Which Bin?
Can You Recycle Polystyrene in the UK?
Polystyrene is not accepted kerbside and should go in general waste. A few HWRCs take clean EPS blocks — find out what options exist in your area.
BinMate blog
Which Bin?
Which bin a specific item belongs in.
Not sure which bin something goes in? You’re not alone — it’s one of the most-searched bin questions in the UK, and the answer often depends on your council. Pizza boxes, batteries, polystyrene, aerosols, cat litter: some items are recyclable everywhere, some only in certain areas, and a few can genuinely cause harm if they end up in the wrong bin. These guides take one item at a time and give you a straight answer — which bin it belongs in, what most UK councils accept, and what to do if your area does things differently. No jargon and no guesswork: check the item, put it in the right bin, and get on with your evening.
Which Bin?
How to Dispose of Light Bulbs in the UK
No light bulb belongs in your kerbside recycling bin. Incandescents go in general waste; CFL bulbs contain mercury and must go to an HWRC or retailer.
Which Bin?
How to Safely Dispose of Broken Glass
Broken glass never goes in the recycling bin. Wrap it securely in newspaper and a cardboard box before placing it in your general waste bin.
Which Bin?
Can You Recycle Takeaway Coffee Cups?
Most takeaway coffee cups cannot go in household recycling due to their plastic lining. Find out which bin to use and where specialist drop-off points are.
Which Bin?
Can You Recycle Crisp Packets in the UK?
Crisp packets cannot go in your kerbside recycling bin. Find out why, where to drop them at supermarket soft-plastic points, and when this may change.
Which Bin?
Can You Recycle Tin Foil in the UK?
Clean aluminium foil and foil trays can be recycled kerbside in many UK areas — use the scrunch test to check. Greasy foil goes in general waste.
Which Bin?
Cardboard Recycling: Which Bin and What Is Accepted
Clean, dry cardboard goes in your recycling bin in almost every UK council area. Learn what types are accepted and the simple pizza-box rule.
Which Bin?
How to Recycle Plastic Bags and Soft Plastics in the UK
Plastic bags cannot go in home recycling bins — drop them at supermarket collection points instead. Kerbside soft plastic collection is coming by 2027.
Which Bin?
How to Dispose of Batteries Safely in the UK
Batteries must never go in any kerbside bin — they cause fires. Find out where to recycle AA cells, lithium packs, and car batteries safely.
Which Bin?
Can You Recycle Glass in Your Home Recycling Bin?
Glass kerbside recycling depends on your council. Learn which glass is accepted, what must never go in the bin, and what England's 2026 rules mean.
Which Bin?
Which Bin Does a Pizza Box Go In?
A greasy pizza box base goes in general waste; the clean lid can be recycled. Learn the tear-and-sort rule and what 2026 recycling rules change.