How do I dispose of...

Find out how to recycle, reuse or get rid of something

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A
Aerosols

Includes: hairspray, deodorant spray, etc. (non hazardous items)

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection - check with your district council

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • Make sure it is empty
  • Do not squash or pierce

Hazardous aerosols are not collected at the kerbside or at the recycling and household waste sites. Hazardous household aerosols are usually found in the garage or shed (examples include: insect spray, spray paint, WD 40, de icer, etc). To dispose of these items you need a free waste permit and should be taken to Labwaste in Hinckley.

Aluminium

Includes foil, food trays, milk bottle tops, cans etc.

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure they have been rinsed and dried.

Can be recycled:

 

Animal waste and bedding

Includes domestic pet faeces, hay, straw, paper, saw dust, etc.

Can be disposed of:

The sites can accept some animal waste and bedding from domestic animals such as rabbits, hamsters, cats and dogs, in small quantities (up to 7kg within your general non-recyclable household waste). 

We aren’t able to accept:

  • quantities above 7kg
  • separately collected pet waste or 
  • waste from non-domestic animals, eg pigs or equine animals. 

If you are unsure please call our customer service centre. Telephone: 0116 305 0001

Some animal bedding can be recycled and composted:
•    Used bedding from non-meat eating pets i.e. rabbits or guinea pigs can be composted at home with other green waste

Find out more about composting

Antifreeze

Don’t put in your general waste bin or pour down the drain.

Contact your local garage to find out how to dispose. 

Asbestos

Hazardous Waste: Asbestos is a hazardous substance and must be disposed of in landfills designed for hazardous waste. Asbestos must not be put in with your general rubbish or recycling.

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Only cement bonded asbestos can be taken to recycling and household waste sites i.e. corrugated or flat sheets.

Household cement bonded asbestos can only be disposed at the following recycling and household waste sites:

You will need a waste permit

Before you dispose:

  • Double wrap the cement bonded asbestos in clear plastic sheeting. Please note that cling film isn't acceptable.
  • Do not break or cut the cement bonded asbestos cement to fit small bags
  • Damp down with water to prevent the release of cement bonded asbestos cement fibres
B
Bathroom suites

Includes bath, sink, toilet, bidet, shower etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

Find out more about waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting in Leicestershire 

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Batteries

Hazardous waste - includes car, dry cell, portable

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Reduce what you use:

  • Rechargeable batteries reduce waste and save money in the long term
  • If possible use mains electricity

Can be recycled:

Only use dedicated recycling points. Batteries should always be placed in an appropriate designated battery container and must not be put in any general waste bin or mixed with other waste, as they contain toxic and corrosive materials and can cause fires.

Business waste advice:

If you produce or distribute batteries you must be a member of the Battery Compliance Scheme.

Bedroom units/suites

Includes fitted bedroom units/fitted wardrobes/fitted units etc.

Can be recycled:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Beds

Includes bed frames, divans, mattresses.

Reduce what you use:

  • If possible repair furniture items for continued use

Can be reused:

Find out more about waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting in Leicestershire

Can be recycled:

Mattresses cannot currently be recycled, however bed frames can

Bikes

Includes bicycles and bicycle parts

Can be reused:

Find out more about waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting in Leicestershire

Can be recycled:

Bicycle tyres and inner tubes can be taken to a local Velorim Centre to be recycled - please note that a small contribution towards this is usually requested. If you are unable to get to one of these centres, they can be disposed of in your kerbside waste bin.

Boiler

Includes central heating boiler etc

Can be recycled:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Books

Includes books, magazines etc.

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Can be reused:

Find out more about waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting in Leicestershire

Can be recycled:

Bricks

Includes bricks, rubble, hardcore, etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company.

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Building materials

Includes bricks, slabs, rubble, concrete, doors, window frames, fitted kitchens, bathroom suites, fitted wardrobes etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company.

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste
 

Business Waste

Includes any waste that comes from any commercial activity ie agriculture, construction, demolition, retail, manufacturing

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites

Business waste can only be taken to Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or disposed through a licensed waste collection company.

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Further information about managing business or commercial waste is available from gov.uk.

C
CDs

Not recyclable/not part of your kerbside collection (includes CD's, DVD's, computer games)

Remove the paper insert and put the CD and its case in the general waste bin.

Reduce what you use:

  • Download music/films etc.

Can be reused:

Audio and video tapes cannot be recycled

Cabinets

Includes stand alone, wall mounted, kitchen, bedroom etc.
Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Cans

Includes aluminium and steel cans 

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure they have been rinsed and dried.

Can be recycled:

Car batteries

Can be taken to your local recycling and houshold waste site.

Caravans
Includes caravans, trailers, and vehicle parts

See: Vehicles

Cardboard

Includes cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, egg boxes etc

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Reduce what you use:

  • Buy items with less packaging

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Can be put in a compost bin:

  • Card such as egg boxes or toilet roll tubes can be added to your compost bin. 

Find out more about composting

Cards

Includes greeting cards, Christmas/birthday cards etc.

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Cards with glitter, embellishments and batteries will not be accepted. Where possible, take out the battery and recycle seperately (see more details under Batteries). Please place cards with glitter and other embellishments in the general waste.

Reduce what you use:

  • Send e-cards

Can be reused:

  • Use old cards as gift tags 
  • Use old cards for art and craft projects

Can be recycled:

Carpets

Includes carpets, rugs and mats

Can be reused:

  • If in very good condition / nearly new donate to a local reuse organisation or charity 
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Carrier bags

Includes plastic carrier bags

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Reduce what you use:

  • Use reusable bags

Can be reused:

  • Use as bin liners 
  • Take with you when you go shopping 

Can be recycled:

  • Some supermarkets offer a recycling facility for carrier bags in store - check with your local store for details 
Cars
Includes cars and vehicle parts

See: Vehicles

Cartons

Includes juice, milk, soup and other food cartons (tetra pak)

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure they have been rinsed and dried.

Reduce what you use:

  • Buy products in reusable packaging. i.e. milk in glass bottles

Can be recycled:

 

Cassette tapes

Not recyclable (includes VHS, music tapes etc.)

Remove the paper insert and put the cassette and its case in the general waste bin.

Can be reused:

  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Video and music tapes cannot be recycled

Chairs

Includes office, kitchen, dining, lounge, armchair, etc.

Can be reused:

Metal/wood chairs can be recycled:

Armchairs, home office chairs and upholstered chairs cannot be recycled. To dispose:

Upholstered domestic furniture - public guidance PDF, 633.9 KB Opens new window
Chemicals

Includes household and garden chemicals including anti mould and anti-fungus plant sprays, timber treatments, drain cleaners, mice and rat poison, weed killers, moss treatment, garden pesticides, brake fluid, paraffin, oven cleaner, and mercury.

Also see: 
Pesticides
Engine Oil

Chemicals should never be placed in your general waste bin or poured down sinks, drains or sewers.

Reduce what you use:

  • Only purchase the amount you need to avoid excess wastage
  • Use non-toxic equivalents
  • Handle and store the chemicals appropriately to maximise their useful life
  • Prevent unnecessary wastage and spillages by making sure caps and lids are replaced securely

We do not accept any chemicals at our Recycling and Household Waste Sites.

You can dispose small amounts of household chemicals such as oven cleaner or other household chemicals with a chemical waste permit.

Chest of drawers

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Children's items

Includes pushchair, high chair, cot, car seat, stair gate etc.
Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Removable children’s car seats need to be disposed of in the WUDS container at a suitable recycling and household waste site if not being reused. Please also see the guidance below for more advice.

Upholstered domestic furniture - public guidance PDF, 633.9 KB Opens new window
Christmas trees

Real Christmas trees may be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Real Christmas trees can be recycled:

Artificial Christmas trees cannot be recycled, they can be reused: 

  • If in good condition donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

 

Clinical Waste

Includes dressings, bandages, swabs, needles, syringes, contaminated materials, or medicines that contain biologically active pharmaceutical agents.

Clinical waste does not include absorbent hygiene products such as nappies or feminine hygiene products. 

Never put clinical waste/needles in your general waste or recycling bin

You can recycle empty contaminant free packaging and containers (e.g. cardboard boxes not blister packs):

Clinical waste cannot be recycled, to dispose:

  • Consult your GP or Nurse to find out if waste is clinical waste and how it can be disposed
  • Contact your district council to arrange collection of clinical waste/sharps
  • Take any unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy 

Advice for businesses:

The management of clinical waste is dictated by the Department of Health guidelines. If you dispose of clinical waste then you must use a company that provides specialist clinical waste disposal. 
 

Clothes

Includes clothing, underwear etc.

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council.

