What goes in which bin?
This page gives you information on what items you can put in your recycling bin and box and what should go in your rubbish bin and garden waste bin.
Don't put your recycling into black sacks or plastic bags - put the items loose into the bin. If you have extra recycling and it won't fit in your bin, put it into a clear/see-through bag and leave it next to your recycling bin.
What goes in my recycling bin?
When recycling, please remember:
- Wash and squash items - this saves space, keeps your bin clean and stops contamination.
- Don't leave cardboard next to your bin on a wet day - we cannot recycle wet cardboard. Fold and squash large cardboard so it fits in your recycling bin or take it to your nearest household waste recycling centre (tip).
The following items go into your grey recycling bin with the blue lid.
| Material | Yes please | No thanks |
|---|---|---|
Plastics |
|
|
Mixed paper and card |
|
|
Food tins and drink cans |
|
|
Cartons |
|
|
Aerosols |
|
What goes in my recycling box?
The following items go into the recycling box.
| Material | Yes please | No thanks |
|---|---|---|
Glass bottles and jars | Glass bottles and jars |
|
Other recyclable items
Find a full list of A-Z household waste items in our Reuse and recycling A-Z
What goes in my rubbish bin?
If in doubt, keep it out of your recycling bin - if you're unsure whether you can recycle an item, leave it out of your recycling bin and put it in your rubbish bin. The following items go in your rubbish bin.
| Material | Yes please | No thanks |
|---|---|---|
Household waste |
|
|
What goes in my garden waste bin?
Please don't bag your garden waste - put it loose in the bin. The following items go into the garden waste bin.
| Material | Yes please | No thanks |
|---|---|---|
Garden waste |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find out when my bin is emptied?
Please enter your house number and postcode in the 'My Durham' section of our website. You can download a collection calendar which tells you when your bins will be emptied.
Why is it important to put the right things in the right bins?
It's really important that you follow these guidelines as it helps to reduce contamination and means we can recycle, reuse or compost more of your waste. If you put wrong items in the wrong bin, this could result in the whole bin lorry load being classed as 'contaminated' and rejected for recycling.
How will I know I have put the wrong item in the wrong bin?
You will find a sticker on your bin and a letter through your door to help you to understand how to 'Bin it right'. You may also receive a home visit to explain recycling in more detail. Find out more in our
Recycling Matters – a guide to what you can put in your recycling bin and box (PDF, 1.1mb)
.
Why do I need to separate glass from my recycling bin, when they both 'appear' to be emptied into the same wagon?
Our recycling wagons have separate, split compartments, to the rear. Your recycling bin is emptied into one side and the glass box is emptied into the other. Glass and recycling is sorted differently at the recycling plant and this means more of your waste can be recycled and turned into new products.
- Customer Services
- 03000 26 0000
- Waste Management
- Waste Management
- 03000 26 1000
-
Our address is:
- Durham County Council
- County Hall
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5UQ
