Blue-lidded (recycling) bin

Please note: these pages are for domestic waste collections. For commercial waste please go to our https://www.coventry.gov.uk/commercialwaste.

Your recycling bin is collected every fortnight - to /bindays.

Please put your bin out for collection by 7am at the kerbside with the handles facing the road.

Bins should be removed from the highway as soon as possible following collection (maximum 24 hours) and returned to your property.

Please note that your bins will not be collected if rubbish is compacted, bin lids can’t close or bins are too heavy to safely be collected. Please do not put plastic bags in your bin. If your bin has not been collected you should have received a /bintags informing you of the reasons why this has happened. If your bin has not been collected and you have not received a bin tag please visit the http://www.coventry.gov.uk/missedbins page to report it.

Email alerts

You can sign up for free email alerts for your street's collection via our http://www.coventry.gov.uk/bindays.

What can I put in my blue-lidded bin?

What can I put in my blue bin?

Yes please

No thanks

aluminium foil food and drink cans glass bottles newspapers and magazines cardboard - toilet roll tubes cereal boxes junk mail glass jars drink cartons aerosols mixed paper and card mixed glass All household plastic bottles including milk bottles, detergent bottles, toiletry bottles and cleaning product bottles All household plastic food trays including fruit or meat trays All household food pots including yogurt and dessert pots All household food tubs including fresh fruit and meat trays etc.

wallpaper lightbulbs broken glass plastic film/bags textiles, clothes and bedding polystyrene cookware such as pots and pans or Pyrex general rubbish shredded paper Plastic plant pots Black plastic Nappies Black bags Food waste

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/34370/what_you_can_put_in_your_blue-lidded_bin.

Please see /recyclingaz if you are unsure of where an item should go.

Plastic carrier bags are made from a range of different plastics. The carrier bags can shred during the sorting process and end up in with the wrong type of plastic (contaminating the load). They can also become tangled around the sorting machinery which leads to further problems. Many larger supermarkets have recycling facilities for plastic bags.

Shredded paper is not suitable for recycling for a number of reasons including:

• capture of the material (by its nature it is small and flies away when moved around making it difficult to capture during the sorting process, which for paper and card is largely done manually)
• contamination of other materials (for reasons similar to capture)
• the poor quality of the product (shredding makes the fibres of the paper damaged and unsuitable for future products)

We would advise residents to only shred the part of the document that contains personal/sensitive information and dispose of this in the green lidded bin, alternatively it can be used for animal bedding or home composting.

Brown-lidded (food and garden waste) bin

To /bindays. You can also take excess garden waste to our /tip.

If you don’t have a brown-lidded bin, or you need a new one, please visit our http://www.coventry.gov.uk/new_bins.

Please put your bin out for collection by 7am at the kerbside with the handles facing the road.

Bins should be removed from the highway as soon as possible following collection (maximum 24 hours) and returned to your property.

Please note that your bins will not be collected if rubbish is compacted, bin lids can’t close or bins are too heavy to safely be collected. Please do not put plastic bags in your bin. You can however use compostable liners. If your bin has not been collected you should have received a /bintags informing you of the reasons why this has happened. If your bin has not been collected and you have not received a bin tag please visit the http://www.coventry.gov.uk/missedbins page to report it.

Email alerts

You can sign up for free email alerts for your street's collection via our http://www.coventry.gov.uk/bindays.

What can I put in my brown-lidded (garden waste) bin?

What can I put in my brown bin?

Yes please	No thanks
Grass clippings and shredded hedge-trimmings Leaves, flowers and weeds Straw and hay (if contaminated by animals please put in green-lidded bin) Small twigs and branches Food waste including cooked and uncooked food, meat, fish, bones, vegetables and fruit peelings, plate scrapings.	black-bagged waste food packaging garden furniture polystyrene Coal Diseased plants Dog poo, cat litter or nappies Large amounts of soil or turf Tree stumps Rubble or bricks Weedkiller Plastic bags Textiles - clothes and bedding Plant pots

https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/34417/what_you_can_put_in_your_brown-lidded_bin.

Putting non-compostable items in your brown-lidded bin can cause lots of problems with the composting process. Common contaminations include plastics bags, food packaging, plant pots and rubble.

Please see /recyclingaz if you are unsure of where an item should go.

What happens to the food waste?

Food waste can now be composted along with your garden waste. The process the materials will go through is In-Vessel composting. Once on site materials are shredded to a uniform size. The process is started by naturally occurring microorganisms which break the materials down and increase the temperature to 60-70 degrees. The temperatures will kill pathogens, weeds and seeds and this first stage takes 1-3 weeks. 