Reduce what you use:

  • Find out how to get the most out of your clothes and reduce clothing waste by visiting Less waste
  • If you'd like to learn how to repair clothes, you can enrol on to a course with GoLearn

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

  • Clothes that are no longer wearable can still be recycled or used for rags, but not all charities or bring banks can accept these - please check before donating and ensure they are clean and dry
  • Marks & Spencer are currently running a trial scheme with Oxfam that will accept unwearable clothes
Coffee pods

These cannot be recycled in your kerbside collection or local Recycling and Household Waste Site.

If compatible with your coffee pod machine, consider buying reusable pods that can be refilled with ground coffee.

Some brands are collected for recycling by a company called TerraCycle and a new nationwide scheme called Podback also offers a recycling service. Some brands may offer their own recycling collection system. Please refer to the individual manufacture’s website for further information. Otherwise please dispose of them in your general waste bin.

Computers

Includes computers, laptops, computer equipment, video game consoles etc

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Please remove all confidential data from your PC, laptop, phone or tablet before you dispose of it.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree
  • Donate to local reuse groups or charities.

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • Ensure personal files / data are removed from the computer
Concrete

Includes concrete, rubble, hardcore etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company.

Find out where you can take business or commercial waste
 

Cookers

Includes white electrical and electronic equipment 

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Cooking Oil

Includes different types of cooking oil

Don’t pour any type of oil down sinks or drains as it can block sewer pipes.
Small amounts of cooking oils in sealed containers can be put in your general waste bin.

Can be reused:

  • Soak small quantities of cooking oil into stale bread and feed to the birds 

Can be recycled:

You can recycle empty containers:

Advice for businesses:

Donate used cooking oil to Biodiesel companies who will convert it into biodiesel.
Some charities may collect used cooking oil to fund projects.
Do not pour down sinks or drains as this can lead to prosecution. 

Coolant

Don’t put in your general waste bin or pour down the drain.

Contact your local garage to find out how to dispose. 

Covid-19 test kit

Place any card and paper, which consists of the test kit box, vial holding card and leaflet, into your kerbside recycling collection.

Place and seal all other items into the long waste bag provided and put into your general waste bin.

D
DVDs

Not recyclable/not part of your kerbside collection (includes CD's, DVD's, computer games). 

Remove the paper insert and put the DVD and its case in the general waste bin.

Reduce what you use:

  • Download music or films etc

Can be reused:

Dead animals

Includes dead animals on the public highway or dead pets

Do not put dead animals in your general waste bin

Contact your district council to report a dead animal on a public highway that could pose a danger to road users. 

Pet owners can find information about what to do when a pet dies at gov.uk

Desks

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Diesel

Don’t put in your general waste bin or pour down the drain.

Contact your local garage to find out how to dispose. 

Dishwashers

Includes white electrical and electronic equipment 

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Disposable barbecue

Dispose of barbecues in your general waste  

Make sure they are cold before disposal

Reuse:

Consider using a metal reusable barbecues (if disposing of a reusable barbecues, these can go in the scrap metal bin at recycling and houshold waste sites)

Visit Less Waste for advice on Disposing of BBQ coals and ashes safely

Doors

Includes internal and external doors

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Duvets and Pillows

Includes bedding such as duvets, pillows, sleeping bags etc

Can be reused:

  • If clean and in good condition donate to a local reuse organisation, charity or local homeless shelter
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Bulky stuffed items including duvets and pillows are not suitable for recycling, dispose:

E
E-cigarettes
Includes e-cigarettes/vapes

See: Vapes

Electrical Items (Large)

Includes large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and tumble dryers etc.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Electrical Items (Small)

Includes small household appliances such as microwaves, vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, irons, IT and telecommunication equipment etc.

TVs and monitors need to be disposed of separately.  

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

  • Please remove all confidential data from your PC, laptop, phone or tablet before you dispose of it
  • Where possible, remove any batteries and dispose of separately in a dedicated battery recycling container
 

Only use dedicated recycling points. Electrical items should always be placed in an appropriate designated container and must not be put in any general waste bin or mixed with other waste, as hidden batteries contain toxic and corrosive materials and can cause fires.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Engine Oil

Includes diesel and automotive oil

Don’t pour any type of oil down sinks or drains as it can block sewer pipes.

Engine oil must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Can be recycled:

Advice for businesses:

See the Oil Care website for information and advice on disposing engine oil and industrial oils.  

Do not pour down sinks or drains as this can lead to prosecution. 

