Get ready for recycle week
With contaminated recyclable waste costing us approximately £325,800 per year, residents are being asked to think about what they are putting in their recycling bins.
Items such as soiled nappies, polystyrene, food waste, batteries, vapes, small electricals and plastic bags regularly find their way into recycling bins, which has both a huge financial and environmental impact for the council.
Councillor Maria Hall, Chair of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management partnership, said:
"It's really important for us to get recycling right. Reducing waste by recycling more is really important for the environment but contaminated waste can result in whole bin loads or possibly entire lorry loads of recyclable materials being unusable. This is costing us a lot of money that could be better spent elsewhere on other vital services."
"The majority of people recycle in a responsible way, which we are very grateful for. We understand that sometimes people are unsure whether an item is recyclable or not. We would ask that if you are in doubt use our A-Z of recycling, contact us to ask or leave it out of your recycling bin."
We want to prevent contaminated waste being an issue so we:
- will continue to not collect bins with contaminated items in - instead we will add a sticker to your bin asking for the items to be removed before your next collection
- our waste education co-ordinators are out and about helping to educate people on what can and can't be recycled. They also do pre collection checks to ensure there are no contaminated items in places with communal bins before our bin crews arrive
- our environmental anti social behaviour officers work with residents to prevent ongoing issues with contaminated waste and they will take action where necessary to improve the local environment for all residents
Top tips for recycling right
- check our A to Z of recycling for a comprehensive list of items that can and cannot be placed in your recycling bin
- if in doubt, leave it out - if you are unsure if an item can be placed in your recycling bin, leave it out or place in your household waste bin
- wash and squash - rinse food waste from containers and bottles, and fold any cardboard which will allow more room for more recycling
- arrange a bulky waste collection for any larger items that won't fit in your bin
As part of Recycle Week 2025 we will be sharing updates on Facebook, please follow us on Facebook.
With contaminated recyclable waste costing us approximately £325,800 per year, residents are being asked to think about what they are putting in their recycling bins.
Items such as soiled nappies, polystyrene, food waste, batteries, vapes, small electricals and plastic bags regularly find their way into recycling bins, which has both a huge financial and environmental impact for the council.
Councillor Maria Hall, Chair of the South Tyne and Wear Waste Management partnership, said:
"It's really important for us to get recycling right. Reducing waste by recycling more is really important for the environment but contaminated waste can result in whole bin loads or possibly entire lorry loads of recyclable materials being unusable. This is costing us a lot of money that could be better spent elsewhere on other vital services."
"The majority of people recycle in a responsible way, which we are very grateful for. We understand that sometimes people are unsure whether an item is recyclable or not. We would ask that if you are in doubt use our A-Z of recycling, contact us to ask or leave it out of your recycling bin."
We want to prevent contaminated waste being an issue so we:
- will continue to not collect bins with contaminated items in - instead we will add a sticker to your bin asking for the items to be removed before your next collection
- our waste education co-ordinators are out and about helping to educate people on what can and can't be recycled. They also do pre collection checks to ensure there are no contaminated items in places with communal bins before our bin crews arrive
- our environmental anti social behaviour officers work with residents to prevent ongoing issues with contaminated waste and they will take action where necessary to improve the local environment for all residents
Top tips for recycling right
- check our A to Z of recycling for a comprehensive list of items that can and cannot be placed in your recycling bin
- if in doubt, leave it out - if you are unsure if an item can be placed in your recycling bin, leave it out or place in your household waste bin
- wash and squash - rinse food waste from containers and bottles, and fold any cardboard which will allow more room for more recycling
- arrange a bulky waste collection for any larger items that won't fit in your bin
As part of Recycle Week 2025 we will be sharing updates on Facebook, please follow us on Facebook.
