Recycling How-To
How to Recycle Printer Ink Cartridges in the UK
Most printer cartridges can be recycled free via manufacturer freepost schemes, Cartridges4Charity, or in-store drop-offs at Currys and Staples.
The BinMate blog
Blog
Plain-English guides to UK bin collections, recycling and never missing bin day.
Recycling How-To
How to Dispose of Paint in the UK
Never pour paint down the drain. Dry out emulsion for the bin, take oil-based paint to hazardous waste, or donate usable paint via Community RePaint.
Recycling How-To
10 Common Recycling Mistakes to Stop Making
From wishcycling and bagged recyclables to greasy pizza boxes and black plastic, here are ten recycling errors most UK households make — and the fixes.
Recycling How-To
Do You Need to Wash Recycling Before Binning It?
You do not need to scrub containers spotless — a quick rinse is enough. Learn what empty, clean, and dry really means and which items need the most care.
Recycling How-To
How to Recycle at Home in the UK
A plain-English guide to UK kerbside recycling in 2026: what Simpler Recycling requires, the empty-rinse-separate habits, and how to check your council.
Bank Holidays & Seasonal
The +1 Working Day Bin Rule Explained
Most UK councils push bin collections forward one working day after a bank holiday — but not all. Here is how the +1 rule works and when it does not apply.
Bin Colours
UK Recycling Bin Rules: What You Can and Cannot Recycle
Paper, card, glass, plastic bottles, tins, and foil are accepted kerbside under Simpler Recycling 2026. Find out the dos and why contamination matters.
Bin Colours
General Waste Bin Rules in the UK
Your general waste bin is for rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted. Learn what belongs inside, what is banned, and what Simpler Recycling changes.
Bin Colours
What Goes in the Grey Bin?
In most UK councils the grey bin holds general residual waste, but in some areas it holds dry recycling instead. Check your local authority to be sure.
Bin Colours
What Goes in the Black Bin?
The black bin is for non-recyclable waste such as nappies, wet wipes, and polystyrene. Learn what must not go in and what Simpler Recycling 2026 changes.
Bin Colours
What Goes in the Green Bin?
Your green bin could be for recycling, garden waste, or general rubbish depending on your council. Find out which use applies locally and what to avoid.
Find Your Bin Day
Lost Your Council Bin Calendar? Here Is What to Do
Your council website postcode lookup is the fastest fix. Here are all the options, from PDF downloads to requesting a replacement printed calendar.