Once the initial stage is completed the materials are carefully monitored to ensure they reach the required temperature and oxygen and moisture levels and measured to ensure the materials are sanitised. Once sanitised the compost is left to mature, this can take 10-14 weeks.

Composting

If you wanted to start composting at home you can purchase a subsidised compost bin through Coventry Recycling Club. http://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/436/composting.

Green-lidded (rubbish) bin

Please use your green-lidded rubbish bin for all rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted. We collect green-lidded bins every other week. To find out when your collections are, /bindays.

Please put your bin out for collection by 7am at the kerbside with the handles facing the road.

Bins should be removed from the highway as soon as possible following collection (maximum 24 hours) and returned to your property.

Please note that your bins will not be collected if rubbish is compacted, bin lids can’t close or bins are too heavy to safely be collected. If your bin has not been collected you should have received a /bintags informing you of the reasons why this has happened. If your bin has not been collected and you have not received a bin tag please visit the /missedbins page to report it.

What can I put in my green-lidded (household waste) bin?

Your green-lidded bin is for all items that cannot be reused, recycled or /composting.

Please see /recyclingaz if you are unsure of where an item should go.

/downloads/file/34418/what_you_can_put_in_your_green-lidded_bin.

We are able to collect small quantities of polystyrene in your green lidded bin, we would ask where possible this is bagged. Large quantities should be disposed of at the /tip.

Items that you shouldn't be putting in your green-lidded bin include:

• Things that can be recycled or composted
• Batteries
• Waste electrical and electronic equipment
• Controlled or hazardous materials

Bin tags

Why hasn’t my bin been emptied?

If we haven’t emptied your bin , the bin crew may have left a tag on in that tells you why we couldn’t empty it. The main reasons why we may not have been able to take it include:

• it contained items we cannot collect. Putting the wrong items in your bins can contaminate the whole load and cause extra costs and problems with disposal. Find out what should go into your /blueliddedbin, g/brownliddedbin or /greenliddedbin
• it was too heavy – please take care to ensure that your bin is not too heavy and can be safely collected by our operatives. Overweight bins can break when lifted onto the vehicle for emptying.
• it wasn’t presented at the right time / day – you can check your /bindays.
• it was damaged and we couldn’t safely move / empty it – if your bin is broken or split you can https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/household-bins/7.
• it wasn’t presented correctly – please make sure that your bins are presented outside your property where our operatives can safely get to them by 7am on your scheduled collection day. Handles should be placed facing the road to help our crews safely collect them.

What do I need to do now?

If your bin was too heavy or contained the wrong items you should remove the unauthorised or heavy/additional waste. Unfortunately, we cannot return to empty your bin until your next scheduled collection so you should return your bin to your property and put it back out for your next collection.

What if I have too much waste for my bin?

If have too much for your rubbish for your green-lidded bin visit the http://recyclingclub.coventry.gov.uk/ to find out more about reducing the amount of waste you produce and for tips on how to recycle more. Extra waste can be taken to the /tip.

If you have a large family you may be eligible for additional bins to help you manage your waste. http://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/household-bins/8.

The tip

Coventry residents can take extra waste to the /tip on London Road, Whitley. Advice on what can be taken to the tip and how to book your visit can be found at the link.

Bulky Waste Collection Service

The Council provides a bulky waste collection service for residents of the City for a small charge. https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/disposal-large-bulky-items/2.

Waste left by bins

If you have been left a tag about waste being left by the side of your bin please ensure that in future all of your waste is contained within your bins and the lid can be shut. Only waste contained within your bin should be collected and items left by the side may be dealt with as flytipping resulting in enforcement action.

A-Z of rubbish and recycling

• #A
• #B
• #C
• #D
• #E
• #F
• #G
• #H
• #I
• #J
• #K
• #L
• #M
• #N
• #O
• #P
• #Q
• #R
• #S
• #T
• #U
• #V
• #W
• #X
• #Y
• #Z

A

Abandoned vehicles

Please see /abandonedvehicles for more information on reporting abandoned vehicles and what to do when your vehicle reaches the end of its useful life.

Additional bins

Please see our page on /requestbin as well as the circumstances under which we will provide additional bins to households.

Aerosols

Recycle your aerosol cans in your /blueliddedbin.

Do not pierce, crush or flatten the aerosol before recycling. Detach any loose or easily removable parts, such as the plastic lid, and dispose of them with the rest of your rubbish. Don't worry about removing the plastic nozzle - this will be removed during the recycling process.

