A to Z of Waste
A
Adhesives and glue
See Chemicals.
Advent Calendars
Cardboard and plastic from your advent calendars can be recycled in your clear bag. If parts of the calendar are made of a multi-layer material consisting of plastic and foil, these can’t be recycled; place them in your non-recyclable black bin waste.
Aerosol cans
Aerosol cans (including lids) can be placed in your clear recycling bag. Please separate the lid from the can before you do so.
Aluminium foil
See Foil.
Aluminium cans
See Cans.
Animal bedding
A small amount of animal bedding (from hamsters and gerbils and other animals kept indoors) can be put in your home compost. Large amounts of bedding, or that from domestic animals kept outside, should be put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Animals (Dead)
Please contact us for information on disposing of dead animals.
- Asbestos is a hazardous substance and has health implications.
- Small quantities (1-2 sheets) of domestic DIY asbestos will be accepted at the Aberystwyth Household Waste Site and the Lampeter Household Waste Site.
- Residents who wish to use the Household Waste Site at Cilmaenllwyd will be directed to the Transfer Station at D.I. Evans Cyf in Beulah.
- Residents who wish to use the Household Waste Site at Rhydeinion Llanarth will be directed to the Transfer Station at LAS Lampeter.
- Please leave the sheets whole and avoid breaking the asbestos into smaller pieces. All Asbestos will need to be double-bagged and wrapped in heavy-duty plastic bags.
- Loose Asbestos will not be accepted at the above Sites unless it has been triple bagged or wrapped.
- Please approach a site attendant on arrival at the Sites to notify them that you have asbestos to dispose of. Larger quantities of trade demolition asbestos must be taken to a disposal site licensed for asbestos. Check locally to find your nearest licensed hazardous waste disposal contractors.
Ash
(Coal) Coal ash can't be recycled. Please place in your non-recyclable black waste bag when the ashes have cooled. Coal ashes are not safe for composting; they contain sulphur and iron in amounts high enough to damage plants. Please ensure that bags are not too heavy to be lifted by the Waste Collection Operatives. Larger amounts of ash can be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
(Wood) Wood ash can't be recycled but it can be composted. Put small quantities of wood ash in your home compost. Wood contains minerals that are good for improving the soil. If you’re unable to compost it, place cooled-down ash in your non-recyclable black waste bag. Please ensure that bags are not too heavy to be lifted by the Waste Collection Operatives. Larger amounts of ash can be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
B
Baby wipes
See Wipes.
Bags
Reuse your plastic bags or use ‘Bags for Life' when you shop. Plastic bags can also be recycled, put clean bags in your clear recycling bag. Cloth bags/handbags can be reused or donated to charity.
Bathroom fittings
Sell or donate unwanted items. Alternatively, these can be taken to your local Household Waste Site. Larger items can be disposed of through our Bulky Household Collection Service.
Batteries (Household)
Many retail outlets that sell household batteries also have facilities for collecting spent batteries. They may also be taken to your local Household Waste Site or Customer Service Centres - Local Offices. Batteries accepted include AA, AAA and D cell, mobile phone, laptop and watch batteries. Try to use rechargeable batteries where possible.
Batteries (Car)
These should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Beds and bedding
Beds can be re-used if in good condition. Otherwise, beds (including mattresses, bed frames and bedding) can be collected through our Bulky Household Collection Service, or taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Bicycles
Bicycles that are in good condition can be re-used. Donate to charity, sell locally or through online advertising. Bicycles can also be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Bones
Meal leftovers such as bones and small carcasses (like chicken, fish, or turkey) should be put in your food waste container.
Books
Books can be donated to charity, taken to your nearest book-bank or local Household Waste Site.
Bottles
(Glass) See Glass (Bottles and jars)
(Plastic)
These can be placed in your clear recycling bag. Please wash the bottles and flatten them before putting them in your bag. You can leave the tops on the bottles.
Bottle tops
These can be placed in your clear recycling bag. This includes all bottle and jar tops.
Brochures
See Magazines.
Brushes/Brooms
You can recycle wooden broom handles at your nearest Household Waste Site. You can put the brush part of the broom in your non-recyclable black waste bag, or reuse it for cleaning.
Bubble wrap
Bubble Wrap can be reused or placed in your clear recycling bag.
