Introduction

How to use the recycling A to Z

Click on the letter that best describes your item or material and you’ll be taken to it, or redirected if we’ve put it under a different heading.

We’ve tried to be as complete as possible in developing this guide, and have included as many items and materials as possible. 

We're only suggesting council-based recycling options at the moment. In the future, we hope to include other recycling organisations.

Materials starting with A and B

In this section you will find:

Aerosol cans

Recycle Place in your household recycling. Aerosols can also be taken to one of our many recycling points throughout the city and our Household Waste Recycling Sites

Please make sure the cans are completely empty. Do not pierce or try to flatten.

Aluminium foil and containers

Reduce You can use silicone or beeswax resuable wraps as an alternative when wrapping food.
Reuse Try as much as possible to clean, flatten and put it back in the drawer for next time. Containers can be used for seed trays.
Recycle Can only be recycled at one of the city's Household Waste Recycling Sites and placed in the metal container.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Metal coated plastic like crisp packets cannot be recycled either and should be placed in your normal waste at home.

Asbestos

Recycle Cannot be recycled.
Dispose Hove Household Waste Recycling Site can take bonded asbestos.

We can accept up to 4 sheets or 6 small builder’s bags of plasterboard asbestos per household per month. Asbestos must be wrapped in at least 2 layers of plastic and sealed.

If you are planning on visiting the Hove Household Waste Recycling Site with asbestos make sure you bring two forms of identification to prove you live in the city including one form of photo ID.

Bonded asbestos is often grey in colour and looks similar to cement - if you are in any doubt please have the material checked. 

When handling bonded asbestos you should wear goggles, a face mask and gloves. 

Don’t break the asbestos into smaller pieces or cut or saw it. If you have any smaller pieces please make sure you dampen them down with water.

For more information go to the Health and Safety Executive asbestos page.

Ash

Reuse You can reuse for garden paths or make a narrow path across your lawn for the winter.
Recycle Wood ash can be sprinkled lightly into your compost heap or around your garden. 
Dispose Coal ash should be disposed of in your household rubbish.

Baby wipes

Recycle Cannot be recycled.
Dispose Place in your household rubbish.

Bathroom fittings and furniture

Dispose A limited amount - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites. Please ask a member of staff at the site for advice.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only. 

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites. 

If they suspect the waste is business waste, the person will be turned away. Find out more about business waste.

Batteries: cars

Recycle Can be recycled at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Please do not put car batteries in your household rubbish or recycling - they contain hazardous materials. 

Batteries: household

Reduce Consider rechargeable batteries - they're environmentally friendly and better value over time.
Recycle Household batteries can be recycled at our Household Waste Recycling Sites and some larger supermarkets. 

Please do not throw batteries in your household rubbish or recycling as they contain hazardous materials.

BBQs: disposable

Reduce Consider using a portable BBQ instead.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose Dispose in your household rubbish. Please ensure your BBQ is fully extinguished first.

BBQs: metal

Reuse As a planter in the garden or on the balcony. Sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle Old, unwanted or damaged metal BBQs can be recycled at one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites

Beds

Reuse If they are still in a decent condition, they can be sold, donated or passed on for reuse by someone else. Advertise locally for sale or donate using Freegle and other online platforms.  
Dispose They can also be taken to either of our Household Waste Recycling Sites and put in the landfill bin.

Beverage cartons

You can find out what to do with beverage cartons in section C, by looking under 'cartons'.

Bikes

Reuse

A broken bike can normally be repaired. See the following for help.

Emmaus rebuilds and refurbishes bicycles in its workshop. Drove Road, Portslade, BN41 2PA, or call on 01273 426480.

Cranks is a not-for-profit organisation that teaches you how to fix your bike for free. It accepts old bikes and parts for donations.

Donate: using Freegle and other online platforms.

The Re-Cycle project gathers second-hand bicycles and ships them to various African countries. It teaches local people to repair and maintain bikes as a trade.

Mike the bike is now also selling bicycles at Shabitat. All bikes are recycled and serviced. Saunders Road Depot, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4AY, or call on 01273 677577.

