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Types of waste we accept

A pile of cans, plastic bottles, plastic bottle tops, scrunched up paper and yoghurt pots

Find out what types of waste we accept at our recycling centres.

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Use keywords to see types of waste we accept including potential costs. For example 'bike' or 'cardboard'.
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ItemIncludingInfoCost
Aerosol cans (empty) 

Accepted. You can also put them in your kerbside recycling bin

Free
Aerosol cans (full or part-full) Only accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Air conditioners 

Accepted

Free
Antifreeze
  • Glycol
Only accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Asbestos Not accepted. More information on asbestos disposal. 
Ash Not accepted, as it's a fire risk. When the ash is completely cold you can put it in your kerbside waste bin. 
Audio Visual
  • Audio cassettes
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Records
  • Video cassettes

Accepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container.

May also be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Batteries
  • Household/dry cell
  • Cars/vehicle - handle with care
  • e-Bike batteries

Accepted. Household batteries are also accepted at retail outlets and supermarkets. Batteries may be a fire hazard if you put them in your household rubbish bin. Please recycle responsibly.

Free
Beer barrels or kegs Not accepted. Contact Keg Watch on 0808 100 1945 
Bicycles 

Accepted. Put unusable bicycles in the scrap metal container.

Good bikes may be accepted at reuse shops

Free
Blades
  • Food processor blades
  • Knives
Accepted. Let a member of staff know you are disposing of them. Wrap them safely, label them and put them in the scrap metal container. You can also wrap them safely and put them in your kerbside rubbish bin.Free
Books 

Accepted. Put them in the cardboard container

May be accepted at reuse shops

Free
Brake fluid Only accepted on hazardous waste daysFree
Business and trade waste
  • Commercial
  • Charities
  • Churches
  • Community groups
Accepted at some recycling centres, for a charge.Business and trade waste charges
Bubble wrap

 

Accepted. Put it in the non-recyclables container. Some online recycling groups or websites will accept bubble wrap that's in good condition.Free
Cans/tins/foil (washed)
  • Cans
  • Tins
  • Foil
Accepted, but these can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Card and cardboard
  • Books
  • Greeting cards
  • Washed cartons
  • Boxes
Accepted, but these can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Carpets and underlay
  • Carpets
  • Underlay
  • Vinyl
  • Lino

Accepted. These go in the non-recyclables container.

Laminate is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Chemicals (listed)
  • Degreasers
  • Descalers
  • Drain cleaners
  • Fence or shed treatments/preservers
  • Fertilisers
  • Fungicides
  • Insecticides
  • Lubricants
  • Oven cleaners
  • Paintbrush cleaners/thinners
  • Pesticides
  • Photographic chemicals
  • Swimming pool cleaners
  • Weed killer
  • Wood preservers/treatments
Only accepted on Hazardous waste days 
Christmas trees 

Accepted. Real Christmas trees can go in green waste container. Fake trees may go in the non recyclable, metal or electrical container. Please check with staff.

Fake Christmas trees and decorations in good condition are accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Clinical waste
  • Swabs
  • Bandages
  • Dressings
  • Medicines
Not accepted. Your local district, borough or city council might offer a collection or disposal service, but may charge. You could also contact a reputable private waste disposal contractor. Ask to see a waste carriers licence and find out where they will dispose of the waste. 
Clothes Accepted. See textiles for more information. 
CO2 canisters Only accepted on Hazardous waste days. Or contact Keg Watch on 0808 100 1945. 
Coat hangers (wire and plastic) 

Accepted. Put plastic in non-recyclables and metal hangers in metals. Or offer to reuse shops.

Free
Cooking oil AcceptedFree
Cushions
  • Furniture cushions
Accepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container. Or donate good quality cushions at reuse shops.Free
Electrical items (large, non-commercial)
  • Boilers
  • Cookers and ovens - Get a qualified gas engineer to disconnect your gas cooker. Use the Gas Safe register to find a local company.
  • Dishwashers
  • Fridges and freezers
  • Washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Microwaves

Accepted. Your local district, borough or city council may offer a collection service for large electrical goods but might charge you. Reuse shops may take some items. Check with staff.

