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A-Z of Recycling

Most household goods can be recycled and made into new things. Find out what can be recycled and where with our A-Z of recycling.

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Garden chemicals 

Garden chemicals are classified as hazardous household waste and must be disposed of carefully. Contact the City of London on 020 7332 3433 for the hazardous household waste collection and disposal service, which is free of charge. 

Garden waste 

Using a compost bin or heap is the best option for your garden and for the environment. See composting. 

Alternatively, please dispose of your garden waste with your normal rubbish. Large trunks and logs will require a bulky waste collection

Gas bottles 

Gas bottles are classified as hazardous household waste and must be disposed of carefully due to the trace amounts of gas that may remain and cause explosions at the recycling facilities. 

In most instances the company or organisation that provided the gas cylinder will arrange to collect it so that they can re-use it. If the cylinder is an LP gas cylinder the customer should contact the LP Gas Association on 08457 626379. 

Alternatively you can bring your gas bottle to the household waste recycling centre at Smugglers Way  or  book a bulky waste collection. 

Read more on hazardous household waste disposal

Gift wrap 

Wrapping paper can be recycled as normal in your box, bag or bin. If the wrapping paper is metallic/foil paper and or has glitter please put it in the rubbish.  

Glass 

Glass bottles and jars can be recycled. Just put them carefully in your recycling bag, box or bin for collection. 

Broken sheet glass, window pane glass, mirrors, pyrex and filament light bulbs (non-energy saving) cannot be recycled as they are made of a different type of glass. Please wrap and tape in newspaper and add to your household rubbish. 

How to dispose of broken light bulbs

Glasses 

Old glasses in good condition can be donated to developing countries around the world. Ask your local optician if they collect them.

Westminster residents can also take spectacles to the household waste recycling centre at Smugglers Way  . 

Grass cuttings 

Grass can be composted easily. Seecomposting

Hazardous household waste 

Chemicals, batteries, electronic equipment and liquid paint are all classified as hazardous waste and should not be disposed of with your rubbish or mixed recycling. 

How to dispose of these items safely

Household rubbish 

In most homes over 50% of materials put in the household rubbish can be recycled. What can I recycle? 

Household waste recycling centres 

Westminster residents can take a large range of household items such as TVs, furniture and garden waste to the household waste recycling centre at Smugglers Way .  

Inkjet cartridges 

See printer cartridges

Published: 11 June 2021

Last updated: 27 May 2022