Building materials
Building Materials arising from small household DIY projects can be taken in limited quantities to your local Household Waste Site. A limit of 5 rubble bags/ builders sacks (max 20kg each) of soil, rubble or DIY waste per month shall be accepted so long as it originates from a domestic source. These may include materials such as asbestos, corrugated sheeting, flooring, rubble, roofing felt and roofing. For larger quantities, or for materials not covered in this entry, please contact us.
Business waste
See Trade Waste.
Bulky household waste
This can be taken to your local Household Waste Site or collected through our Bulky Household Waste Collection service.
C
Cables
See Electrical appliances.
Cans
Clean food and drink cans, whether aluminium or steel, should be placed in your clear recycling bag. Take care when washing cans as they may be sharp.
Caravans
These should be disposed of through your local scrap merchant.
Cardboard
Cardboard should be placed in your clear recycling bag. Please flatten boxes before putting them in the bag. Large pieces of flat-packed cardboard that are too big to fit in the bag can be put out for collection next to your clear recycling bag or can be taken to your nearest Household Waste Site.
Carpets and rugs
These can be re-used if in good condition. Alternatively, you may take them to your local Household Waste Site or use our Bulky Household Waste Collection service.
Cars and car parts
We do not accept car parts at our Household Waste Sites. These should be disposed of through your local garage or scrap merchant.
Cards
Cut them up and turn them into gift tags or homemade cards. Plain cards that do not contain any glitter or foil can be recycled in your clear recycling bags. Try to buy cards made from recycled paper or send an e-card as an alternative.
Cartons
Cartons for food and drink can be placed in your clear recycling bag; please rinse and squash them beforehand.
Catalogues
See Magazines.
Cat Litter
Cat Litter should be double-bagged and then placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag. To 'double-bag', put the item into a plastic bag, tie it closed, and then put it into a second bag.
Cellophane
Cellophane is a thin film of regenerated cellulose used as a packaging material and is biodegradable. It can be home-composted or placed in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Cellotape
Cellotape or similar items like duct tape, electrical tape, masking tape and parcel tape cannot be recycled. Please put it in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
CDs and DVDs
See DVDs and CDs.
Ceramics (China/Crockery)
Unwanted bric-a brac such as unbroken china can be reused or donated to charity. Please do not place ceramic in the glass and jar collection box as it can’t be recycled in the same way. Ceramics can also be taken to your local Household Waste Site
Chemicals
Hazardous household waste such as leftover herbicides, pesticides and fertilisers, solvents, solid resins, adhesives and glues should be disposed of as directed on the container. Please read the directions carefully. Small amounts can also be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
China
See Ceramics.
Chipboard
Chipboard should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Chocolate and sweet wrappers
Chocolate and sweet wrappers can’t be recycled. Please put it in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Christmas Crackers
Cardboard from your Christmas crackers can be recycled in your clear bag. Paper hats, made of tissue paper, can be composted.
Christmas decorations
Christmas decorations can be reused year after year or donated to playgroups or schools for craft sessions. Decorations that are not fit for reuse should be put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Christmas trees
Real Christmas trees can be taken to your nearest Household Waste Site or you can use the Garden Waste Collection Service. Purchase one of our green garden waste bags and tie to the stump of the tree. Phone 01545 570881 to request a collection or book your collection online here.
Artificial Christmas trees can be placed in your non-recyclable black waste bag or taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Christmas wrapping paper
Some wrapping paper can be recycled in your clear recycling bag. Paper with glitter and some shiny wrapping paper can’t be recycled. Look out for paper that says it’s recyclable; check before you buy.
Brown paper decorated with seasonal bits and bobs from the garden is great – 100% recyclable or compostable. Alternatively use a gift bag that can be reused over and over again.
Clinical waste
Please arrange clinical waste collections with your doctor.
Cling film
Please wash the film and put it in your clear recycling bag.
Clothes hangers or coat hangers
Metal or plastic ones can be recycled in your clear recycling bags. Better still, if you don’t need them, say no at the shop.
Coal sacks
These should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag, as coal dust can contaminate other recyclable materials.
Coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds can be disposed of in your food waste container.
Coffee pods
We don't recycle coffee pods. Most coffee pod manufacturers offer their own recycling schemes. Please check their websites for details. Otherwise, please put them in your non-recyclable black bin waste.
Coins
Many charities accept donations of old or foreign coins.
Commercial waste
See Trade waste.
Computers
Computers can often be refurbished and re-used, donated to charities or taken to your local Household Waste Site. Please ensure your hard-drive is completely wiped before disposing of your computer.
Cooking oil
Cooking oil should be stored in a suitable container and taken to your local Household Waste Site. Small amounts, absorbed on a paper towel, can be placed in your food waste container.
