A to Z of waste and recyclable items
Aerosol tins
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty.
Air freshener (aerosol)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty.
Aluminium trays
Orange bin
Remove food and other dirt from any foil packaging or trays.
Aluminium/Tin foil
Orange bin
Remove food and other dirt from any foil packaging or trays.
Animal waste
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Ash
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Baby wipes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Baking tray
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition. You can also put them in a scrap metal container at one of our recycling centres.
Balloons
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Batteries (household)
Battery recycling bag
View more information about household batteries collections.
Bikes
Recycling centres
Bikes are only accepted at Alford recycling centre, Ellon recycling centre, Huntly recycling centre and Peterhead recycling centre.
Biscuit tins
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Black bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Black plastic trays
Orange bin
Put in the orange bin instead of the blue one if you are on 3-weekly collections. Make sure they are empty and clean.
Blister packs
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Books (hard back)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Books (soft back only)
Blue bin
You can donate books to charity shops if they are in a good condition.
Bottle tops
Orange bin
Wash lid before recycling.
Bricks
Recycling centres
Rubble skip.
Brochures
Blue bin
Remove any plastic wrapping.
Bubble wrap
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Buckets
Recycling centres
Rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only.
Bulky items
Recycling centres
Not accepted at Insch and Portsoy recycling centres. Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition, if not place in the relevant skip at one of our recycling centres.
Butter tubs
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Car battery
Recycling centres
There are separate car battery containers at recycling centres.
Cardboard (including cardboard boxes and packaging)
Blue bin
Flatten the cardboard.
Carpets
Recycling centres
Not accepted at Insch and Portsoy recycling centres. Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition, if not place in the waste skip at one of our recycling centres.
Carrier bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Cartons (Tetra Pak)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Cartridges
Not accepted
Can be returned to the manufacturer or supplier and some charities will accept them too.
Cat litter
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
CDs
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Cereal boxes
Blue bin
Flatten the cardboard before putting it in the bin.
Cleaning product bottle (plastic)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Cling film
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Clinical waste
Not accepted
Please contact the NHS for advice on disposal.
Clothes
Recycling centres, Glass and textiles recycling points
Clothes can be disposed of in textile banks at recycling points and centres regardless of condition but they can also be donated to charity if still usable.
Coffee cups (disposable plastic and paper)
Orange bin
Make sure it is empty and dry.
Coffee grounds
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Coffee machine pods
Orange bin
Make sure it is clean and empty of any granules.
Compostable food packaging
Food waste caddy
Compostable containers only such as: food containers, cutlery, coffee and drinks cups. These items must have the leaf compostable symbol on them to be placed in the food waste bin. Items that are classed as “biodegradable” are not the same as compostable and should be placed in the black waste bin (for non-recyclable waste).
Computers
Recycling centres
Computers can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition, if not you can place them in the WEEE container. Please ensure all data is wiped.
Cooked food
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Cooking oil
Recycling centres
Make sure the cooking oil is clean. Use correct oil container at recycling centres.
Cosmetic bottles (glass)
Glass and textiles recycling points
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Cosmetic bottles (plastic)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Crisp bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Crisp tubes
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Dead flowers or plants
Recycling centres, Seasonal garden waste collection points
Flowers can be put in a composter. Smaller flowers can be placed in your food waste caddy.
Deodorant can
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty.
Detergent plastic bottles
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Dog waste
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Cannot be recycled.
Drainage pipes
Recycling centres
Rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only.
Drink cans
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Drink carton
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Drinking glasses
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Duvets
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to a charity if in a suitable condition. Cannot be accepted in textile banks.
DVDS
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Earth and rubble
Recycling centres
Remove wood, metal, wires and glass, place in a rubble or soil skip as appropriate.
E-Cigarettes
Recycling centres
Can be accepted at the small WEEE container at recycling centres preferably with battery removed.
Egg boxes
Blue bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Egg shells
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Electricals
Recycling centres
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition, if not place in the WEEE container at a recycling centre.
Energy saving light bulbs
Recycling centres
Put in fluorescent tube container at a recycling centre.
Envelopes (including windows)
Blue bin
Face wipes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Fibreglass
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Fireworks
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Please soak your unwanted fireworks in water before putting into your bin.
Fish and chip boxes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services (card fish and chips boxes are too contaminated, polystyrene is not recyclable).
Fish bones
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Flares
Not accepted
Please contact your local coastguard for advice on disposal of flares.
Flowers
Recycling centres, Seasonal garden waste collection points, Home Composter
Flowers can be put in a composter. Smaller flowers can be placed in your food waste caddy.
Fluorescent tubes
Recycling centres
Can be put into the lamp recycling container.
Food bags (plastic) for example: bread, frozen foods.
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Food tins
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Food trays (not polystyrene)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Food trays (polystyrene)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Food waste
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Fridges and freezers
Recycling centres
Please ensure all food is removed first, then put into the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) area at a recycling centre or if in a suitable condition give to charity.
Fruit peelings
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items (stickers).
Furniture
Recycling centres
Not accepted at Insch and Portsoy recycling centres. Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition otherwise can be put in a waste skip at one of our recycling centres.