Recycle Broken or damaged bicycles can be recycled at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Biscuit tins and sweet tubs

Reuse Refill tins and tubs as food containers or to keep things organised in the bedroom, living room or bathroom. You can also sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle Metal ones can be taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Sites. Plastic ones cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose Plastic ones should be placed in your household rubbish.

Sweet wrappers cannot be recycled and should be placed in your household rubbish.

Blankets and bedding

Reuse

The fabric for making clothes and accessories, or as rags and dust sheets.

If clean and unstained, you can sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms. You can also donate clean and unstained blankets to homeless shelters.

Recycle

Pure wool, cotton, linen and other natural fibres can be composted but not if mixed with any unnatural fibres such as polyester.

You can also recycle at the Household Waste Recycling Sites or placed in the appropriate textiles bin at one of the many recycling points throughout the city.

Blister packs for tablets

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Books

Reduce Join one of our libraries and borrow books, both hard copy or download onto a mobile phone or tablet. 
Reuse Sell or donate to a local charity shop, or online using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle Can be taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Sites

Bottles and jars

You can find out what to do with bottles and jars in section G to J, by looking under 'glass bottles and jars'.

Bras

Bravissimo has a bra recycling scheme, where you can easily donate unwanted or old bras at their Brighton shop. For every kg of bras they receive, they donate to Coppafeel, a breast cancer awareness charity, to support their work.

Bric-a-brac

Reuse Sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.

 

You can also take to the Hove recycling site and donate to the YMCA shop where it will be sold on to raise money for charity.

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose

Can be taken to one of the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Bricks and building materials

Reuse sell or donate for uses in the garden, at allotment sites and for building projects.
Recycle

A limited amount of bricks from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Please note: The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Bubble wrap

Reuse For transporting fragile items in the post or when moving house. You can also wrap plants with it to protect them from frost.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose You can dispose of it in your household rubbish.

Bulky waste

Please see our bulky waste page for more information.

Materials starting with C

In this section you will find:

Car batteries

You can find out what to do with car batteries in section A to B, by looking under 'batteries: car.'

Cans and tins

Recycle

In your household recycling.

They can also be recycled in the appropriate bin at one of the many recycling points throughout the city and at the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Please empty and rinse out cans before recycling.

Cardboard

Reuse Donate locally to people moving houses or use as a weed-suppressing mulch in the garden. You can also add to your compost bin in small pieces.
Recycle

In your household recycling, or take to one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites.

It can also be placed in the appropriate bin at one of the many recycling points throughout the city.

Please flatten cardboard before recycling it and remove any non-cardboard packaging such as plastic & polystyrene. Normal amounts of tape and staples are acceptable.

Tetra Pak cartons (such as juice and soup cartons) are made from mixed materials and should not be mixed with cardboard. See cartons for more information.

Cards

Reuse By cutting off the picture to make a new card.
Recycle In your household recycling.
Dispose Cards covered in glitter or foil cannot be recycled and should be placed in your household rubbish. 

Carpets

Reuse If in good condition you can sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.
Dispose At either one of Brighton and Hove’s Household Waste Recycling Sites and placed in the landfill area.

Cartons: tetra pak

Recycle

Cannot recycle in your household recycling.

Tetra Pak cartons (such as juice and soup cartons) are made from mixed materials and should not be mixed with cardboard. See cartons for more information.

They can be recycled at one of our many recycling points or at our Household Waste Recycling Sites. Flatten empty cartons as much as possible and replace lids.

Dispose If you are not able to access any of the recycling points for Tetra Paks, please put these in your household rubbish.

Catalogues and magazines

Reuse For collages, or donate locally using Freegle for use on art projects.
Recycle In your household recycling.

CDs and DVDs

Reuse As coasters, in the garden or allotment to deter birds, sell or donate locally to a charity shop or online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Ceramics

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle At either one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites in the hardcore container.

Chairs

You can find out what to do with chairs in section D to F, by looking under 'furniture'.