Aluminium

Aluminium cans should be placed in your /blueliddedbin.

Household items such as /recyclingaz#saucepans that are in good condition can be taken to your local charity shop, jumble sale or offered on sites such as https://www.freecycle.org/.

Larger items can be recycled at the /tip.

App

Please see /recyclingaz#app .

Asbestos

For more information, please visit /asbestosdisposal.

Ash

Ash from wood fires which doesn't contain toxic materials can be used in /composting.

Assisted collections

Assisted collections are available where all residents in the household are unable to place their bins at the collection point due to ill health, infirmity or a disability. To find out more about applying for an assisted collection, please see /assistedcollection.

B

Bank holidays

Household waste collections operate Tuesday to Friday. For details of changes over Easter and Christmas check /bindays. The /tip is open on all bank holidays except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Bathroom suites

Old bathroom suites can be taken to the /tip, or if suitable could be offered for reuse on sites such as https://www.freecycle.org/.

Batteries (household and car)

Any retailer selling large quantities of household batteries, such as AA and AAA will provide battery recycling collection facilities in-store. Alternatively, they can be taken to the /tip.

Instead of buying normal batteries, why not buy rechargeable ones? They are better for the environment and last longer.

Car batteries can be taken to the /tip.

Bicycles / Bike reuse scheme

Bikes can be taken to the /tip where they will be repaired ready for reuse used by http://www.covcitymission.org.uk/.

Bins

Please visit /ourbins or /commercialwaste for more information.

Bin liners / bags

You can /caddyliners Alternatively you can purchase compostable liners in most supermarkets. You don't have to line your food waste caddy if you don't want to food waste can be put directly into your brown lidded garden waste bin or wrapped in a single sheet of newspaper.  Please do not use plastic bags in either your brown lidded food and garden waste bin or your blue lidded recycling bin.  Any waste presented in a black bag in either the recycling or garden waste bins will be assumed as contamination and will not be collected.

Bin repair / replacement

Where possible, we will always aim to repair rather than replace your damaged bins. If your bin has been damaged or stolen then please visit /requestbin for more information on how to request a new one.

Bin tags

Bin tags cannot be recycled and should be put in your /greenliddedbin. We would have liked for them to be recyclable, however, for them to be weatherproof as well as low cost, they are made from plastic-coated card.

Black bag waste

Black bag waste is anything that cannot be reused, recycled or composted and would therefore go into your /greenliddedbin.

Blue-lidded bin (recycling)

Please visit /blueliddedbin for more information.

Body Shop

All items bought at The Body Shop can be returned for recycling.

Books

Books can be donated to a local charity shop, family, friends or school for reuse. You could also try using a website like http://bookmooch.com/ where you can swap your old books for someone else's.

Book a tip visit

You can /booktip. For further information on using the tip, please see the /tip.

Brown-lidded bin (garden waste)

Please visit /brownliddedbin for more information.

Bubble wrap

Bubble wrap cannot currently be recycled, but you could easily reuse it to wrap up valuables for transportation.

Building waste

Up to 6 bags per load of building waste from home DIY (excluding footings, internal wall removal, foundation work or internal render) can be disposed of at the /tip. Please ask an advisor on site.

Bulky household waste

/bulkywaste can be arranged for a /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/666/disposal_of_large_or_bulky_items/2. You can book for up to ten items at a time. Bulky waste items are currently collected by http://www.emmaus.org.uk/coventry_warwickshire who reuse and recycle as many of the collected items as possible.

Business waste

Please see /commercialwaste.

C

Cans

Food and drink cans should be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. Don't forget to wash and squash them first!  See also tin cans.

Car batteries

Please see /recyclingaz#batteries.

Card / cardboard

Recycle your cardboard in your /blueliddedbin. Large quantities can be recycled at the /tip. Make sure that any staples are taken out of boxes and then squash the cardboard flat. If you are putting it into your /blueliddedbin, please ensure that it will not get stuck, as this may prevent your bin from being emptied fully.

Carpets

Carpets and rugs are made of a variety of fibres which are difficult to separate for recycling, therefore reuse of carpets and rugs is preferred. Carpets can be disposed of at the /tip.

Cartons

These can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin, or they could be used for arts and crafts projects. Remember to wash and squash them first!

Cartridges

Many types of printer cartridges can be refilled at shops such as https://www.cartridgeworld.co.uk/. Try to check that the cartridges can be reused before you buy a printer! They can also be taken to the /tip. Many charities can also make money by recycling them.

