A to C

A

Aluminium
Aluminium cans can be recycled via the kerbside recycling service, or by depositing them in the can banks at the Neighbourhood Recycling Centre (NRC). All other aluminium items can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).  All aluminium cans collected are recycled into new products such as drink cans and car parts.

Aerosols
Empty steel aerosol containers can be recycled in your kerbside box with cans or can be taken to the majority of NRCs and placed in the can banks. 

B

Bags 

See plastic bags

Bedding and Blankets

Charity shops will sell clean, good quality bedding. They can also be reused as rags or as dust sheets when decorating.

Batteries

Collection points for domestic batteries are located in main reception of the Borough Offices and at one stop shops.  The majority of shops that sell batteries will also have recycling points.  Watch or calculator batteries are taken by most jewellers on replacement.

Domestic and car batteries are also accepted at the HWRC s.

Try to avoid using batteries by using mains electricity. Use rechargeable batteries wherever possible.

Bicycles

These can be sold via local press, auction sites, boot sales or jumble sales. The charity Re-cycle are also able to refurbish bikes and send them to developing countries. Please see the related links for further information.

Birthday or Christmas cards

Card can be recycled in the cardboard banks at the majority of NRCs. Please remove all plastic and ribbon attachments. These should not be placed in your green wheeled bin as the cards often have glitter on them and are classed as contamination.

Unwanted cards can be used for handicrafts (eg. to make into gift tags). Your local school or playgroup maybe able to make use of them and some charity shops collect them

Books

Most charity shops accept books. Paperback books can also be recycled via kerbside boxes or at NRC s.

Building Materials

HWRC s will accept small quantities of domestic construction, demolition or excavation waste. For larger quantities a 'skip' or 'skip bag' may need to be hired. For more information contact WasteAware on 0300 123 4051.

C

Cardboard

Can be recycled in your green wheeled bin along with food and green waste as part of the Green Waste Plus scheme. Increasing problems are being experienced with contamination in green wheeled bins. For more information on the types of cardboard accepted by the scheme please visit our Green Waste Plus page.

Alternatively it can be recycled at the majority of NRCs.

Please also see Birthday or Christmas cards above

Cans

Aluminium and steel cans can be recycled by placing them in your kerbside box or depositing them into the can banks at NRCs.

Cars

If your car is no longer roadworthy and you want to dispose of it, contact the Council's Helpline who can arrange removal for £35. Please provide the keys and log book where possible.

China

Most charity shops will be happy to take unwanted china. Damaged china can be broken and used when potting plants to improve drainage.

Clothes

Most local charity shops will take clean clothing in good condition. Alternatively put them in the Council's textile bring banks. The  HWRC can also accept textiles.

Computers

Reuse – there are now many organisations that refurbish computer equipment and pass it on to charities. Computer Aid International accepts computers for use in developing countries (telephone: 020 8361 5540).

Alternatively they can be taken to your local  HWRC.

Corks

Re-use corks by placing at the bottom of plant pots to help retain moisture. They can also be used to protect sharp points such as knives or garden canes.

Currency

Take to charity shops or to high street banks.