Chemicals

Recycle

Both Household Waste Recycling Sites accept chemicals. Please ensure they are in sealed leak-proof containers. They should be placed on the chemical deposit table.

Please ask a member of staff if you need assistance.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Chipboard

Dispose

A limited amount of chipboard from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Christmas cards

You can find out what to do with Christmas cards in section C, by looking under 'cards'.

Christmas trees

Recycle

Can be taken to one of the Christmas tree recycling sites we open each year after Christmas, or taken to one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites.

If you have signed up to our garden waste collections, a Christmas tree can be placed in your brown garden bin if it is cut up into smaller pieces to fit inside and does not include any logs wider than 10cm.

Christmas wrapping paper

You can find out what to do with Christmas wrapping paper in section W to Z, by looking under 'wrapping paper'.

Clinical waste

Dispose

Cannot be accepted at the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

You must contact Cityclean if you require a clinical waste collection

Clothes

Reduce consider shopping for clothes in charity shops to give second-hand clothes a new life.
Reuse clothes in good condition can be sold or donated to a charity shop or online using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle Any clothes at one of the Household Waste Recycling Sites or textiles recycling points across the city.

Coat hangers

Reuse Hangers in working condition can be sold or donated to a charity shop or online using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle Broken wire hangers at either one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites in the metal recycling container.
Dispose Broken plastic and wooden coat hangers cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your household rubbish.

Coffee cups

Reduce Where possible use a reusable cup for on-the-go drinking.
Recycle You can recycle coffee cups in one of the Cup Neutral coffee cup shaped bins across the city.
Dispose If you are not able to access any of the recycling points for coffee cups, please put these in your household rubbish.

Computers and laptops

You can find out what to do with computers and laptops in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electronic equipment'.

Construction and demolition materials

Dispose

A limited amount of construction/demolition materials from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Confidential paper waste (shredded)

Reuse Can be reused as animal bedding
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Conservatories

Reuse If in good condition you can sell or donate locally using Freegle.
Dispose

Small dismantled conservatories from home improvements or DIY can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Sites providing you have done the work yourself. If you have paid someone to install or dismantle your conservatory then they must pay to dispose of it as business waste.

Please note: Business waste will not be accepted as the recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Cookers, ovens and hobs

Reuse If in good condition you can sell or donate locally using Freegle.
Recycle They can also be taken to either of the Brighton & Hove Household Waste Recycling Sites

Cooking oil

Recycle It can also be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites and recycled. Please take it in a sealed leak-proof container and place it on the oil deposit table.
Dispose Small quantities in a sealed leak-free container can be placed in your household rubbish. 

Do not dispose of oil down drains, in toilets, onto soil or near water.

Corks

Recycle Give to schools for art projects etc.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Creosote

You can find out what to do with creosote by looking under 'chemicals'.

Crisp packets

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Crockery: plates, saucers, bowls

You can find out what to do with crockery by looking under 'ceramics'.

Curtains

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle At one of the textiles recycling points throughout the city. They can also be recycled at Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Cutlery

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle In the metal recycling container at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Materials starting with D, E and F

In this section you will find:

Decking

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle

Small amounts of decking from home improvements or DIY can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Deodorant cans

You can find out what to do with deodorant cans in section A to B, by looking under 'aerosols'.

Diesel and petrol

You cannot take petrol and diesel to either of the household recycling centres.

Do not dispose of petrol down drains, onto soil or near water.

Contact a hazardous waste disposal company to dispose of it in a safe way. Some examples are below and you can also complete an internet search for others:

Drink cartons

You can find out what to do with drink cartons in section C, by looking under 'cartons'.

Doors

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle

Small amounts of doors from home improvements or DIY can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Duvets and quilts

You can find out what to do with duvets and quilts in section A to B, by looking under 'blankets and bedding'.

Egg boxes

Recycle Cardboard egg boxes in your household recycling.
Dispose Plastic or polystyrene egg boxes cannot be recycled and should be placed in your household rubbish.

Electrical appliances and electronic equipment

Reuse

Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.