Catalogues

These can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Cat litter

Used cat litter should be bagged or wrapped in newspaper and put in your /greenliddedbin. See also /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/5#dogwaste.

CDs, DVDs and videos

Most charity shops will take these in good condition, you could swap them or give them away to friends and family, or some websites will give you money for old CDs and DVDs.

Cereal boxes

Cereal boxes can be flattened and recycled in your /blueliddedbin. They could be used for arts and crafts along with cartons!

Chemicals

All hazardous and chemical waste that is destined for disposal must be cleanly and safely packaged in a container suitable for the purpose, clearly labelled and submitted for disposal at the /tip. Please advise staff of any items you may have upon arrival at the site.

China plates and ornaments

If they are in good condition then they can be donated to a charity shop. Otherwise, please put them in your /greenliddedbin as they cannot currently be recycled. Be careful to wrap any sharp edges.

Children's toys

Please see /recyclingaz#toys.

Christmas cards and paper

Glitter and foil wrapping papers can’t be recycled - they need to go into your /greenliddedbin. If you’re unsure try the scrunch test to check if your paper is recyclable. If your paper springs back after you scrunch it up it can’t be recycled. If it stays in a ball it can go into your /blueliddedbin. You can tear the glitter section off of cards before you recycle them or save them to make gift tags for next year.

There are some great alternatives to traditional wrapping paper. You could consider using brown paper and twine to wrap your presents the brown paper could then be recycled or reused.

Plastic and glass baubles can’t be recycled. If they are in good condition you could take them to a charity shop or resell them to fund new decorations. If they are past their best please put them in your /greenliddedbin or take them to the tip.

Christmas trees

Real Christmas trees can be cut up and placed in your /brownliddedbin. Otherwise they can be taken to the /tip. If Christmas trees are artificial then these may be reused for subsequent years, or given to a friend or family member for reuse.

Cling film

Cling film cannot be collected for recycling. It can damage the machinery used for sorting recycling by becoming tangled around it. It must go in your /greenliddedbin. Why not try to reduce the amount that you use by storing things in reusable containers instead.

Clinical waste

Please see our pages on https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/controlled-hazardous-waste or /info/16/commercial_waste/39/clinical_and_hazardous_waste_disposal clinical waste.

For needles or syringes in a public area please visit /info/201/street_scene/613/discarded_needles_and_syringes.

Clothing, textiles and bedding

Unwanted clothing and textiles can be taken to your local charity shop, given to a friend or family member or recycled at the /tip. See also /recyclingaz#shoes.

Every year 900 million textile items go to waste in this country, but old jumpers and unwanted clothing are a valuable resource in many less developed countries. In Africa and the Baltic States 90% of people depend upon reclaimed textiles from developed countries for their clothes!

Coffee cups

We are unable to recycle drinks cups at present. Why not reduce the number of coffee cups you use by using a reusable coffee cup or mug? Many coffee shops offer discounts for bringing your own mug!

Coins

Most charities have a scheme where you can donate your unwanted foreign currency. If you have notes why not exchange them using a currency conversion service.

Commercial waste

Please see our /commercialwaste page.

Compostable Liners

/caddyliners

Composting

Subsidised composting bins are available to Coventry residents through /recyclingclub

Why not visit our composting pages to find out more on:

• /composting
• /brownliddedbin

Computers

If your computer is in good working order you could try selling it using online auction sites. If you can't sell it you could try giving it away using https://www.freecycle.org/.

Alternatively, you can dispose of them at the /tip.

You should ensure that all personal information is removed before attempting to sell or dispose of your computer.

Contamination

Putting things that we can't collect into the/blueliddedbin or /brownliddedbin bin can contaminate the whole load collected by our crews. Putting the wrong items into these bins can cause problems with the recycling process and increase costs of providing the service.

Controlled waste

See /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2329/controlled_or_hazardous_waste.

Cooking oil

Cooking oil can be disposed of at the /tip. Please see /recyclingaz#fat for more information.

Corks

Natural corks can be sliced finely and put into a compost bin, or they could be reused to make an interesting notice board.

Crisp packets

Crisp packets are soft, mixed plastic, so need to be placed into your general waste bin, the same as chocolate bar wrappers, cling film etc.

There are, however, 2 collection points in the city where you can deposit crisp packets, which are then sent to https://www.terracycle.com/en-GB, specialists in hard to recycle plastics.