Free
Electrical items (Small, non-commercial)
  • Christmas tree lights
  • Small items like hairdryers, irons, kettles, toasters
  • Computers/ laptops /monitors
  • Electric blankets
  • DVD players
  • Lawnmowers
  • Leads
  • Telephones, mobile phones - remember to take out your old SIM card
  • Plugs
  • Printers
  • Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors
  • Stereos and radios
  • Tablets/iPads
  • Televisions/Smart TVs
  • Toys, including ride-on cars, bikes and scooters
  • Vacuum cleaners/hoovers
  • Vapes

Accepted at recycling centres.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

It is your responsibility to remove all personal data from your electronics before you recycle them. Some items may go on to be reused. More information on deleting your data.

Free
Engine oil (used) AcceptedFree
Explosives, boat flares, fireworks, fire arms/BB guns and ammunition Not accepted. Read our advice on disposing of explosives. 
Facemasks Not accepted 
Fibreglass Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Fire extinguishers 

Only accepted on hazardous waste days. Maximum 2 per household.

Some extinguisher supply companies also offer a disposal service - check the label.

Free
Flat glass (DIY waste)
  • Windows and glass doors
  • Greenhouse and Conservatory glass
  • Shower screens
Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Flat glass (free standing)
  • Tables
  • Fish tanks
  • TV stands
May be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Flooring
  • Carpets
  • Underlay
  • Vinyl
  • Lino

Accepted. Goes in the non-recyclables container.

Laminate is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Foil (clean)
  • Kitchen foil
  • Foil food trays
  • Takeaway and ready meal food trays
Accepted. You can also put it in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Food waste 

Accepted in small amounts. Needs to be double-bagged and labelled. Goes in the non-recyclables container. Also goes in kerbside rubbish bin or food caddy in some areas.

Free
Fuel
  • Petrol
  • Diesel
  • Paraffin
  • Heating oil
Not accepted 
Furniture (free standing)
  • Chairs
  • Tables
  • Sofas
  • Beds

Accepted at recycling centres. May be accepted at reuse shops.

Fitted furniture is classed as DIY waste. More about DIY waste.

Free
Garden/green waste
  • Garden and green waste - except injurious and invasive weeds
  • Garden tools
  • Trees - except ash trees
  • Water butts

Accepted - apart from ash trees, and leaves and prunings, and injurious or invasive weeds.

Read our information about garden or green waste for more information about what we will and will not accept. We also provide advice on how to deal with garden waste that we do not accept.

Free
Gas bottles and cylinders (empty) 

Accepted at all recycling centres. There are sometimes delays with our gas bottle collections so occasionally we may not be able to accept them. This will be listed at the top of the web page for individual recycling centres. We recommend that you return them the supplier.

We do not accept full or partially full bottles or cylinders. These must be returned to the supplier.

We do not accept Nitrous Oxide canisters.

Advice on where to dispose of gas bottles and cylinders.

Free
Gas bottles and cylinders (full or part full) 

Not accepted, under any circumstances. We recommend that you return them to your supplier.

We do not accept Nitrous Oxide canisters.

Advice on where to dispose of gas bottles and cylinders.

 
Glass bottles and jars (washed) 

Accepted - put them in the glass containers. They can also go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Flat glass is classed as DIY waste. An example of flat glass is a window pane. More about DIY waste.

Free
Glue Not accepted 
Heating oil Not accepted 
Household bin waste (including food waste) Accepted. Please separate any recyclable materials out beforehand then bag any remaining waste. We might ask you to open the bags at the recycling centre. This is so that we can recycle as much as possible.Free
Incontinence pads 

Accepted - but incontinence pads should usually be wrapped and put in your kerbside rubbish bin.

We will accept one bag of pads per household, per week. The pads must be double-wrapped and clearly labelled, to reduce human contact with them.

Free
Kitchenware
  • Glasses
  • Crockery
  • Saucepans

Accepted. Please don't put heatproof glass (Pyrex) into bottle banks.

May also be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Lawnmowers
  • Electric
  • Manual
  • Petrol - empty

Accepted at recycling centres. Please empty fuel tanks completely for petrol lawnmowers.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Lightbulbs/fluorescent tubes (household) 

Accepted. For large quantities, or for commercial collection/disposal, contact Recolight (charges apply).