Or take your electrical items to Tech-Takeback. Goods that are working or can be refurbished or upgraded will be donated to charity. Anything that can’t be saved will be dismantled and recycled responsibly. Find the full list of the items Tech-Takeback accepts.

Recycle

At the electrical collection point at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

This includes: 

  • TVs
  • monitors
  • small electrical items (including mobile phones and hairdryers)
  • large electrical items (including washing machines and dishwashers)
  • cables and leads
  • fridges and freezers
  • household batteries
  • car batteries
  • energy saving light bulbs
  • fluorescent tube light bulbs

If you don’t have transport, then please contact the council as we run a Bulky Waste Collections Service. We charge for this service, but discounts are available for people over 60 and those receiving certain benefit payments.

Small electrical and electronic equipment can be recycled in a WEEE bank at a number of recycling points across the city.

Envelopes, including those with 'windows'

Reduce Envelopes in good condition as much as possible.
Recycle In your household recycling - including any 'windows', stamps or sticky strips
Dispose Padded envelopes cannot be recycled. Please put these in your normal household rubbish. 

Fencing and fence posts

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle

Small amounts of fencing and fence posts can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Fire extinguishers

Recycle Hove Household Waste Recycling Site takes small household fire extinguishers. Commercial or business fire extinguishers should be taken back to where you bought them.

Fireworks

Reuse Unused fireworks should be returned to where you bought them from.
Recycle Cannot be recycled and cannot be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites.
Dispose (only if used) In your household rubbish. We would advise you to soak them in water overnight to ensure there is no chance of them re-igniting.

Flammable chemicals

You can find out what to do with flammable chemicals in section C, by looking under 'chemicals'.

Flower pots

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Ceramic and clay pots can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites and placed in the hardcore area. 
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Fluorescent lighting tubes

Recycle These can be accepted at both Household Waste Recycling Sites. They should be placed in the fluorescent tube box.

Foil and foil containers

Reuse it as much as possible, clean, flatten and put it back in the drawer for next time. 
Recycle Foil trays can be taken to one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites and placed in the in the metal container.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Metal coated plastic like crisp packets cannot be recycled and should be placed in your normal household rubbish.

Food and drinks cans

Recycle In your household recycling. Please rinse clean before recycling.

Food

Reduce See the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership page on ways to reduce food waste. 
Recycle Get involved with a community composting scheme or buy a composting bin for home. See the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership for up to date information.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Food and meat trays

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Fridges and freezers

Reuse If in working condition sell, or donate locally online using Freegle.
Recycle You can also take these items to one of our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

We also run a Bulky Waste Collection Service for items which cannot be recycled or disposed of in your household collection or communal bins. This includes items of furniture and household appliances. We charge for this service, but discounts are available for people over 60 and those receiving certain benefit payments.

Furniture, including garden furniture

Reuse If in good condition sell or donate locally online using Freegle. They can also be taken to the Hove recycling centre and donated to the YMCA shop where it will be sold to raise money for charity. Please ask a member of staff on site for advice.
Dispose If your furniture is in poor condition then please take it to either of the Household Waste Recycling Sitesfor landfill. If you have no transport then please contact our Bulky Waste Collections Service.

Materials starting with G, H, I and J

In this section you will find:

Garden sheds

Reuse Sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms. 
Dispose

A limited amount of waste - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Garden tools

Reuse Sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms. They can also be taken to the Hove recycling site and donated to the YMCA shop to raise money for charity. Please ask a member of staff on site for advice.
Recycle Can be recycled at our Household Waste Recycling Sites in the scrap metal container.

Garden waste

Recycle

Can be composted at home in your garden, or recycled at the Household Waste Recycling Sites. Both sites take garden waste, which is composted and turned into soil conditioner and sold at the site. Please remove plastic bags, string and other bindings.

We also run a fortnightly garden waste collection service

Japanese knotweed

This weed cannot be taken to either of the recycling centres under any circumstances.

