, as policies can vary.
Some recycling centres have:
- reuse shops - purchase and donate preloved items
- paint reuse - donate or collect unwanted paint
You will find all you need to know here: Recycling and waste prevention - West Sussex County Council
Making sure we recycle items from all around the home every time can make a significant difference. A room by room guide of how to recycle: Things you might not know can be recycled | Recycle Now
For regular updates on recycling in our district, follow West Sussex Recycles on Facebook and/or X (formerly Twitter).