F
Face masks (disposable)

These cannot be recycled in your kerbside collection or local Recycling and Household Waste Site.

Please dispose of them in your general waste bin.

Fire Extinguishers

We can only accept fire extinguishers up to 2kg, specifically manufactured and sold for domestic household use. 

Do not put fire extinguishers or any other high pressured cannister in your general waste or recycling bin at home as they can explode under heat or pressure, causing injury. Instead, take them to your local recycling and household waste site and ask a member of the team where to dispose of them.

Many companies which supply fire extinguishers will accept empty or used extinguishers so they can refill it for reuse or arrange recycling using their own approved recycling routes.

Check with the supplier of the Fire Extinguisher to see if they accept empty or used extinguishers.

Advice for businesses:

Contact your supplier to check if they accept empty or used fire extinguishers.
Contact Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service

Fire ashes

Includes fire ashes, wood burning stove ashes and fire pit ashes

Must be cold before disposal (see below)

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • dispose of ashes in a metal container that can be tightly closed, douse with water, place the closed container outside your home away from combustible materials and leave in the container for several days before disposing of them. 
Fireplace

Includes fireplaces and surrounds

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Fireworks

Includes fireworks, flares and similar explosives 

You can put fully spent fireworks (but not misfired or partly spent fireworks) in your general waste bin

To dispose of part fired, misfired or dud fireworks:

Never place them in your general waste bin as they could accidentally be ignited and explode

  • Never put fireworks, even those which are fully spent, on the bonfire. This is highly dangerous because some fireworks may contain unexploded shells.
  • Never bury fireworks
  • Soak misfired or partly spent fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 24 hours and contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice on disposal
  • If possible, take unused, part-fired or dud fireworks back to the retailer to handle disposal 
  • Contact local fire services for advice about disposing fireworks safely 

For further information and advice see British Fireworks Association (BFA) and Celebrating safely.

Foam and polystyrene

Includes foam, polystyrene chips, cups etc

Reduce what you use:

  • Use reusable cups 

These items cannot be recycled, so do not put in your kerbside recycling collection.

Dispose in your general waste bin.

Food waste

Includes wasted food, peelings, leftovers, etc

Reduce what you use:

The Less Waste website has tips and advice on how to reduce food waste including:

  • planning your meals
  • preparing perfect portion sizes
  • understanding food dates
  • storing food in the best way

Can be reused:

Can be put in a compost bin:

You can also use a food waste digester for uncooked kitchen waste such as peelings and teabags as well as cooked waste including meat, fish and dairy.

Fridges / Freezers

Fridges and freezers contain harmful gases, which need to be recovered safely before they can be recycled or disposed.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

  • At your local recycling and household waste site
    Please note: if your fridge or freezer or wine/beer cooler is glass fronted or branded, additional questions may be asked by site staff to ensure the items are household waste and not from commercial activities.
  • Contact your district council to see if they collect this as part of their bulky waste collection service
  • When you buy a replacement, the store may offer to take your old item away for recycling
  • Take into some electrical stores for free recycling ie Currys PC World
Furniture and seating

Includes tables, chairs, sofas, beds, cabinets, wardrobes, desks etc.

Reduce what you use:

  • If possible repair furniture items for continued use

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Freecycle, Ebay or Gumtree
  • If in good condition, it can be placed in the reuse section at your local recycling and household waste site (for soft furniture please ensure a fire retardant label is attached)
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • Find out more about furniture reuse on the Less Waste website 

Can be recycled:

Please note that upholstered furniture cannot be recycled. This includes:

  • Settees, sofas, sofa beds
  • Armchairs, home office chairs & upholstered kitchen and dining room chairs
  • Futons and pouffes
  • Upholstered stools and footstools
  • Beanbags
  • Floor and sofa cushions
  • Removable children's car seats

To dispose of, contact your district council to see if they collect this as part of their bulky waste collection service.

Check your local Recycling and Household Waste Site to see if they accept them. Also see:

Upholstered domestic furniture - public guidance PDF, 633.9 KB Opens new window
G
Garden waste

Includes garden waste, cuttings, trimmings, plants and branches and other garden waste which can be composted

Usually part of your kerbside green bin collection – check with your district council

Can be put in a compost bin:

If you have too much garden waste to home compost, you can take it to your local recycling and household waste site

We do not accept invasive species such as Japanese Knot weed or Ragwort. Find out how to deal with these species from the Environment Agency 

Gas Bottles

Includes camping gas, bbq gas and helium canisters.