There is one at The Hub, Jordan Well, Coventry University and the other is a private collector, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2003407173295003/.

Cutlery and crockery

These should be given to friends or family members or bunched into sets and taken to a charity shop.

D

Damaged bins

If your wheeled bin is damaged then it may be unsafe to empty it. You should contact us through /coventry_portal/ to request a repair or replacement. We aim to repair rather than replace wherever possible. Please see /requestbin for more information.

Disposable nappies

Disposable nappies make up 4% of Coventry's household waste - that's 14,000 tonnes per year! They can take up to 500 years to decompose, more if disposed of in a plastic bag.

They should be bagged and placed in your /greenliddedbin (general rubbish). They contain human waste and can therefore not be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Each household with a baby in disposable nappies generates an extra bag of rubbish each week. Reusable, cotton nappies are a good way of reducing this rubbish.

Dog waste

Dog waste should be placed in dog bins on the streets. If these are unavailable, or you are at home, then it should be bagged and placed in your /greenliddedbin. See also /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/5#catlitter.

Drinks bottles and cans

These can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. Please wash and squash them first!

Duvets and pillows

Please see /recyclingaz#quilts.

E

Egg boxes

If made from cardboard these are great for your /composting; just make sure that you break them up first!

Egg shells

Egg shells are excellent for /composting as they reduce the acidity, making the compost better for worms, which are very important in the composting process. They can also be a slug deterrent if crushed and sprinkled around plants. Egg shells can also go into your food and garden waste bin. 

Electrical goods / appliances

Electrical goods and appliances can be recycled at the /tip. Alternatively you can arrange for a collection using our /bulkywaste for a small charge. Electrical appliances of any size should not be put into any of your /ourbins.

If your items are still in working order and good condition (no mould or rust) why not donate them to a charity shop, or offer them to friend or family?

Electricity

Switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use. Many electrical appliances still use 50% of the electricity on standby as when they're on!

Engine oil

Engine oil can be disposed of at the /tip.

Envelopes

If you can't reuse old envelopes, recycle them in your /blueliddedbin.

Environment

For more information on how Coventry is doing in terms of current rubbish and recycling please see /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/446/recycling_targets_-_getting_greener For more information on what you can do to help, please see:

• http://recyclingclub.coventry.gov.uk/
• /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/446/reuse_and_recycle
• http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/
• https://www.coventry.gov.uk/bikerecycling

Excess waste

You can take any extra waste you may have to the /tip or arrange a /bulkywaste. Waste should not be compacted or forced into the bin as this may mean that your bin is not fully emptied.

F

Fabrics

Please see /recyclingaz#clothing.

Fat

Cooking fat can cause blockages if it is poured down the drain. It can be sealed in a container and taken to the /tip, or you could mix it with bird seed and leave it to solidify. This makes a great bird feed for the winter!

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers should never be put in a household bin as they can be very dangerous. They can be taken to the /tip for disposal.

Fluorescent tubes and bulbs

These can be taken to the /tip.

Flytipping

Please visit /flytipping for more information.

Foil

Please check online as some charities collect foil to raise money. Alternatively, it can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Food and drink cartons

See /recyclingaz#cartons.

Food waste

Food waste currently makes up the largest component of the average Coventry households waste. You can separate food waste in your kitchen using your /caddy. Once full your /caddy can be emptied into either your /brownbin or your /greenbin. More information on /caddy. For more information on reducing food waste, please visit http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/.

Fridges and freezers

Fridges and freezers can be taken to the /tip or a bulky waste collection can be arranged to remove them. Many retailers will take them away for you when delivering a new one. /flytipping is an offence.

Furniture

Items in good condition can be donated to local charity shop, offered to friend or family or on website such as https://www.freecycle.org/. You may even be able to sell them using an online.

Items in poor condition can be taken to the /tip.  Alternatively, you can arrange for a collection using our /bulkywaste service for a small charge.

G

Garden chemicals

Please see chemicals.

Garden tools

If your garden tools are in working condition why not give them to friends or family. Old tools can be recycled at the /tip.

Garden waste

Compostable garden waste can be put in your /brownliddedbin. You can also /composting or take it to the /tip. Garden waste collections are carried out every other week all year round.
If you believe that you have harmful or non-native plant species, such as /recyclingaz#J, please see the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants for guidance.

Gas bottles / cylinders

These can be returned to the supplier or taken to the /tip.

General rubbish

Please see /greenliddedbin.

Gift wrap

Please see /recyclingaz#christmascards.