Disposal requires a professional specialist due to the extremely aggressive nature of the weed. For more information on the disposal of this weed please visit the Environment Agency’s Japanese knotweed page.

Gas bottles and cylinders

Recycle

These remain the property of the producer and should be returned to where you bought them from. Some companies, such as Calor, will pay for returned cylinders.

If your gas bottle has no markings on it and you don't know where you got it from then you can take it to Hove recycling site.

Gas bottles are not accepted at the Brighton recycling site under any circumstances.

Glass bottles and jars

Reuse For purchased food and other household products in refill shops across Brighton & Hove. Jars can also be reused for keeping things tidy in the house, including nails, screws and stationary.
Recycle In your household recycling. You can also recycle glass bottles and jars at one of the many recycling points across the city, or at the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Glass bottle jar lids

Recycle Metal lids from glass jars can be placed in your household mixed recycling, but not your glass recycling. 
Dispose All other metal lids, including ones from bottles, should be placed in your household rubbish.

Glasses, spectacles

Reuse Many opticians have in-store collection points for glasses, which they send to charities for reuse.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.

Grass cuttings

You can find out what to do with grass cuttings, by looking under 'garden waste'.

Greenhouses

Reuse Sell, or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms. 
Recycle or dispose

A limited amount of waste - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Please note: The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Greeting cards

You can find out what to do with greeting cards in section C, by looking under 'cards'.

Hardcore and rubble

Reuse Sell, or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle

You can take your hardcore to either the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

There is a limit of six small builder’s bags for each household each month.

Please note: The recycling centres are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Hazardous household waste and chemicals

You can find out what to do with hazardous household waste and chemicals in section C, by looking under 'chemicals'.

Hearing aids

Recycle Can go in the small WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) container at both Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Helium canisters

Recycle Ensure it is empty then take it to one of the recycling sites.

Ink cartridges

Recycle Can be recycled at both Household Waste Recycling Sites in the cartridge recycling bin.

Irons

You can find out what to do with irons in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliance and electronic equipment'.

Ironing boards

Reuse Sell, or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.
Recycle

Ironing boards can be recycled at Household Waste Recycling Sites if they are made of metal or wood.

Some old ironing boards have an asbestos 'rest' and cannot be recycled. They can be taken to the above recycling sites, but must be wrapped in at least two layers of plastic.

If you are planning on visiting a recycling site with asbestos make sure you bring two forms of identification to prove you live in the city, including one form of photo ID.

Japanese knotweed and other invasive plants

Dispose

This weed cannot be taken to either of the recycling centres under any circumstances.

Disposal requires a professional specialist due to the extremely aggressive nature of the weed. For more information on the disposal of this weed please visit the Environment Agency’s Japanese knotweed page.

Juice cartons, tetra pak

You can find out what to do with Tetra Pak juice cartons in section C, by looking under 'cartons'.

Junk mail

Reduce Citizens Advice provides information on ways to stop getting junk mail.
Recycle In your household recycling and at both Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Materials starting with K, L and M

In this section you will find:

Kettles

You can find out what to do with kettles in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electrical equipment'. 

Kitchen waste

You can find out what to do with kitchen waste in section D to F, by looking under 'food'.

Kitchen cupboards

Reuse Sell, or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms
Dispose

A limited number of kitchen cupboards from home improvements or DIY can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling centres are only for household waste from city residents. Business waste will not be accepted.

Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Kitchen and paper towels

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling because they are made of thin fibres that make recycling extremely difficult. They are also very often contaminated spills or messes, the food waste, grease or dirt which also makes them non-recyclable.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Knives

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Take to one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites and put in the metal container.

Lawnmowers

You can find out what to do with lawnmowers in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electrical equipment'.

Light bulbs

Recycle Fluorescent tubes and energy saving light bulbs should be taken to either Household Waste Recycling Sites and recycled. They contain small amounts of mercury and hazardous materials so should not be put in your wheelie bin.
Dispose Old style incandescent bulbs are not recyclable and are not hazardous. Please throw them away in your household rubbish.

Linoleum flooring

Reuse

Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.