Furniture polish can
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Garden waste
Recycling centres, Seasonal garden waste collection points
Remove contaminants including plastic sacks, stones, plant pots and fencing material.
Gas cylinders
Recycling centres
Gas cylinder cage at recycling centre.
Glass (bottles and jars)
Recycling centres, Glass and textiles recycling points
Separate the glass into colours (purple or pink glass can go in the green glass container). You can also take it to any glass recycling point.
Glass panes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
It can't be recycled. You can put it in a waste skip at a recycling centre or black bin at home.
Greeting cards (containing glitter)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services as glitter causes contamination. You can remove back of the card if it is glitter free.
Greeting cards (without glitter)
Blue bin
Make sure there is no glitter.
Hairspray (aerosol)
Orange bin
Make sure it is empty.
Hand Sanitizer (plastic containers)
Orange bin
Make sure it is empty and clean.
Hand wash bottle
Orange bin
Make sure it is empty and clean.
Hardback books
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Hardcore
Recycling centres
Rubble skip.
Hazardous chemicals
Not accepted
Contact waste management organisations to arrange disposal.
Helium gas bottles and cylinders
Recycling centres
Gas cylinder cage at recycling centre.
Inhalers
Not accepted
Local pharmacies can recycle inhalers.
Ink cartridges
Not accepted
Can be returned to the manufacturer or supplier and some charities will accept these.
Insulation (such as loft, wall, floor)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
It can't be recycled. You can put it in a waste skip at a recycling centre or black bin at home.
Jam jar lids
Glass and textiles recycling points, Orange bin
Lids go into the orange lid bins, or they can stay on the jars and be recycled at glass recycling points.
Japanese knotweed
Not accepted
Contact a specialist waste management contractor for this specific plant disposal.
Jewellery
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Jiffy bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, please reuse.
Junk mail
Blue bin
Remove any plastic wrapping.
Kitchen paper towels
Food waste caddy
Small amounts of paper towels can be taken in the food caddy.
Kitchen roll tubes
Blue bin
Knives
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
Please wrap items thoroughly if disposing of in your black bin or scrap metal skip at recycling centres or reuse.
Laminated paper
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Laundry basket
Recycling centres
Rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only, or general waste skip at other sites.
Lead acid batteries
Recycling centres
Local garages can dispose of car parts. Don't mix with household batteries if disposing at a recycling centre.
Leaves
Recycling centres, Seasonal garden waste collection points
Use the green waste skip at the recycling centre or summer garden waste points or compost at home.
Light bulbs (energy saving)
Recycling centres
Can be put into the container for bulbs at recycling centre.
Light bulbs (filament)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
Currently can't be recycled through our services. You can put it in a waste skip in a recycling centre.
Magazines
Blue bin
Remove any plastic packaging.
Meat bones
Food waste caddy
Remove packaging.
Meat trays
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Medicines
Not accepted
Return to your local pharmacy.
Metallic wrapping paper
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Metals
Recycling centres
Scrap metal unit.
Milk bottles (plastic)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Mobile phones
Recycling centres
Can be put into the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) container at a recycling centre. Please ensure all data is removed. If in good order, you can take them to a charity shop.
Nappies (disposable)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Needles (hypodermic)
Not accepted
Please don't put into any council bin. NHS accepts needles and your prescribing pharmacist should supply a sharp safe bin or needle exchange.
Newspapers
Blue bin
Oil tins
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
All oil should be removed and tin cleaned.
Out of date food
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items (packaging).
Padded envelopes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, please reuse.
Paint
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Note, all paint should be either removed or dried. If you have tins of water-based paint, leave the lid off so the paint can go hard before putting them in your refuse bin. For oil-based paint, mix the paint with sawdust or cat litter first and then leave to dry before disposal.
Painted paper or card
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Pans
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition or placed in scrap metal container at recycling centre.
Paper
Blue bin
Make sure it is clean and dry.
Paper napkins
Food waste caddy
Paperback books
Blue bin
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Pesticides
Not accepted
Follow manufacturer instruction.
Pet food
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Pet food pouches
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Phone books
Blue bin
Remove plastic packaging.
Photos
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Pillows
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Can be donated to an animal charity if in a suitable condition. Cannot be accepted in textile banks.
Pizza box
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
The top of the box can be put into your blue bin if it is not at all greasy.
Plant pots (ceramic)
Recycling centres
Rubble skip.
Plant pots (flexible plastic)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Flexible plant pots that can be squashed (seedling trays) can’t be recycled so should go in the black household refuse bin.
Plant pots (hard plastic)
Recycling centres, Orange bin
Put softer plastic pots in the orange bin. Harder plastic pots can go to the rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only. Make sure they are clean and dry.
Plants
Recycling centres, Seasonal garden waste collection points
Plasterboard
Recycling centres
Make sure it's clean and free of any tiles or dirt.
Plastic bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Plastic bottles
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Plastic cups (disposable)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Plastic lids
Orange bin
Put back on the bottle once air is squashed out.