Glass

Glass can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. Sheet glass can be taken to the /tip. Broken glass should be wrapped to avoid injury and put in your /greenliddedbin.

Going greener

Please visit /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/446/reuse_and_recycle for more information on ways that you can become more environmentally friendly and reduce your waste.

Green-lidded bin (rubbish)

Please visit /greenliddedbin for more information.

H

Hazardous waste

/recyclingaz#chemicals, /recyclingaz#batteries, /recyclingaz#electricalgoods and some /recyclingaz#paint are all classified as hazardous waste and should not be disposed of through the household waste collection service. Find out about /asbestos.

Household bins

Please see the following pages for more information:

• /blueliddedbin
• /brownliddedbin
• /greenliddedbin
• /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/4

To find out when your collections are, please /bindays.

Heavy bins

If your bin is too heavy we cannot empty it as it may break, fall or damage equipment when lifted at the back of our vehicle. You should remove some of the items and return your bin to your property until your next scheduled collection day. You can take extra waste to the /tip.

Household Recycling and Reuse Centre (the tip)

The /tip is located on Bar Road off the London Road. It is free to use for residents of Coventry.

Household waste

Coventry City Council provides fortnightly collections of your general waste (/greenliddedbin) and on the alternate weeks for your recycling (/blueliddedbin) and garden waste (/brownliddedbin). Many other household waste items, that you cannot put in these bins, are accepted at the /tip e.g. /recyclingaz#batteries and /recyclingaz#lightbulbs. 

I

Inhalers

Unused inhalers should be returned to your doctor or pharmacist for safe disposal. Used inhalers may be disposed of in your /greenliddedbin.

Inkjet cartridges

Please see /recyclingaz#cartridges.

J

Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed requires special disposal and therefore cannot go into your household bins or to the Household Reuse and Recycling Centre. The Environment Agency must be notified if you find Japanese knotweed on your property or elsewhere. Information on harmful weeds and contact details for the Environment Agency can be found on the https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prevent-the-spread-of-harmful-invasive-and-non-native-plants.

Jars

Glass jars can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Junk mail

Can be recycled in your https://www.coventry.gov.uk/blueliddedbin. To stop unaddressed mail, register your address with https://www.royalmail.com/. To stop addressed, unsolicited mail, you can register with the https://www.mpsonline.org.uk/mpsr/.

 

K

Kettles

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

Kitchen roll

Kitchen roll can assist /composting or should be disposed of in your /greenliddedbin.

Knives

Knives should not be disposed of loose in any of your bins. They may be transported carefully to the /tip and put in the metal container.

L

Labels

You do not need to remove labels from cans or bottles before recycling them.

Laptops

Please see /recyclingaz#computers.

Leaves

Leaves can be put in your /brownliddedbin or can be /composting.

Light bulbs

Light bulbs can be taken to the /tip. They should not be put in your /ourbins.

Love Food Hate Waste

http://www.lovefoodhatewaste.com/ provides free information and cooking tips for reducing food waste.

M

Magazines

These can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. If you have lots of magazines, people are sometimes interested in these on websites like https://www.freecycle.org/.

Master composters

Master composters are volunteers who try to encourage and promote /composting in their local community.

Mattresses

Many retailers offer removal of mattresses when they deliver new ones. If mattresses are in good condition and still have a fire label attached then they may be taken to a charity shop. Alternatively, you could arrange for a bulky waste collection for a small charge, or mattresses can be taken to the /tip.

Medicines

Please return any unused or out of date medicine to your local doctor or pharmacy. If medicines are allowed to escape into the environment then they could be harmful to animals or plants, so it is important that these are dealt with properly.

Metal

Metal cans may be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. Scrap metal can be recycled at the /tip.

Microwaves

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

Milk bottles

Plastic milk bottles can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. Please wash and squash first!
Glass milk bottles should be returned to your milkman for reuse.

Mirrors

You could try giving away or selling mirrors using https://www.freecycle.org/ or an online auction site. Alternatively, they can be taken to the /tip or can be collected as part of a bulky waste collection.

Missed bins

For more information on missed bins and details on how to report one, please see /missedbins.

Mobile phones

Unwanted mobile phones can be taken to the /tip, or can be sold on online shops.

N

Nappies

Please see #nappies.

New bins

/new_bins.

Newspapers

These can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

O

Oil

See /recyclingaz#fat, /recyclingaz#cookingoil and /recyclingaz#engineoil.

Ovens

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

P

Packaging

Most packaging can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. If you have too much to put in your bin then it may be taken to the /tip.