The contractor laying a new flooring should be able to take back any remnants.

Dispose We can accept lino at both Household Waste Recycling Sites, but it must be placed in the non-recyclable waste.

Loft insulation

Reuse Consider laying new insulation on top of your old insulation, for additional protection.
Dispose

Loft insulation can be disposed of at the Household Waste Recycling Sites in the ordinary non-recyclable waste area. 

Please double-bag loft insulation when transporting it, to prevent fibres floating into the air.

Magazines

You can find out what to do with magazines in section C, by looking under 'catalogues'.

Mattresses

Reuse If they are in good conditions and not stained, you could sell or donate locally to a charity shop or online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose at one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites in the landfill bin.

Medical and clinical waste

You can find out what to do with medical and clinical waste in section C, by looking under 'clinical waste'.

Mercury

You can find out what to do with mercury in section C, by looking under 'chemicals'.

Metal cans

You can find out what to do with metal cans in section A to B, by looking under 'aerosol cans'.

Metal lids

You can find out what to do with metal lids in section G to J, by looking under 'glass bottle and jar lids'.

Metal: scrap

Recycle Can be recycled at one of the Household Waste Recycling Sites

Microwave ovens

You can find out what to do with microwave ovens in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electrical equipment'.

Mirrors

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop or online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled.
Dispose You can also take it to a Household Waste Recycling Sites and put it in the landfill container.

Mobile phones

You can find out what to do with mobile phones in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electrical equipment'.

Mobile phone chargers

You can find out what to do with mobile phone chargers in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electrical equipment'.

Motor and engine oil

You can find out what to do with motor and engine oil in section N to P, by looking under 'oil: used engine oil'.

Materials starting with N, O and P

In this section you will find:

Nappies

Reduce Consider real nappies to reduce your overall nappy waste.
Recycle Cannot be recycled.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Oil: used cooking oil

You can find out what to do with used cooking oil in section C, by looking under 'cooking oil'.

Oil: used engine oil

Recycle At our Household Waste Recycling Sites in the proper oil container

Please do not pour engine oil down drains.

Ovens

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Can be taken to one of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites.

If you have no transport then please contact the council which runs a Bulky Waste Collections Service. We charge for this service, but discounts are available for people over 60 and those receiving certain benefit payments.

Paint and emulsion

Recycle

Both Household Waste Recycling Sites take paint. Emulsion paint will be recycled. 

Gloss and oil based paints will be sent for safe disposal.

Please place all paints on the paint and chemical deposit table.

If the paint is in secure containers, we donate it for reuse by community and charity projects. 

Paint pots

Recycle

Both Household Waste Recycling Sites take paint pots.

Providing they are empty, metal paint pots can go in the metal container.

Dispose Plastic paint pots go in your household rubbish.

Pallets

Recycle Can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites and recycled as timber providing they have been used for a household purpose

Paper

Reuse If possible, use both sides of blank paper and reuse scrap paper for notes.
Recycle In your household recycling. You can also recycle windowed envelopes and stapled paper. 
Dispose Shredded paper cannot be recycled and should be placed in your household rubbish. 

Paper towels

You can find out what to do with paper towels in section K to M, by looking under 'kitchen and paper towels'.

Paving slabs

You can find out what to do with paving slabs in section G to J, by looking under 'hardcore and rubble'. 

Pens

     Recycle      Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
     Dispose     In your household rubbbish

Pesticides

You can find out what to do with pesticides in section C by looking under 'chemicals'.

Petrol and diesel

You can find out what to do with petrol and diesel in section D to F, by looking under 'diesel and petrol'.

Photographs

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Pillows and cushions

You can find out what to do with pillows and cushions in section A to B, by looking under 'blankets and bedding'.

Plasterboard, plaster and gypsum based wastes

Recycle

A limited amount of waste from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

There is a limit of six small builder’s bags for each household each month.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Plastics

Reduce You can help reduce low grade plastics such as plastic pots, tubs and trays (PPTs) in the waste system by reusing containers or bottles to stock up at refill stations.
Recycle

We currently only collect plastics we know are recycled in the UK. This includes plastic bottles only. 
Other types of plastics such as pots, tubs and trays (PTTs) are difficult to recycle and currently lack reliable end markets.

Dispose All other plastics should be placed in your household rubbish.

Plastic bags

Reduce By using a reusable bag instead.
Reuse As much as possible. They can be reused as bin liners.
Recycle Many larger supermarkets accept carrier bags as well as other plastic films. Look out for the recycling bins, usually located by the main entrance.

Plastic bottles

This includes all bottles, like milk, water, shampoo, laundry liquid, bleach, detergent, handwash, shower gel.

Reduce Where possible use a reusable bottle for on-the-go drinking. 
Recycle

In your household recycling.

Before recycling, rinse the bottles out, squash, and replace the lids. For milk bottles you can place the lids inside the bottle before squashing the bottle.

Plastic food containers and packaging (pots, tubs and trays)

Reduce Avoid by choosing non-packaged foods where possible.
Recycle We do not collect pots, tubs or trays (commonly known as PTTs) as there is no, or very little, market for these types of plastics and it would cost the council, and therefore you the council tax payers, money to collect.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Other plastics that cannot be recycled are soft plastic films and wrappings (clingfilm, plastic food bags), plastic netting and metal coated plastic like crisp packets.

Please also place these items in your household refuse. They will be taken to our energy from waste facility.

Plastic toys and hard or rigid items

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Take hard plastics such as large toys, buckets and bins, water butts, plastic patio furniture, guttering and downpipes and large plastic storage containers at the Household Waste Recycling Sites
Dispose

If they are not in good condition and cannot be sold, donated or passed on for reuse, they can be put in your household refuse bin or general waste at the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Electronic toys can be recycled at our Household Waste Recycling Sites, but please remove any batteries before dropping them off.

Plastic vending cups

Reduce Where possible use a reusable bottle for on-the-go drinking.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Polystyrene

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Printer ink and toner cartridges

You can find out what to do with printer ink and toner cartridges in section G to J, by looking under 'ink cartridges'.

Pyrex ovenware

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop or online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled. While pyrex is a type of glass, it has been specially treated in the manufacturing process to withstand high temperatures, which makes it non-recyclable.
Dispose

If you have broken or chipped pyrex to get rid of, do not recycle it with other glass items. Simply dispose of it carefully in your household refuse.

It can also be taken to either of the Brighton & Hove Household Waste Recycling Sites and placed in the general waste facility.

Materials starting with Q, R and S

In this section you will find:

Quilts and duvets

You can find out what to do with quilts and duvets in section A to B, by looking under 'blankets and bedding'.

Rubble

You can find out what to do with rubble in section G to J, by looking under 'hardcore and rubble'.

Saucepans

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Take to either of our Household Waste Recycling Sites and put in the metal bin.

Scrap metal

You can find out what to do with scrap metal in section K to M, by looking under 'metal - scrap'.

Shoes

Reuse Sell, donate locally to a charity shop or online using Freegle.
Recycle

At one of the textiles and shoes recycling points across the city. 

They can also be recycled at either of the Household Waste Recycling Sites

Shredded paper

Reuse As bedding for small animals.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Soil and hardcore

You can find out what to do with soil and hardcore in section G to J, by looking under 'hardcore and rubble'.

Spectacles

You can find out what to do with spectacles in section G to J, by looking under 'glasses'.

Sofas and settees

You can find out what to do with sofas and settees in section D to F, by looking under 'furniture'.

Stones, rubble and gravel

You can find out what to do with stones, rubble and gravel in section G to J, by looking under 'hardcore and rubble'.

Storage heaters

You can find out what to do with storage heaters in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electronic equipment'.

Styrofoam

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Suitcases

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In general waste at one of the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Sweet tins: metal

Reuse Refill tins and tubs as food containers, or to keep things organised in the bedroom, living room or bathroom.

Donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.

Recycle Metal tins can be taken to either of the Household Waste Recycling Sites or at a recycling point throughout the city.

