What Can Businesses Put in Their Recycling Bins UK?

Recycling is one of the best ways for businesses to help protect the environment. In the UK, companies of all sizes are encouraged to reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill by using recycling services. However, many are unsure what can and cannot go into their recycling bins.

Knowing what materials your business can recycle helps you avoid mistakes, save money on waste disposal, and meet your legal obligations. It also shows that your company cares about sustainability and the future of the planet.

This guide explains what types of waste most recycling services will accept from businesses in the UK. It also covers what to avoid putting in your bins, how recycling rules can vary depending on your location or contractor, and how to support staff with better waste sorting.

With the right knowledge and tools, your business can improve recycling rates and reduce its environmental impact. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know.

What Materials Are Commonly Accepted in Business Recycling

Many recycling services across the UK offer similar collections, but it is still important to check with your provider. Some items may be accepted in one area and not another. Below are the most widely accepted materials for business recycling bins.

Paper and Cardboard

Paper is one of the most recycled materials in the UK. Most types of office paper can be placed in recycling bins, including printer paper, envelopes, newspapers, catalogues, flyers, and note paper. Sticky notes and window envelopes are often accepted too.

Cardboard is also widely recycled. Businesses can include cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, toilet roll tubes, and packaging from deliveries. However, it is important that these items are not wet or stained. Flatten cardboard to save space in your bin and remove any tape or labels if possible.

If your business handles a lot of packaging, such as from deliveries or stock, recycling cardboard can quickly reduce your general waste. Always keep clean cardboard separate from any that may have come into contact with food or chemicals.

Plastic Containers

Plastic is a more difficult material to recycle, as not all types are accepted. However, most recycling services for businesses do collect clean plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays. Examples include milk bottles, drinks bottles, shampoo bottles, food containers, and yoghurt pots.

Items must be clean and empty. A quick rinse helps prevent contamination and smells. Avoid including soft plastics such as cling film, plastic bags, or food wrappers unless your provider states they accept them. These can jam sorting machines and often need specialist recycling schemes.

Remember, plastic packaging should have a recycling symbol on it, but this does not always mean your local service will accept it. When in doubt, check with your contractor.

Metal Cans and Foil

Aluminium and steel cans are widely accepted in commercial recycling collections. These include drink cans, tinned food cans, aerosol cans, and metal screw caps. Clean foil trays and aluminium foil used in kitchens or for food wrapping may also be accepted.

Make sure cans and foil are free from food and liquid before putting them in the bin. Flattening cans can save space and make collection easier. If you run a hospitality business or café, you may generate a lot of this type of waste, so regular recycling makes a big difference.

Avoid putting foil that is covered in grease, like takeaway containers or foil used for grilling, into recycling bins. These should go in general waste unless cleaned.

Glass Bottles and Jars

Most business recycling services allow clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars. These include drink bottles, sauce bottles, jam jars, and food storage jars. Remove lids and rinse them before disposal. Labels do not need to be removed.

Do not include broken glass, Pyrex dishes, mirrors, or drinking glasses. These types of glass melt at different temperatures and can damage recycling equipment. Place them in designated waste bins or speak to your recycling contractor about special disposal methods.

What You Should Never Put in a Recycling Bin

Not all waste is suitable for recycling. Putting the wrong items into your recycling bins can result in entire loads being rejected. This may lead to extra charges or damage your business’s recycling record with the contractor.

Food waste should never be put in recycling bins unless your contractor offers food waste recycling. Dirty food containers, leftover meals, and grease-covered packaging can spoil clean recycling. Always rinse containers before placing them in the recycling bin.

Hazardous waste such as batteries, paint, chemicals, and electrical items must not go in standard recycling. These materials need special handling and may harm people or equipment. Use a separate service for items like light bulbs, printers, cables, and old electronics.

Other items to avoid include tissues, wet wipes, paper towels, nappies, sanitary products, and personal care waste. These should always be placed in general waste. Even though they may look like paper, they cannot be recycled due to contamination.

Finally, never include shredded paper unless your contractor allows it. The small pieces can fall through machinery at recycling centres, making them hard to process. Consider using a secure document destruction service instead for sensitive materials.

How Recycling Rules Differ by Local Authority or Contractor

Recycling rules can vary across the UK. This is because local authorities and private waste contractors often have different systems and equipment. What you can recycle in one part of the country may not be the same elsewhere.

Some councils and contractors provide a single mixed recycling bin for paper, plastics, and metals. Others require businesses to separate items into different containers. For example, glass might need its own bin, or plastics may be split by type.

Rules can also differ based on the type of business you run. A café or takeaway may need to follow stricter rules about food packaging. An office may be expected to separate printer cartridges and electronics for special recycling schemes.

Always read the guidance given by your local authority or chosen contractor. They should provide clear lists of accepted materials, as well as instructions on how to prepare and sort your waste. If you are unsure, contact their support team for help.

Keeping up to date with changes in recycling rules will help your business avoid fines and improve its green reputation.

Tips to Help Staff Sort and Dispose of Waste Correctly

Getting staff involved in recycling is one of the best ways to make sure waste is handled properly. With the right tools and support, employees can help reduce contamination and increase recycling rates. Here are some ideas to make sorting waste easier for everyone.

Provide Clear Signage and Bin Labels

Use bright, clear labels on all bins around your business. These should include words and pictures showing what goes inside. Use different colours for each bin, such as blue for paper or green for glass. This makes it easy for staff to spot the right bin quickly.

Place signs near waste areas, kitchens, or printing stations. The more visible the instructions, the more likely staff will follow them. If your recycling service changes its rules, update the labels straight away to avoid confusion.

Offer Staff Training and Reminders

Train staff when they first join your company and offer regular updates. Short sessions or posters can remind them of good recycling habits. You might also run competitions or reward schemes to encourage better sorting.

Make recycling part of your company culture. Appoint recycling champions in each team or department who can answer questions and check bins are used correctly. This keeps recycling efforts strong over the long term.

Monitor and Give Feedback

Check bins weekly to see if materials are being sorted correctly. If items are in the wrong place, gently remind staff and explain how to fix it. Regular checks help identify problems and prevent contamination.

Share positive results too. Let staff know how much waste they have recycled and what difference it has made. This helps build motivation and encourages ongoing support for recycling efforts.