Do not put gas bottles, cylinders or high pressured canisters in your general waste or recycling bin as they can explode under heat or pressure, causing injury.

Instead, take them to your local recycling and household waste site and ask a member of the team where to dispose of them. 

Can be reused:

  • Some gas bottles are refillable.

Can be recycled:

Please note: We cannot accept gas bottles/cylinders at all sites, please check before you visit.

Glass (bottles and jars)

Includes glass bottles and jars etc

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure they have been rinsed and dried.

Can be reused:

  • Use jars for storage

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • Remove any contents 
  • Keep lids on where possible

Do not place Pyrex, vision ware, mirrors drinking glasses, greenhouse or window glass in a glass bank. 

Glass (other)

Includes drinking glasses, window glass, Pyrex

Can be reused:

  • Donate drinking glasses, pyrex, mirrors, etc. in good condition to charities

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Greenhouse

Includes greenhouse glass, metal frame

There is a charge to dispose of greenhouse glass

Can be reused:

This item cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Before you dispose:

  • Ensure any broken glass is wrapped securely in layers of newspaper to prevent injury
H
Hardcore

Includes concrete, rubble, hard-core etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Hardcore must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 

You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste.

Household appliances

Includes washing machines, dishwashers, tumble dryer etc 

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

I
Ink cartridges

See Printer cartridges

J
Japanese Knotweed

We don't accept Japanese Knot weed in the garden waste at the recycling and household waste sites and it shouldn't be placed in kerbside garden waste collections.

Find out how to deal with this species from the Environment Agency 

K
Kitchen units

Includes fitted kitchen units/worktops/kitchen sink etc

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Knives

Can be recycled:

To prevent injury, ensure items are wrapped securely before disposing.

Do not put sharp knives in your general waste bin as this may cause injury to the collection staff.

L
Lateral flow tests

Place any card and paper, which consists of the test kit box, vial holding card and leaflet, into your kerbside recycling collection.

Place and seal all other items into the long waste bag provided and put into your general waste bin.

Lawnmowers

Includes lawnmowers, chainsaws etc.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • If you are disposing of a petrol lawnmower please ensure petrol is emptied as we don’t accept petrol
Light Bulbs

Includes lamps, lighting, light bulbs, fluorescent tubes

Energy saving light bulbs and fluorescent tubes can be recycled at your local recycling and household waste site but old style bulbs (including floodlight bulbs) cannot. Wrap these and put in your general waste bin. 

Loft insulation

This item cannot be recycled, to dispose:

M
Mattresses

Can be reused:

  • If in good clean condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

This item cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Medical equipment (Medequip scheme)

Loaned medical equipment, such as:

  • adjustable walking sticks
  • adult crutches
  • chair raisers
  • commodes
  • bed levers
  • wheeled adjustable frames
  • perching stools
  • raised toilet seats
  • pressure cushions
  • toilet frames
  • trolleys

 can be dropped off at Loughborough and Whetstone RHWS for reuse or recycling. Please use the blue skip marked Medequip.

Medicines

Includes healthcare and clinical waste ie dressings, bandages, swabs, needles, syringes, contaminated materials, or medicines that contain biologically active pharmaceutical agents

Clinical waste must not be placed in your general waste bin.

You can recycle empty contaminant free packaging and containers:

  • As part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your local council 
  • At some local recycling banks or bring banks – use the recycling locator on Recyclenow to find your nearest 

Clinical waste cannot be recycled, to dispose:

  • Consult your GP or Nurse to find out if waste is clinical waste and how it can be disposed
  • Contact your district council to arrange collection of clinical waste/sharps
  • Take any unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy 

Advice for businesses:

The management of clinical waste is dictated by the Department of Health guidelines. If you dispose of clinical waste then you must use a company that provides specialist clinical waste disposal. 

Mercury

Not accepted at any of our Recycling & Household Waste Sites. You can dispose small amounts with a chemical waste permit.

Metal

Includes metal and metal items

Steel and aluminium food and drinks cans, and some aerosols can be recycled in your kerbside recycling collections.

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Metal sheets

Includes corrugated metal sheets

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Mobile Phones

Includes mobile phones, smart phones and chargers

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Please remove all confidential data from your phone before you dispose of it.