Free
Litter (bagged) Accepted. We'll take up to three bags, but you need to let us know before you arrive. Find out how to drop off litter.Free
Liquid cartons/Tetra Paks (washed) 

Accepted. Put them in the cardboard container. They can also go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Free
Loft insulation Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Mattresses Accepted. Put them in the non-recyclables container.Free
Medicines and medical equipment
  • Inhalers
  • Tablets
  • Syringes
  • Sharps
Not accepted. Never place leftover or expired medicines or medical equipment in your kerbside rubbish bin or flush them down the toilet. Your local GP or pharmacist will help you dispose of them safely. 
Metals (household)
  • Barbecues
  • Bicycles
  • Lawnmowers (empty of fuel)
  • Kitchenware
  • Shelving
  • Empty metal paint tins
  • Rotary washing lines
Accepted. Non-ferrous metals are separated out (copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminium). Also see foil.Free
Mobility equipment
  • Wheelchairs
  • Crutches
  • Walking frames

Accepted for recycling. Not accepted for reuse. Do not bring any items that belong to the NHS or NRS, return these to the provider.

Find out how to return mobility equipment.

Free
Nappies 

Accepted - but nappies should usually be wrapped and put in your kerbside rubbish bin.

We accept one bag per household, per week of disposal nappies. They must be double-wrapped and clearly labelled, to reduce human contact with them.

Free
DIY non-recyclables
  • Insulation and roof felt
  • Plastic guttering, drains and fascia
  • Baths and shower trays (plastic/acrylic)
  • Soil and turf
  • Pond liners and garden membranes
  • Doors, window and frames (UVPC)
  • Walk in structures (not wood or metal)
  • Oil tanks (plastic)
  • Sand
Accepted. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Oil tanks (empty)
  • Plastic
  • Metal

Accepted as long as they are fully drained. They are classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

Oil tanks will not fit in the bins whole. They must be broken up into smaller pieces that can be carried up steps if necessary. We suggest you visit your recycling centre before you bring the item and discuss it with site staff. Or consider hiring a tank removal company.

More about DIY waste
Oil tanks (full or partially full) Not accepted. Look for specialist waste disposal contractors in your local telephone directory or online. Remember to ask to see a waste carriers licence and find out where the waste will be disposed of. 
Paint cans (empty or dried out) Accepted. Empty metal paint cans go in the metals container, plastic cans go in the non-recyclable bin. Dried out or empty cans also go in your kerbside rubbish bin.Free
Paint cans (full or part full containing liquid paint) 

Only accepted on hazardous waste days.

Do not put liquid paint into your kerbside bin. Mix in cat litter or soil to completely dry out the paint first.

Free
Paper
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Directories
  • Envelopes
  • Shredded paper (put it in your bin loosely, not in bags)
Accepted - but can go in your kerbside recycling bin.Free
Pets/animals bedding and housing
  • Animal bedding
  • Fish tanks and aquariums

Accepted. We accept up to 2 bags of vegetarian pet bedding per week (from rabbits, guinea pigs etc). Please double-bagged it and label it clearly. Think about home composting it instead.

We also accept household fish tanks/aquariums and animal housing. Put filters or lights in the small electrical appliances container. Good, clean items may also be accepted for reuse shops.

Free
Pets/animals waste
  • Dog and cat faeces (including cat litter)
  • Horse manure
  • Dead animals
Not accepted, for hygiene reasons. If you have a small quantity, wrap it and put it in a plastic bag in your kerbside rubbish bin. 
Pillows and duvets Accepted. Pillows and duvets go in the non-recyclable bin. Pillow cases and duvet covers go into the textile bins.Free
Plant pots 

Accepted at recycling centres. Ceramic pots can go in the rubble container.

Unfortunately we can't recycle plastic pots, so put them in the general waste container. You can also put them in your kerbside rubbish bin. Some garden centres will accept plant pots for reuse or recycling.

 

Ceramic plant pots may be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Plasterboard
  • Plasterboard
  • Plaster

Accepted at Caister, Dereham, Hempton, King's Lynn, Norwich North, Norwich South and Thetford.

Plasterboard is classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance. Cost is per item or 50 litre bag.

More about DIY waste
Plastic
  • Bottles
  • Toys
  • Garden furniture
  • Plant pots

Accepted. Things like toys and plant pots go in the non-recyclable container. They may be accepted at reuse shops.

We're not able to recycle rigid plastic as we need to ensure we have a secure market for the material. We are searching.

Bottles, tubs and trays can go in your kerbside recycling bin.

