Recycling services

 
 

Frequently asked questions

These are the top ten questions people ask us. If you can’t find the answer here, get in touch by completing our online contact form or call the recycling team on 020 7641 2000

1. I’ve just moved to Westminster, how do I start recycling?
2. How do I get extra recycling bags or baskets?
3. I really want to start recycling but my street isn’t covered. How do I request a recycling service?
4. My recycling wasn’t picked up today – why?
5. Where’s my nearest micro-recycling centre?
6. I throw away loads of plastic – why can’t I recycle all of it?
7. Can I recycle my old mobile phone?
8. Can I recycle old computer equipment?
9. How can I recycle nappies?
10. Can I recycle rubbish from my garden?

 

1. I’ve just moved to Westminster, how do I start recycling?
Answer: It’s easy to recycle in Westminster. To get started just get in touch:
tel: 020 7641 2000
online: Contact the recycling team

 

2. I’m a keen recycler. How do I get extra recycling bags or baskets?
Answer: It’s easy to get more bags and baskets. Either call us on 020 7641 2000 or contact us online.

Extra bags and baskets will be delivered to your door within ten working days. If you live on an estate, visit your estate office and they will be able to give you more bags.

 

3. I really want to start recycling but my street isn’t covered. How do I request a recycling service?
Answer: If you think that your street or block should start recycling – contact us. You can call us on 020 7641 2000 or contact us online. Otherwise, why not use our micro-recycling centres? There are 125 around the city.

 

4. My recycling wasn’t picked up today – why?
Answer: There are a number of reasons why your recycling may not have been collected:

  • Your recycling was put out late
  • There was something in your recycling which cannot be recycled 
  • Your recycling was not placed where our collection team could see it or
  • The vehicle couldn’t get down your street today.

If you need any help or advice call 020 7641 2000 or contact us online

 

5. Where’s my nearest micro-recycling centre?
Answer: There are 125 micro recycling centres in Westminster. You can also look them up on a map of the area.

 

6. I throw away loads of plastic – why can’t I recycle all of it?
Answer: Plastic is a difficult material to recycle as there are many different types and needing different types of reprocessing techniques. The plastics need to be collected separately or sorted after collection, as the companies who recycle plastics will specify which type of plastic they will accept.

We are constantly seeking to extend the range of materials that can be recycled. We are starting with plastic bottles only as this is the easiest plastic to recycle and we will seek to extend the types of plastic containers we collect in the future. Please and rinse the bottle and remove the top before putting out for recycling.
What can I recycle?
Recycling A-Z

 

7. Can I recycle my old mobile phone?
Answer: Most mobile phone manufacturers take back unwanted mobile phones and either reuse or recycle the equipment. Contact your local retailer for more information. Alternatively, mobile phones can be given to charities. Click on the link below to find out how to donate
Recycling A-Z

 

8. I have computer equipment to get rid of. Can I recycle it?
Answer: The REALISE Network of IT refurbishers provides disposal services for homes and organisations in Westminster with unwanted IT equipment.

Where possible computers are refurbished and upgraded then made available at low-cost, and data security is guaranteed. Visit the REALISE network for more details on refurbishes.
Recycling A-Z

 

9. How can I recycle nappies?
Answer: Eight million disposable nappies are thrown away every day in the UK and they take hundreds of years to degrade. Why not try reusable nappies? Gone are the days of terry cloth, safety pins and complicated folding. Reusable nappies have come a long way.
More information on reusable nappies:
The real nappy campaign is also a starting point for information.

 

10. Can I recycle rubbish from my garden?
Answer: We offer a garden waste recycling scheme for residents who live in St John's Wood and Maida Vale.
You can also compost your garden waste.