Sweet wrappers cannot be recycled and should be placed in your household rubbish.

Sweet tins: plastic

Reuse Refill tins and tubs as food containers, or to keep things organised in the bedroom, living room or bathroom. 

 

Donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms.

Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Materials starting with T, U and V

In this section you will find:

Tables

You can find out what to do with soil and hardcore in section D to F, by looking under 'furniture'.

Telephone directories

You can find out what to do with telephone directories in section C, by looking under 'catalogues'.

Televisions

You can find out what to do with televisions in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electronic equipment'.

Tetra pak

You can find out what to do with Tetra Pak in section C, by looking under 'cartons'.

Textiles

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop, or online using Freegle.
Recycle At one of the many textiles recycling points across the city.

Tiles

Reuse Sell, or donate locally online using Freegle.
Recycle

A limited amount tiles - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites, in the hardcore and rubble container.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Tins and cans

You can find out what to do with tins and cans in section C, by looking under 'cans and tins'.

Tomato puree tubes

Dispose

This type of metal tube should be put in your general household waste. It cannot be recycled because there's food residue left on the inside.

Towels

You can find out what to do with towels, by looking under 'textiles'.

Toys

You can find out what to do with toys in section N to P, by looking under 'plastic toys and hard or rigid items'.

Turf

Recycle

A limited amount of turf - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home garden improvements or DIY can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Tyres

Recycle

Tyres can be recycled by taking them to the Hove recycling site.

Tyres are not accepted at the Brighton recycling site.

Vapes

Reuse

Choose reusable over disposable vapes.

Recycle

You can recycle vapes in a small electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) bank at a number of recycling points across the city. Please remove the battery if possible and recycle separately (see batteries: household for how to). 

Vacuum cleaners

You can find out what to do with vacuum cleaners in section D to F, by looking under 'electrical appliances and electronic equipment'.

VHS video tapes

Reuse Sell, or donate locally online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish.

Materials starting with W, X, Y and Z

In this section you will find:

Wallpaper

Reuse Sell or donate locally online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose In your household rubbish or at one of the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Wardrobes

You can find out what to do with wardrobes in section D to F, by looking under 'furniture'.

Waste engine and motor oil

You can find out what to do with waste engine and motor oil in section N to P, by looking under 'oil: used engine oil'.

Water filter cartridges

Recycle Brita cartridges can be recycled.
Dispose All others ones can be put in your household rubbish.

Weed killer

You can find out what to do with weed killer in section C, by looking under 'chemicals'.

Wetsuits

Reuse Sell or donate locally to a charity shop or online at Freegle
Recycle Take it to one of the clothes banks in the city.

Wheelbarrows

Reuse Sell or donate locally using Freegle and other online platforms. 
Recycle Take to either of the city’s Household Waste Recycling Sites and put in the metal recycling container.

Window panes and frames

Reuse Sell or donate locally online using Freegle.
Recycle Cannot be recycled in your household recycling.
Dispose

A limited number of window panes and frames from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Wood

Recycle

A limited amount of wood - six small builder’s bags for each household each month - from home improvements or DIY can be disposed of at our Household Waste Recycling Sites.

The recycling sites are for household waste from city residents only.

Business waste will not be accepted. Business waste is any waste from commercial, trade or business activities. This includes any waste from domestic properties used for profit (for example landlords taking waste from a rented property) and waste that is being removed for payment.

Our staff have the right to inspect any waste entering the recycling sites.

If they suspect the waste is business waste the person will be turned away.

Find out more on our business rubbish and recycling page.

Wrapping paper

Reuse As much as possible
Recycle

In your household recycling. Standard wrapping paper or tissue can be recycled in your household recycling, communal recycling bins or at the Household Waste Recycling Sites.

Do the scrunch test - if when you scrunch it up, it stays scrunched, then it is paper and can be recycled. If it bounces back it is plastic and/or foil and cannot be recycled.

Yellow Pages

You can find out what to do with the Yellow Pages in section C, by looking under 'catalogues and magazines'.