Free
Plastic film Accepted. It goes in the non-recyclables container. Find places to recycle plastic film.Free
Polystyrene Accepted. It goes in the non-recyclables container.Free
Printer ink cartridges (including laser ink toner cartridges) Accepted. Put them in the ink cartridges bin.Free
Roofing Slates AcceptedFree
Rubble
  • Floor and wall tiles
  • Sinks, toilets and shower trays (ceramic)
  • Bricks, concrete and concrete posts
  • Paving slabs and stones
  • Roof tiles
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance. Cost is per item or per 50 litre bag.More about DIY waste
Scrap metal
  • Bikes
  • Dried out empty metal paint cans
  • Sports equipment
  • Radiators
AcceptedFree
Septic tanks Not accepted. Anglian Water may be able to help you. 
Soil and turf Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Sports equipment
  • Broken non-electrical equipment
  • Electrical sports equipment
Accepted. Working items may be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Storage heaters 

Might be accepted if it does not contain asbestos.

If the storage heater contains asbestos then we cannot accept it.  Check your make and model on the Armco Asbestos Consultants website. See more information on asbestos disposal.

If it does not contain asbestos, we will accept it as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

More about DIY waste
Sweet/chocolate/biscuits tins Accepted. Tins go in the scrap metal container and plastic containers go in the non-recyclables container.Free
Textiles
  • Clothes
  • Shoes
  • Boots
  • Curtains
  • Towels

Accepted. Put clean items in bags and place them in the textiles banks for recycling.

If the banks are full we may ask you to hold on to items until we have a collection.

Put soiled, damaged or torn items in the non-recyclable container.

Free
Thermometers Not accepted 
Timber/wood
  • Fitted kitchen units
  • Fitted and built in furniture
  • Doors, door frames and skirting
  • Laminate flooring, floorboards and joists
  • Fence panels Wooden garden structures (sheds, walk-in pet runs, gazebos or other garden structures)
  • Decking, fencing, trellises, pergolas and arches
  • Chipboard Wood chipping
  • Pallets - except any coloured pallets, which cannot be accepted and should be returned to the supplier
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Tools
  • Household tools (including broken)
  • Garden tools
  • DIY tools
  • Power tools
Accepted. Power tools are classed as small electrical items. Tools are not classed as DIY waste. Tools in good condition may also be accepted at reuse shops.Free
Turf/soil 

Accepted. Classed as non-recyclable DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.

More about DIY waste
Tyres 

We accept car tyres for a charge of £6 a tyre at these sites: Caister, Dereham, Hempton, King's Lynn, Norwich North, Norwich South and Thetford. We will take a maximum of five tyres per household per month.

We accept bicycle tyres for free at all recycling centres.

We do not accept agricultural or industrial tyres.

 
Vehicles and parts
  • Car/vehicle batteries
  • Small quantities of small car parts
  • Child car seats
  • Caravans fixtures and fittings
  • Boats and canoes

We do not accept cars and caravans. Get a list of vehicles and parts (including tyres) that we do accept at our recycling centres.

 
Wallpaper
  • Unused wallpaper
  • Used/stripped wallpaper

Accepted. Unused wallpaper goes into the cardboard container. Used/stripped wallpaper goes into the non-recyclables container.

Free
Water filters Accepted. These go in the non-recyclables container. These may also be accepted at retail outlets, electrical retailers and in supermarkets.Free
Weeds (invasive)
  • Ragwort
  • Japanese knotweed
  • Giant hogweed
  • Himalayan balsam

Not accepted. Treat them where they are growing. Don't move them,to reduce the risk of them spreading.

Read government advice on invasive plants.

 
Wood (DIY waste)
  • Fitted wardrobes
  • Kitchens
  • Laminate flooring
  • Sheds
  • Pallets - except any coloured pallets, which cannot be accepted and should be returned to the supplier
  • Fence panels/posts
Accepted. Classed as DIY waste. Charges apply after the DIY waste free allowance.More about DIY waste
Wood (free standing)
  • Free standing furniture
  • Garden bench
  • Dining table
  • Chairs

Accepted at recycling centres.

May be accepted at reuse shops.

Free
Wrapping paper 

Accepted. Paper goes into the cardboard container, or your kerbside recycling bin. Shiny or foil type paper goes into non-recyclables container or your kerbside rubbish bin.

Free