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Sell online - please be aware some companies offer free postage, while others will charge you postage.
  • Donate to a local charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

  • At your local recycling and household waste site
  • Check with your provider to see if they will accept your old phone for recycling when you upgrade or replace it
  • Donate to a charity who can raise money by recycling your old phone 
  • Search online to find companies who will recycle your old phone

Before you dispose:

  • Ensure personal data is removed from the phone
N
Nappies

Includes disposable nappies (used and unused), incontinence pads and female hygiene products

Reduce what you use:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

  • Wrap or place in a nappy bag and put in your general waste bin 
Needles

Includes needles, syringes, sharps, etc

Never put clinical waste/needles in your general waste or recycling bin

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

O
Oil
P
Paint

Includes house paint, emulsion, gloss, ceiling and wall paint, wood paint, varnishes anti-mould and fungus paints 

Liquid paint must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Reduce what you use:

  • Only purchase the amount you need to avoid excess wastage
  • Handle and store paints appropriately to maximise their useful life
  • Prevent unnecessary wastage and spillages by making sure lids are replaced securely

Can be reused:

Donate to local organisations such as scout groups, etc.

Disposal of liquid paint:

Please note that a small amount of dried out paint can go in the general waste bin at any recycling and household waste site. It’s recommended to use cat litter or paper scraps to help dry it out. You can also use your general bin at home if the container has no liquid paint and is 5 litres in size or smaller. Please do not place paint containers in your recycling bin.

Manufacturers and decorator centres hold periodic amnesty days for paint collection, please check on the individual websites for details.

Pallets

Commercial pallets, for example i.e. blue pallets (*CHEP Pallets) cannot be accepted at any Recycling and Household Waste Site (RHWS) or Waste Transfer Station operated by Leicestershire County Council. 

*CHEP pallets and containers always remain the property of CHEP. Please contact CHEP or the pallet owner, many offer a free collection service.

Standard, non-branded pallets, used for delivering domestic items to households, can be taken to any Recycling and household waste site.

Standard, non-branded pallets, used by traders can be accepted at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station subject to charges. See Where you can take business or commercial waste for more information.

Paper

Includes newspaper, magazines, leaflets, flyers, junk mail, catalogues, books, paperwork, etc

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure any paper is clean and dry.

Please keep tissues and tissue paper out of all recycling.

Reduce what you use:

Can be reused:

  • Donate books to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • Donate magazines to local doctors surgeries
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Can be put in a compost bin:

Before you dispose:

  • we recommend shredding anything with personal details
Pesticides

Includes home and garden pesticides and biocides ie ant, cockroach, wasp and aphid killers, slug pellets

Also see: 

Do not dispose of pesticides in your general waste bin or down sinks, drains or sewers

Reduce what you use:

  • Only purchase the amount you need to avoid excess wastage
  • Use non-toxic equivalents
  • Handle and store the pesticides appropriately to maximise their useful life
  • Prevent unnecessary wastage and spillages by making sure caps and lids are replaced securely

We do not accept any chemicals at our Recycling and Household Waste Sites, they must be taken to Labwaste in Hinckley. You will need a chemical waste permit.

Pet Waste

Includes animal excrement waste and un-eaten pet food

Animal waste must be bagged securely and put in your general waste bin.

Petrol

Don’t put in your general waste bin or pour down the drain.

Contact your local garage to find out how to dispose. 

Plasterboard

Includes plasterboard, gypsum based products etc.

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Plasterboard must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Please note, we can only accept plasterboard for recycling if all fixtures and fittings, such as tiles or woodwork, have been separated from the plasterboard first.  We cannot accept demolition waste that contains plasterboard mixed with other materials such as tiles and bricks.

If you are disposing a large quantity you may want to hire a skip.

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites.

You can not dispose of plasterboard at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station. Please go through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste

Plastic (Hard)

Includes toys, garden furniture, storage boxes, plastic corrugated sheets etc.

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites i.e. Freecycle or Gumtree

To dispose of hard plastics:

  • Take to your local recycling and household waste site. Where sustainable outlets are not available to the Council, the material may be mixed with general waste and sent to landfill or energy recovery.
  • Contact your district council to see if they collect this as part of their bulky waste collection service
  • Put in your general waste bin – remember to recycle any card

For more information please see:

LCC Policy on the recycling of hard plastics PDF, 80.77 KB Opens new window
Plastic bottles

Includes milk, mineral water, drinks, shampoo bottles etc

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please rinse and dry, keeping lids on where possible.

