Did you know as much as 80% of the things we throw away could be recycled?*

Whilst Scotland has hit an all-time high of 62.3% recycling rate**, we could do so much better. When an item has reached the end of its lifespan, it is important we recycle correctly.

We are taking at look at what can be recycled in your household recycling bins as well as items that can be recycled by specialist waste collectors.

*Source: Recyclebin.co.uk, **Source: SEPA

Household recycling

What can be recycled in your household recycling bins depend on the local authority area you live in.

North Lanarkshire

Read the full guidance of what can be recycled in your household bins on North Lanarkshire Council's website.

For ease, we have created a visual guide of what can be put in your blue, brown or green recycling bins. Click the image below to download.

South Lanarkshire

Read the full guidance of what can be recycled in your household bins on South Lanarkshire Council's website.

For ease, we have created a visual guide of what can be put in your blue, burgundy or grey recycling bins. Click the image below to download.

Still unsure if you can recycle an item?

Recycle Now has created a brilliant resource in which you simply add the item you are unsure of and your postcode and it will tell you which bin it can be recycled in or whether you have to bring it to a specialist waste collector.

Visit Recycle Now

Some items can be recycled - just not in your household recycling bins

Click the plus signs below to learn how the items can be correctly recycled

Vapes

Vapes are part of the UK’s fastest growing waste stream. They can contain plastic, metal, cartridges filled with a toxicwaste liquid and an electronic component, which is normally a lithium battery. Seek your nearest recycling centre that accepts small electrical products and ask if they accept them. Ask shops or retailers that sell vapes if they offer free used vape take-back services.

Print cartridges

Some high street electrical retailers, Recycling Centres and community groups/charities collect used print cartridges. To find your nearest collector, we recommend using Recycle Now's resource.

Batteries

Household batteries are accepted for recycling at your local recycling centre. Shops that sell more than 32kg of batteries a year (that’s around 345 four-packs of AA batteries) have to provide battery recycling collection facilities in-store. 

Lithium-ion batteries, the sort you find in laptops, tablets and other gadgets, should be removed from your unwanted device if possible and deposited alongside WEEE (small electrical) items at recycling centres.

Medicine Blister Packets

Every Superdrug Pharmacy has collection boxes so you can recycle your empty medicine blister packets. Some local pharmacies also accept blister packets. If unsure, check with your local pharmacy.

Image of different coloured plastic bags

Soft plastics

Many forms of soft plastics such as salad bags, crisp packets, pasta and rice packets, plastic shopping bags and more can be recycled at your local larger supermarket.

Look out for the recycle symbol on the packaging saying 'Recycle at a recycling point'

Takeaway cup

As part of the National Cup Recycling Scheme, McDonald's, Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger, and Caffè Nero all collect any brand of used PE hot drink cups for recycling.

Clothing and shoes

We always recommend mending and repairing clothing or donating to charity shops.However, for clothing and shoes that are worn out beyond repair, use a textile donation point to recycle. Please still provide the items washed and clean to avoid contamination.

What is waste electrical and electronic equipment?

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is any electrical or electronic waste, whether whole or broken, that is destined for disposal.

The definition includes household appliances such as washing machines and cookers, IT and telecommunications equipment, electrical and electronic tools, toys and leisure equipment and certain medical devices.

WEEE cannot be disposed off in any of your household recycling bins.

The eastiest way to figure out where to dispose/recycle your WEEE is by using Recycle Now's resource.

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste is waste which includes materials which could be harmful to people and the environment if not disposed of correctly. This includes waste chemicals, used solvents and fluorescent lights.

Check your local authority’s guidelines when disposing of hazardous waste: