Materials A-Z

Egg cartons

Choose to buy cardboard egg cartons rather than plastic or polystyrene.
Cardboard egg cartons can be reused in a variety of ways you can break them up and add to your compost to provide aeration. Playgroups and schools can use them for craft projects, and they can also be used as seed pots and planted straight into the ground as they are biodegradable.
Cardboard egg cartons can be recycled in your mixed paper and card recycling collection from your home and can also be taken to your Household Waste Recycling Centre
 

Egg shells

Cleaned and crushed egg shells can be added to yourcompost as they contain lime which helps to reduce acidity.

Electrical Items

Electrical items should not be disposed of in your general waste

If your electrical item is still working and in a useable condition, your local reuse group may be able to refurbish it, to give it a new lease of life and a new home. Visit the bulky waste page to find your nearest group.

Electrical items can also be recycled at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

NEW: We have now launched a trial electrical re-use scheme at two Household Waste Recycling Centres. The scheme will accept washing machines and tumble driers, which will be refurbished and sold back to low income families. For more information visit the Electrical Re-Use Pages.

The digital switchover started on the 4th November 2010.
Most TVs can be converted with a digital box meaning there is no need for you to dispose of it. If you choose to upgrade consider whether someone can re-use your old unit. Your DVD recorder should still work BUT it will not be possible to watch one channel and record another at the same time.

For further information visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
 

Energy Saving Lightbulbs

Although standard lightbulbs cannot be recycled, energy saving lightbulbs will last longer and can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre and recycled in the  fluorescent tubes container

Engine oil

Used engine oil discarded down storm drains can cause considerable environmental damage if it leaches into watercourses and/or groundwater. Oil can be taken to your Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Envelopes

Envelopes in good condition can be reused by putting a reuse label over the old address and writing the new postal address on.
The back on an old envelope makes a good scrap piece of paper of household notes or a shopping list
Take the plastic windows off and envelopes can be home composted.
Otherwise they can be recycling in your mixed paper and card recycling container or put in the paperbanks at your Household Waste Recycling Centre.