Reduce what you use:

  • Try to buy products in refillable containers 

Can be reused:

  • Use a plastic bottle as a water bottle or for storing items such as screws etc

Can be recycled:

Plastic containers (pots, tubs and trays)

Includes ice cream tubs, yoghurt pots etc

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council. Please make sure containers are empty, rinsed and dried.

Can be reused:

  • Use to store items such as food for the fridge or freezer etc
  • Use as plant pots

Can be recycled:

Plastics (Soft)

Many supermarkets now take single use soft plastics for recycling, including:

  • bread bags
  • chocolate and sweet wrappers
  • empty crisp packets
  • pouches
  • salad and vegetable packaging
  • and other plastic bags

You can take these items back to stores that are taking part in Recycle Now’s Repeat the Cycle campaign (includes store locator tool). You can also check your store websites for more details.

Some soft plastics, such as:

  • bread and vegetable bags

are collected at the kerbside by all Leicestershire districts, except North-West Leicestershire. Please see Less Waste for more details.

Printer Cartridges

Includes printer toners, ink cartridges and printer cartridges

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Can be reused:

  • Refill cartridges if possible 

Can be recycled:

  • Donate to a charity who can raise money by recycling them 
  • Some stores and supermarkets collect used and empty printer cartridges
  • Search online to find companies who will recycle your empty printer cartridges
R
Radiators

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Roofing material

Includes shingle, tiles, underlay

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste.

S
Scrap metal

Includes large metal items such as steel tubes, bed frames and metal desks.

These items are not part of your kerbside recycling collection and must not be placed into your general waste bin.

Please see cans for further information about tins and cans which are collected from your kerbside.

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Please note: This doesn't include parts from cars, caravans, or any other vehicles.

Sewage

We do not dispose of sewage. 

If you have a cesspit that needs to be emptied please contact a local contractor or your local water authority.

Shed

Includes wooden sheds

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Shoes

Includes trainers, shoes, boots etc.

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council.

Reduce what you use:

  • Refashioning or repairing old shoes can be far cheaper than buying a new pair

Can be reused:

Sofas, sofa beds and settees

Reduce what you use:

  • If possible repair sofas for continued use - visit GoLearn to help you extend the life of your furniture.

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Find out more about furniture reuse 

Sofas cannot be recycled. To dispose:

Upholstered domestic furniture - public guidance PDF, 633.9 KB Opens new window
Soil

Includes soil, turf, rubble

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Soil must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste.

Spectacles

Can be recycled:

Syringes and Sharps

Includes needles, syringes, sharps

Never put needles and syringes in your general waste bin

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

  • Contact your GP to check if they can dispose for you.
  • Alternatively contact your district council to arrange collection of clinical waste/sharps.
T
Tables

Includes dining, kitchen, coffee etc.
Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Televisions

Includes televisions and monitors

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Test kits (Lateral Flow)

Place any card and paper, which consists of the test kit box, vial holding card and leaflet, into your kerbside recycling collection.

Place and seal all other items into the long waste bag provided and put into your general waste bin.

Textiles

Includes clothes, towels, bedclothes, curtains, and other non-clothing textile items

May be part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council.

Reduce what you use:

  • Find out how to get the most out of your clothing and textiles, and reduce clothing waste by visiting Less Waste
  • If you'd like to learn how to repair clothes, you can enrol on to a course with GoLearn

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

  • Clothes that are no longer wearable can still be recycled or used for rags, but not all charities or bring banks can accept these – please check before donating and ensure they are clean and dry
  • Marks & Spencer are currently running a trial scheme with Oxfam that will accept unwearable clothes
Toys

Includes toys, games, jigsaws

Also see Electrical Items (Small) if you are disposing electronic games and plastics (hard)

Can be reused:

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Tree trunks

Can go in the green waste bin at Recycling and Household Waste Sites, if no more than 150mm wide.

Tumble dryers

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Please note: Some tumble dryers are fitted with a heat pump that contains harmful gases, which need to be recovered safely before they can be recycled or disposed of. More information on identifying a model with a heat pump can be found in the document below. If taking to your local recycling and household waste site, please leave it with the refrigerators rather than other appliances.

Heat pump tumble dryer guidance PDF, 95.76 KB Opens new window
Turf

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Cannot be recycled, to dispose:

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste.

Tyres

Car and motorcycle tyres must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Can be reused:

  • Tyres can be reused in many ways, search online to find ideas of how to reuse and recycle old tyres

You can’t take tyres to your local recycling and household waste sites.