The most environmentally friendly thing to do is to try to buy things that have the minimum amount of packaging possible. Please see going greener for more information. You can contact retailers if you feel that they have used excessive or unnecessary packaging.

Paint

Check online as some charities can redistribute unused paint. You can also take it to the /tip, where water based paints can be disposed of in the landfill container.  Gloss based paints should be identified to a site operative.

Paper

Paper can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin. See also /recyclingaz#shreddedpaper.

Pet waste

Please see /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/5#dogwaste and /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/5#catlitter.

Plant pots

Plant pots are not currently recyclable, so must be placed into your /greenliddedbin. You could also try to reuse them in the garden as you pot on smaller plants.

Plasterboard

For more information please see our page on https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling/recycling-reuse-centre-tip/5#plasterboard.

Plastic

Plastic recycling facilities are available at all of the /tip.

Plastic carrier bags

Some larger supermarkets now offer recycling facilities for plastic bags. However, reusing plastic bags or replacing them with a reusable "Bag for Life" or longer-lasting cotton or jute bags are the best options environmentally. With the new 5p plastic bag charge, you will save money by taking a reusable bag with you every time you go shopping.

Hard plastics

Hard plastics such as garden furniture, /recyclingaz#toys, trays and collapsible crates can be recycled at the /tip.

Waste plastics for recycling - Biffa

Policy outlining https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/30375/plastics_trading_policy_-_biffa sent for recycling, including plastics which are exported.

Plastic bottles

Plastic bottles can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Polystyrene

Please dispose of polystyrene in your /greenliddedbin. Although polystyrene is a form of plastic, the process of expanding the plastic into polystyrene causes changes to the plastic, meaning that I cannot currently be recycled. The best option environmentally is to try to avoid buying anything in polystyrene, as it takes hundreds of years to break down after it is thrown away. We are able to collect small quantities of polystyrene in your green lidded bin, we would ask where possible this is bagged. Large quantities should be disposed of at the Recycling and Reuse Centre (the tip), on the London Road.

Postage stamps

Some charities collect old stamps to raise money. You can search the internet to find a charity that accepts stamps locally.

Printer cartridges

Please see /recyclingaz#cartridges.

Pyrex dishes and glasses

These cannot be recycled as they can explode when heated up in the glass recycling furnace. If they are in good condition then they can be taken to the a charity shop, or they can be taken to the /tip.

Q

Quilts

Can be given to friends or family members. Otherwise, they can be disposed of at the /tip.

R

Rainwater

Why not collect rainwater in a water butt for use in your garden?

Recycling bins

Please see /blueliddedbin.

Recycling type codes

Anything with a 1 or 2 is recyclable, and can be placed into your recycling bin.

Report it

Please visit the following pages for reporting anything related to waste:

• /missedbins
• /flytipping

Replacement bins

To request replacement bins if yours are damaged or stolen, please visit /newbins.

Requests

• /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/8
• /assistedcollection
• /newbins
• /bulkywaste

Rubble, bricks and soil

Rubble and soil can be taken to the /tip, where it will go for reuse.

S

Saucepans

Saucepans that are still in a usable condition should be taken to a charity shop or given to a friend or family member. If they are no longer usable then they may be taken to the /tip.

Schools

We work closely with many schools in Coventry in order to educate children on the importance of /info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/446/recycling_targets_-_getting_greener, and what they can do to help.

Shoes

If you don't want to keep a pair of shoes you can take them to your nearest charity shop, or recycle them at the /tip.

Shopping bags

Please see /recyclingaz#plasticbags.

Shredded paper

Shredded paper can be added to your /composting or used for animal bedding. If you can do neither of these then it can be disposed of in your /greenliddedbin.

Spectacles

Ask at your opticians or search online for charities that collect and reuse old spectacles.

T

Takeaway food containers

If the container is made of plastic or foil then you can wash it and either reuse it or recycle it in your /blueliddedbin. Polystyrene containers cannot be recycled currently. The best option environmentally for polystyrene containers is to find an alternative use for them or to try to avoid having them in the first place. Pizza boxes which are contaminated with pizza (eg. grease on the inside of the box) cannot be recycled.

Telephones

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods or /recyclingaz#mobilephones.

Telephone directories

Can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Tetrapaks

Tetrapak food and drink /recyclingaz#cartons can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Tin cans

Cans are sorted from other waste either by hand or by machine; the cans are then divided into metal types using magnets, steel cans are separated leaving aluminium cans to be shredded into small pieces. These small pieces of aluminium are then formed into blocks. The blocks are then put into a furnace and heated to over 750°C. Chemicals are added to improve the quality of the molten metal which is then poured into moulds and cooled by a curtain of water and then rolled into very thin sheets, ready to be into more cans and can be back on the shelves in just 6 weeks.

