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.
BinMate blog
Bin Colours
What each bin colour means across UK councils.
Bin colours in the UK are anything but standard. A blue bin means paper in one council area, mixed recycling in the next, and general waste somewhere else entirely — there are hundreds of councils and no national colour code. That’s why moving house, or even helping out at a relative’s place, can leave you standing in the garden wondering what on earth goes in the grey one. These guides explain what each bin colour usually means, how the common schemes differ between councils, and how to work out what your own bins take. Once you know your council’s system it’s genuinely simple — the trouble is that nobody hands you the system when you move in.
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.
Bin Colours
UK Bin Colours Explained: What Each Bin Is For
UK bin colours are not standardised — a green bin means garden waste in one area and recycling in another. Here is what each colour usually means.