Plastic netting, for example: fruit and veg nets
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Plastic pots
Recycling centres, Orange bin
Put in the orange bin if the plastic is not rigid. If rigid, these can go in the rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only. Make sure they are clean and dry.
Plastic straws
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Plastic trays
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Plastic tubes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Plastic tubs
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Plastic wrapping or film
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Polystyrene
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Polystyrene expanded (EPS)
Recycling centres
Can be recycled at Alford, Banchory, Ellon, Fraserburgh, Inverurie, Peterhead, Portlethen, Stonehaven, and Westhill recycling centres. Please note only shape molded packaging, usually used for electronics, blocks and planks of filled material, clean packaging boxed and packaging balls are accepted.
Pressurised containers
Recycling centres
Includes gas bottles such as LPG and camping gas, fire extinguishers and similar potentially dangerous containers. Make sure they are empty.
Pyrex glass
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Rags
Recycling centres, Glass and textiles recycling points
Ragwort
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Waste skip.
Rechargeable batteries
Battery recycling bag
Recyclable material contaminated in food
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services. Food contaminated card can be home composted.
Rice, pasta and pizza
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Rotten food
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Rubble
Recycling centres
Rubble skip.
Sandwich packets (plastic and paper)
Orange bin
Made of paper, plastic or both. Put in the orange bin. Clean off food residue.
Sanitary products
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Sauce bottles (glass)
Glass and textiles recycling points
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Sauce bottles (plastic)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Scrap metal
Recycling centres
Scrap metal unit.
Shampoo bottles (plastic)
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Sheet glass
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
It cannot currently be recycled through our services. You can put it in a waste skip at a recycling centre.
Shoes
Recycling centres, Glass and textiles recycling points
Tie shoes together to keep in pairs. Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Shredded paper
Blue bin
Make sure it is clean, dry and wrapped in either newspaper or cereal boxes to prevent litter.
Small electrical appliances
Recycling centres
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition or placed in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) container at a recycling centre.
Smoke alarms
Recycling centres
You can put them in a Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) container.
Soft plastic tubes (such as toothpaste)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Soil
Recycling centres
Soil skip.
Spectacles
Not accepted
Can be donated to charity or prescribing optician.
Stone
Recycling centres
Rubble skip.
Straws (paper)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Sweet packets (plastic)
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Sweet tin
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Syringes
Not accepted
Please don't put syringes into any council bin. NHS accepts them and your prescribing pharmacist should supply a sharp safe bin or needle exchange.
Tablet blister packs
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Tablet bottles
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.
Tablets
Not accepted
Return to your pharmacy.
Tea bags
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items (staples or string).
Textiles
Recycling centres
Can be disposed of at textile banks at recycling points regardless of condition but can also be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Till receipts
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Till receipts are printed on thermal paper which can't be recycled.
Tin foil
Orange bin
Remove food and other dirt from any foil packaging or trays.
Tissues
Food waste caddy
Small amounts of paper tissue can be taken in the food caddy.
Toilet roll tubes
Blue bin
Make sure it is clean and dry.
Toner
Not accepted
Can be returned to the manufacturer or supplier and some charities will accept these.
Toothbrushes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Toothpaste tubes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Toys
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
Can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition. Alternatively can go into Rigid plastic container at Peterhead recycling centre and Ellon recycling centre only.
Turf
Recycling centres
Soil skip.
Tyres
Waste transfer stations (Banchory, Ellon, Macduff)
Find out where and how to dispose of tyres. Wheel rims are not accepted but can be put in scrap metal container at recycling centres. Bicycle tyres can be put into the non-recyclable waste skip at recycling centres.
Uncooked food
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items (packaging).
Underlay
Recycling centres
If cannot be reused put in a waste skip.
Vapes
Recycling centres
Can be accepted at the small WEEE container at recycling centres preferably with battery removed.
Vegetable oil
Recycling centres
Ensure correct oil container is used at recycling centre.
Vegetable peelings
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items (stickers).
Vegetables
Food waste caddy
Remove any non-food items.
Video cases
Orange bin
Please remove the paper insert, which can also be recycled.
Video tapes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Video cassettes cannot be recycled.
Vinyl flooring
Recycling centres
If cannot be reused put in a waste skip.
Wallpaper
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
Water filters
Not accepted
Can be returned to manufacturer to be recycled.
Weeds
Black bin (non-recyclable waste), Recycling centres
You can put it in a waste skip at a recycling centre.
Wet wipes
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services.
White bin bags
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services, but can be recycled with soft plastics at some local supermarkets. Please check your local supermarket for information on what they can accept.
Window panes
Recycling centres
Put it in a waste skip at a recycling centre.
Wood
Recycling centres
Remove any nails and screws.
Wooden flooring
Recycling centres
If cannot be reused put in a wood skip.
Wool
Black bin (non-recyclable waste)
Currently can't be recycled through our services but can be donated to charity if in a suitable condition.
Wrapping paper
Blue bin
Can be recycled if it scrunches and stays compressed, springy wrapping paper with plastic content cannot be recycled.
Yellow Pages
Blue bin
Remove any plastic packaging.
Yogurt pots
Orange bin
Make sure they are empty and clean.