The Tip

Please see the /tip.

Toilet roll

Toilet roll can assist /composting or be disposed of in your /greenliddedbin.

Tools

Please see /recyclingaz#gardentools.

Toys

If your old toys are in good condition, why not take them to your nearest charity shop or give them to someone you know with Children?

Tumble dryers

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

TVs and monitors

Recycle your TVs and monitors at the /tip.

Tyres

You can dispose of up to 4 car tyres or 2 motorcycle tyres at the /tip.

U

Umbrellas

Umbrellas are always useful particularly with the British weather! If yours breaks it can be disposed of in your /greenliddedbin.

Unaddressed mail

Please see /recyclingaz#junkmail.

V

Vacuum cleaners

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

Vegetable peelings

Vegetable peel can be put in your /composting or in your /greenliddedbin.

Volunteers (Recycling Champions)

Recycling Champions are volunteers who encourage others in their community to waste less and recycle more. Please see http://recyclingclub.coventry.gov.uk/ for more information.

W

Washing machines

Please see /recyclingaz#electricalgoods.

Waste and recycling app

We now have an app, Your Rubbish, that you can use to remind you to put out your bins on the right day, what you can put in your bins and more! Find out more about it on our /wasteapp.

Water

There are many ways that you can reduce, reuse and recycle water in the home. Please visit http://www.waterwise.org.uk/ for more information.

Water butts

Water butts can be used to collect rainwater to use on your garden instead of using treated tap water. Please visit /composting for more information.

What happens to my waste now?

Please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/info/69/rubbish_and_recycling/2397/household_bins/9.

Wood and timber

Wood can be recycling at the /tip.

X

Xmas

Please see /recyclingaz#christmascards and /recyclingaz#christmastrees for more information.

Y

Yellow pages

Old yellow pages' or telephone directories can be recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Yoghurt pots

Yoghurt pots can be washed and then recycled in your /blueliddedbin.

Z

Zinc

Batteries have zinc in them - please see /recyclingaz#batteries for how you can recycle them.

Assisted collection

If none of the people in a household are able to move the bins to the collection point (due to poor health, mobility issues or disability), it is possible to apply for an assisted collection.

Each request for an assisted collection will be assessed individually, and we may need to visit you to confirm your application and identify an agreed place where the bins will be for their collection and return.

If your request is successful, we will write to you regularly to check if anything has changed and if you still need the service. You must tell us if your situation changes.

/applyassistedcollection

We reserve the right to remove the assisted collection service at any time if it is not being used correctly.

Request a new bin or a bin repair

We provide bin repair/replacement where your bin has been broken or stolen. We aim to repair bins, instead of replacing them, where possible.

The delivery of a new bin is running behind schedule. It usually takes 8 to 10 weeks. We apologise for the delay and will deliver the requested bins as soon as possible. For green-lidded bins (rubbish) we aim to deliver these as a priority.

• If you are asking for a /blueliddedbin (recycling), please use your green-lidded bin (rubbish) for any recycling while you are waiting for delivery
• If you are asking for a /brownliddedbin (food and garden waste), please take any waste to the /tip while you are waiting for delivery
• If you are asking for a /greenliddedbin (rubbish), we aim to deliver these as a priority. You can also https://www.coventry.gov.uk/tipbooking if you have excess waste.

If you are a developer or are building a new property, please download the https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/4808/waste-storage-technical-advice-note.

/requestbin

Additional bins

If you are asking for an http://www.coventry.gov.uk/greenbin, please note that we only provide extra green-lidded bins for houses with six or more people living there, five or more people including a child/children in nappies, or where a resident has a medical condition that causes the production of extra waste. If you qualify for an additional green-lidded bin you will be given a small (140 litre) bin. You will only be given an additional bin where we are confident that every reasonable effort is being made to recycle or compost.

If you are asking for an additional /blueliddedbin (recycling) or /brownliddedbin (garden waste) we will provide these free of charge.

Each request for an additional bin will be assessed individually and a visit may be carried out by a waste officer to confirm your application. Applications will only be accepted by those living in the property, i.e. property owners or tenants. In the case of HMOs (Houses of multiple occupancy) applications can be made by property owners, tenants or landlords.

/requestextrabin.

Our aims for your waste