Recycling FAQs
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What can go in my recycling bins?
Most people in Greater Manchester will have three recycling bins/containers and there are items that should be put into these bins and items that should be left out. To find out what, go to recycle in my area and click on the area you live in for further a full list.
Why can I only put plastic bottles in my mixed recycling bin?
Across Greater Manchester we recycle plastic bottles only. These can be put into your recycling container at home or taken to your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre, or bring bank.
If it’s not a plastic bottle please don’t put it in your mixed recycling container. Even though a yoghurt pot may be labelled as a ‘number 1’ type plastic in the same way as a plastic bottle, they are made from different grades of plastic. This means that the bottle will melt at a different temperature to the yoghurt pot and therefore they cannot be recycled together. The range of materials that can be recycled is driven by the manufactures that make new products. Currently these manufactures need high grade bottle type plastics to make their new products. There is much less demand for lower grade materials such as yoghurt pots and tubs.
Download our plastics leaflet for more information about plastic recycling in your area.
What happens to my recycling?
For information on all the items collected from your home visit Where does it all go.
What bags/liners can I use in my kitchen caddy?
You can use compostable bags/liners ONLY. The symbol on the right means the product is compostable. 
Look out for this symbol whilst shopping.
You cannot use plastic carrier bags in your kitchen caddy even if they say biodegradable on them. Biodegradable is very different to compostable.
To purchase compostable bags for your kitchen caddy contact your local council or purchase them from a Garden Centre
What should I do with clothes I no longer need?
Clothes in good condition should be re-used. Clothes can be passed onto friends and relatives, taken to charity shops or you may be able to sell clothes on online auction sites. All Recycling Centres provide textile banks where people can deposit their unwanted clothes, sheets, towels etc.
What should I do with broken and unwanted electrical goods?
Electrical goods should not be disposed of in your general waste.
Unwanted - If your electrical item is still working and in a useable condition, your local re-use group may be able to refurbish it, to give it a new lease of life and a new home. The scheme will accept washing machines and tumble driers, which will be refurbished and sold back to low income families.
Broken - Ask yourself can it be repaired? If the answer is no, then electrical items can be recycled at your local Recycling Centre.
How do I collect Cooking Oil for recycling and what happens to the Cooking Oil?
Pouring oil down drains is illegal, simply collect used oil in an empty plastic or glass bottle when the oil has cooled bring it on your next trip to a Recycling Centre that recycles cooking oil:
After the cooking oil is collected it is converted into bio-fuel to produce high quality bio-fuels for the distribution and power generation industries.
Can I recycle my Engine Oil?
Burning oil can lead to a £2000 fine. Waste engine oil can easily be recycled. Ask your local garage if they collect at your local Recycling Centre or ask your garage if they recycle it.
Can I recycle plastic bags?
Plastic carrier bags cannot be recycled within any of your household recycling collections or at Recycling Centres.
Most major supermarkets offer recycling sites for plastic carrier bags. Plastic carrier bags can be re-used before being recycled.