Condoms
Condoms cannot be recycled. Please put them in your non-recyclable black waste.
Contact lenses
Put them in your non-recyclable black bin waste.
Copper
Copper can be taken to your local Household Waste Site or scrap merchant.
Coronavirus-related waste
Disposable personal waste, including face coverings, gloves and personal protective equipment (PPE) should be put in a bag, tied and then placed in your non-recyclable black bin waste. You should wash and reuse cloth face coverings to prevent and reduce waste.
If you’re self-isolating with confirmed or suspected Covid-19, don't place personal waste (such as used tissues and disposable cleaning cloths) out for collection for at least three days.
After you remove your PPE or face covering, wash your hands or use hand sanitiser.
Cork
Corks can be taken to your local Household Waste Site or put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Corrugated sheeting
See Building materials.
Cotton Buds
Unfortunately, due to the mixture of materials, cotton buds cannot currently be recycled. Please place them in your black non-recyclable waste bag.
Crisp packets
These should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag.
Crockery
See Ceramics.
Curtains
Curtains can be re-used or donated to charity. They can also be placed in textile banks or taken to your local Household Waste Site.
D
Directories
These can be placed in your clear recycling bag.
DIY materials
See Building materials.
Dog waste
Dog waste should be placed in a 'poop bag', tied, and then placed in your non-recyclable black waste bag. Any dog waste placed in your non-recyclable waste bag should be placed with other non-recyclable items. Bags of just dog waste will not be accepted. Alternatively, use a composting toilet, or bury in the garden.
Domestic appliances
See Electrical appliances.
DVDs and CDs
If they are in good condition these can usually be donated to charity or re-use shops. Alternatively, they can be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
DVD players/ Video recorders
See Electrical Appliances.
Duvets
Take to your nearest Household Waste Site or put them in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
E
Egg boxes (Cardboard)
Cardboard egg boxes can be taken to poultry farms for re-use or saved for arts and crafts projects. They can also be composted or placed in your clear recycling bag.
Egg boxes (Plastic)
You can place these in your clear recycling bag.
Electrical appliances
Electrical Appliances in good condition may be accepted at re-use organisations, check whether they accept them first. Alternatively, they could be taken to your local Household Waste Site or collected through our Bulky Household Waste collection service.
Energy-saving light bulbs
See Light bulbs.
Engine oil
See Oil (Motor).
Envelopes
These can be placed in your clear recycling bag, including those with windows.
F
Fabric
See Textiles.
Face masks
See Coronavirus-related waste.
Fat
Small amounts of solid fat can be placed in your food waste container. Small amounts of cooled down liquid fat (oil), absorbed on a paper towel, can be placed in your food waste container. Large amounts should be stored in a suitable container and taken to your local Household Waste Site. Don't pour cooking fat down the drain as it causes blockages.
Flowers (Dead)
Small quantities of cut flowers can be placed in your food waste container. For garden flowers, see Garden Waste.
Flower pots
Plastic flower pots can be recycled in your clear recycling bag. Terracotta and ceramic flower pots can be reused. Alternatively, take to your local Household Waste Site.
Fluorescent tubes
These should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Foil
Foil should be cleaned and then placed in your clear recycling bag.
Food pouches
Food pouches, such as pet food pouches, cannot be recycled as they are made from mixed materials. Put them in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Food waste
Food waste is collected weekly. Food waste should only be presented in the tied food waste liners inside the large food waste container, both of which are provided by us. All unpackaged food waste, whether cooked or uncooked, can be recycled in your food waste container.
Advice - Surplus food waste following power cut
- Please remove the food from its packaging.
- Put the food waste in your food waste bin and the packaging in your clear recycling bag as appropriate .
- If your food waste bin is full please place excess food waste in a bucket or small container clearly labelled “Food Waste” and place it out for collection with your food waste bin on your next scheduled collection day.
Fridges and freezers
See Electrical appliances.
Fruit netting
Fruit netting cannot be recycled. Please put them in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Furniture
Furniture can be donated to charity or may be taken by re-use organisations. Alternatively, it can be taken to your local Household Waste Site or collected through our Bulky Household Waste collection Service.
G
Garden chemicals
See Chemicals.
Garden waste
Garden waste can be home-composted, taken to your nearest Household Waste Site, or put in green waste bags (available from Customer Service Centres - Local Offices), please contact us to arrange for collection.
Gas bottles/Cylinders
Please return gas bottles and cylinders to the supplier. They are not accepted at any Household Waste Site. Liquid petroleum gas bottles should also be returned to the supplier. Please contact the Liquid Petroleum Gas Association on 01737 224700 for more details.
Glass (window panes, pyrex dishes, etc.)
Glass items should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Glass (Bottles and jars)
Put in your glass collection box to be collected every three weeks, on the same day as your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Glasses
See Spectacles.
Gloves
See Coronavirus-related waste.
H
Hair
Hair can be put in your food waste container, your home compost or in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Herbicides
See Chemicals.
Household chemicals
See Chemicals.
Hypodermic needles
These are Clinical waste. They should under no circumstances be disposed of with your household waste. Please arrange Clinical Waste collections with your doctor. Sharps boxes can be collected and returned to your chemist.
I
Incontinence pads
These items can either be double-bagged and placed in your non-recyclable black waste bag or be collected through our Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) Collection Service. You will need to register for this service.
Ink jet cartridges
See Printer cartridges.
IT equipment
See Computers.
J
Jars
See Glass (Bottles and jars).
Jar tops
See Bottle tops.
Jewellery
Donate to charity shops, or sell to gold/silver merchants.
Jiffy bags
Jiffy Bags should be re-used where possible. Otherwise, the plastic and paper sections should be separated and placed into your clear recycling bag. If this is not possible, place in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Junk mail
Junk mail can be put in your clear recycling bag. Please remove the mail from any plastic packaging before recycling it. You may also wish to consider registering with the Mailing Preference Service to reduce the amount of junk mail you are sent.
K
Keys
Old metal keys can be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Kitchen roll
Kitchen roll can be composted or placed in your food waste container. The inner tube can be placed in your clear recycling bag.
Kitchen waste
See Food waste.
L
Leaves
See Garden Waste.
Light bulbs
These can be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Lint
This should be put in your non-recyclable black bin waste.
M
Magazines, including brochures and leaflets
These can be placed in your clear recycling bag.
Make-up and packaging
Make-up (Cosmetics) cannot be recycled. Please put them in your non-recyclable black waste bag. Cosmetic packaging, made up of cardboard or plastic, can be put in your clear recycling bag. Glass containers can be placed in your glass jar & bottle collection box.
Medicine
Please take unused medicine to your nearest pharmacy for disposal. Please put empty tablet blister packs in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Metals
Metals can be taken to your local Household Waste Site or scrap metal dealer. They can also be collected through our Bulky Household Waste Collection Service.
Microwaves
See Electrical appliances.
Mobile phones
Old mobile phones can be donated to charity or taken to your local Customer Service Centres - Local Offices. Please ensure that all personal data is removed from the phone before you dispose of it.
Mops/Mop heads
You can take these to your nearest Household Waste Site.
Motor oil
See Oil (Motor).
N
Nappies (Disposable)
You may wish to consider switching to Real Nappies. Disposable nappies can be collected through our Absorbent Hygiene Products (AHP) Collection Service. You will need to register for this service. Or, you can place them in your non-recyclable black bin waste.
Newspapers
Newspapers can be placed in your clear recycling bag. Shredded newspaper can be used as an alternative for animal bedding for small pets such as hamsters.
O
Oil (Cooking)
See Cooking oil.
Oil (Motor)
Motor oil should be taken to your local Household Waste Site in a suitable container.
P
Paint
Paint can be given to local community or online re-use groups. Paint can also be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Paper
Paper can be placed in your clear recycling bag; important documents should be shredded beforehand.
Pesticides
See Chemicals.
Phone Book
See Telephone directories.
Pillow/Cushion
Take to your nearest Household Waste Site or you can also put them in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Plastic bottles
See Bottles(Plastic).
Plastic bags
Plastic bags can be placed in your clear recycling bag.
Plastic film lid
The type of thin plastic on top of food packaging can’t be recycled, please put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Polythene
See Plastic bags.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene can be placed in your clear recycling bag.
Pots and pans (metal)
Unwanted items in a good condition can be reused, sold or donated to charity. If they are not in a re-useable condition, you can take them to your nearest Household Waste Site.
Pringles tubes
These can’t be recycled, please put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Printer cartridges
Certain cartridges can be refilled. Charities and retail outlets may collect used cartridges for recycling. Cartridges are also accepted at your local Household Waste Site.
Pyrex
See Glass.
Q
Quilts
See Duvets.
R
Radios
See Electrical appliances.
Rags
See Textiles.
Ready meal trays
If they are made out of plastic or foil they can be recycled in your clear recycling bag. Before recycling, please remove the plastic film lid from the ready meal tray and place in your non-recyclable black waste bag. If the trays are made out of biodegradable packaging, please place in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Refrigerators
See Electrical appliances.
Rubber washing up gloves
These should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag. For advice on other disposable gloves, please see Coronavirus-related waste.
Rubble
See Building materials.
S
Sanitary products (towels, tampons, applicators and wrappers)
Please put tampons, sanitary towels and sanitary wrappers in your non-recyclable black waste bag. Do not flush tampons down the toilet.
Sawdust
If suitable, compost it. If not, place in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Scrap Metal
See Metals.
Scrap vehicles
See Cars.
Sharps
See Hypodermic needles.
Shoes
Old shoes can be donated to charity or taken to your nearest shoe banks, please tie them into pairs if possible. They can also be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Shredded paper
Shredded paper should be put in your clear recycling bag or home-composted.
Smoke detectors
Smoke detectors should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Home Fire Safety Checks - Firefighters and community fire safety staff from the Fire Service will now visit domestic properties to provide home fire safety advice and will supply and install a smoke alarm free of charge. You can request a home fire safety check for yourself or a dependant relative by contacting the Service on 0800 169 1234, or email www.mawwfire.gov.uk.
Sofas or settees
These can be reused if they have a fire label. Sofas or settees that are not in a reusable condition can be taken to your local Household Waste Site. They can also be collected through our Bulky Household Waste Collection Service.
Spectacles
Many charities collect old spectacles for redistribution overseas – many have drop-off points at opticians' branches or high street charity shops.
Stamps
Some charities accept old stamps. Stamps can also be placed in your clear recycling bag.
Syringes
See Hypodermic needles.
T
Tablet packaging (Blister packs)
Blister packs made of both plastic and foil must be placed in your non-recyclable black waste bag. Blister packs made solely of foil can be recycled; place these in your clear recycling bag.
Takeaway tubs/trays
Rinse out plastic takeaway tubs and place them in your clear recycling bag. If they are made out of plastic or foil they can be recycled in your clear recycling bag. If they’re made out of biodegradable packaging please place in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Taps (Kitchen and bathroom)
See Metals.
Telephone directories
See Directories.
Telephones
See Electrical appliances.
Televisions
See Electrical appliances.
Tetra-Pak
See Cartons.
Textiles
Textiles can be taken to your nearest textile bank or your local Household Waste Site.
Tin cans
See Cans.
Tin foil
See Foil.
Timber
See Building materials.
Tissues
Tissues cannot be recycled and should be put in your non-recyclable black waste bag or home-composted. Do not put tissues in your clear recycling bag or food waste container. Also, see Coronavirus-related waste.
Toothpaste tubes
These cannot be recycled and so should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag.
Toys
Toys in good condition can be sold, donated to charity or may be taken by re-use organisations. Otherwise, they should be taken to your local Household Waste Site.
Toy packaging (cardboard and plastic)
Please separate and place this in your clear recycling bag.
Trade waste
The Council offers a Trade Waste Collection service for businesses. It is illegal to present trade waste as domestic waste.
Trees
Trees should be taken to your local Household Waste Site. There are also a number of specialist contractors that can collect felled trees from your property.
Tyres
Old tyres should be taken to your local garage for disposal. There is a minimum charge for this service. Please note that tyres are not accepted at any Household Waste Site in Ceredigion.
V
Vacuumed waste
Put in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Vehicles
See Cars.
Video recorders/ DVD players
See Electrical Appliances.
Video tapes
Video tapes should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag.
W
Washing machines
See Electrical Appliances.
Washing-up gloves
These should be placed in your black non-recyclable waste bag.
White goods
See Electrical Appliances.
Window panes
See Glass.
Wipes (Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, wet wipes)
Baby wipes: If you have a baby and are using disposable nappies and wet wipes you may be eligible for the free Absorbent Hygiene Collection service. If you don’t require the AHP service you can place baby wipes in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Cosmetic/Cleaning wipes: Place in your non-recyclable black waste bag.
Do not flush wipes down the toilet.
Please refer to Coronavirus-related waste information for dealing with certain types of waste, including wipes and tissues.
Wood
See Building Materials.
Wrapping paper
See Paper
Y
Yellow Pages
See Directories.
Yoghurt pots
Yoghurt Pots should be put in your clear recycling bag.
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