Can be recycled:

  • If you replace the tyres on your car, the garage where you had them fitted should take your old tyres away for recycling
  • If you change your tyres yourself, check if the shop you bought them from will take your old tyres away for recycling
  • Search online for local businesses who recycle tyres

Bicycle tyres and inner tubes can be taken to a local Velorim Centre to be recycled - please note that a small contribution towards this is usually requested. If you are unable to get to one of these centres, they can be disposed of in your kerbside waste bin.

V
Vapes
All vapes and e-cigarettes contain batteries and must not be put in any general waste bin or mixed with other waste, as they contain toxic and corrosive materials and can cause fires.

Reusable vape machines

Includes vape machines, batteries, and chemicals.

Can be recycled:

  • At your local recycling and household waste site in the small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling bin.

Before you dispose:

  • Make sure you remove any chemicals first and dispose of according to the manufacturer’s guidance.

Disposable vapes

Can be recycled:

  • At some local vape shops in a dedicated bin.
  • At your local recycling and household waste site in the small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling bin.

Before you dispose:

  • If you can remove the battery, do so and recycle the battery at a dedicated battery bin at your local supermarket or Recycling and Household Waste Site. Dispose of the remainder in the small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling bin.

Make sure the vape unit is finished before recycling.

Vehicles

Includes all motorised and non-motorised vehicles e.g. cars, motorbikes, caravans and trailers, and vehicle parts.

Can be reused:

  • Sell privately - advertise in your local paper, local shop window, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Sell to a dealer or trader

Advice about selling a car from the Money advice service

Can be recycled:

  • Contact your local scrap yard 

It’s illegal to abandon a vehicle. To report an abandoned vehicle please contact your district council

Video tapes

Not recyclable/not part of your kerbside collection (includes VHS tapes and cassettes)

Please remove the paper insert and put the cassette and its case in the general waste bin

Can be reused:

  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree
  • Sell online using companies like eBay, Music Magpie, Zapper, Ziffit. Please be aware some offer free postage, while others will charge you postage.

Video tapes cannot be recycled

W
Wardrobe

Can be reused:

Can be recycled:

Washing Machines

Can be reused:

  • If in working condition or can be easily repaired, advertise in your local paper, Ebay or Gumtree
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Water Tank

Can be recycled:

NB: Some water tanks are made of asbestos (see Asbestos for more details)

Wheelie bins

We do not accept wheelie bins at recycling and household waste sites

You must contact your district council for advice on what to do with a wheelie bin you no longer need.

White spirit / paint thinners

Can be deposited with a household liquid paint permit at Whetstone recycling and household waste site

This is the only site that will accept household liquid paint, white spirit or thinners.

White spirit and paint thinners must not be placed in your general waste or recycling bins.

Windows

There is a charge to dispose of this type of waste

Can be reused:

  • If in good condition donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

Can be recycled:

Before you dispose:

  • Ensure any broken window glass is wrapped securely in layers of newspaper to prevent injury
Wood

Includes wood, wooden furniture, chipboard and other wooden items 

Also see Furniture, Pallets and Tree trunks

Can be reused:

  • Keep pieces of wood which are a good size to use for DIY projects
  • Donate to a local reuse organisation or charity
  • List on reuse websites ie Freecycle or Gumtree

These items cannot be recycled, to dispose:

 

We can't accept Commercial wood and pallets i.e. blue pallets (*CHEP Pallets)
*CHEP pallets and containers always remain the property of CHEP

Advice for businesses:

You cannot dispose of business waste at recycling and household waste sites. 
You can at the Whetstone Waste Transfer Station or through a licensed waste collection company. Find out where you can take business or commercial waste
 

Wrapping paper

Usually part of your kerbside recycling collection – check with your district council

Any plastic wrapped paper can not be recycled. To check if it is plastic, complete the scrunch test – if wrapping paper stays in a ball when scrunched up it is paper and can be recycled, if it opens up when scrunched up it should go in general waste. 

Please remove gift tags, sticky tape, string, bows and ribbons. Shiny metallic and laminated paper, tissue/crepe paper and paper containing glitter will not be accepted. This includes gift bags. Please put in your general waste as these items can’t be recycled.

Can be reused:

  • Use old wrapping paper for art and craft projects
  • Reuse for other gifts if in good condition

Can be recycled: