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Packaging
Most packaging can be recycled using the residential recycling services in Westminster.
If an item cannot be recycled, try to reduce the amount of this type of packaging you purchase. Make an active choice not to buy goods that have a lot of packaging (e.g. If you can, choose to purchase loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packed).
For more information on the work being carried out nationally to reduce the amount of packaging being wasted please visit the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) website.
Paint
For small quantities of paint remove the lid and leave the paint to dry out, or dry it out on some newspaper, and then put the dried out paint and newspaper out with your household rubbish. Liquid paint is hazardous to the collection crews and should not be put out for collection.
For larger quantities (up to 50L) you can arrange a free collection. See the hazardous household waste page for details.
Paper
Most forms of paper can be recycled including junk mail, letters, envelopes, birthday cards, office paper, telephone directories, magazines, card and cardboard. Just add them to your mixed recycling.
Pet food packaging
Cans, cartons, paper bags and plastic trays can be recycled. Rinse them out and add to your mixed recycling.
Pet food plastic pouches either need to be put in the rubbish, or taken to some supermarkets to be recycled. See 'pouches' below for more information.
Plastic packaging and plastic items
Mixed recycling
Please put the following types of plastic packaging in the mixed recycling only
From your kitchen
- plastic bottles - milk bottles, soft drink bottles, water bottles, detergent and soap plastic bottles- including lids
- plastic pots - yoghurt pots, soup pots
- plastic tubs - margarine tubs, ice-cream tubs, biscuit and chocolate tubs including lids/ tops
- plastic trays - fruit trays/ punnets, plastic trays for raw meat, take away trays (remove any absorbent pads, remove the plastic films), biscuit and chocolate trays
From your bathroom:
- plastic bottles - bathroom cleaner bottles, bleach bottles
- plastic bottles - skin care, shower, hair care, and hand soap plastic bottles
From your garden:
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brown plant pots - please remove any soil.
Please put the following types of plastic into the rubbish:
- polystyrene - including take away containers, cups and packaging
- plastic film/plastic wrapping- for example from around magazines, fruit and meat trays or from yoghurt pot film lids
- sweet wrappers/crisp packets
- plastic food pouches
- coffee cups
- straws
- toothpaste/hair gel and facial cream plastic tubes
- black bags
- plastic bags - please reuse or check your local supermarket for plastic bag recycling facilities
- bubble wrap - please reuse where you can
- plastic cutlery
It is not particularly helpful to look at the plastic types as in Westminster you can recycle all of types 1 and 2, but only some of types 5 and 6.
For example, type 5 margarine tubs and type 6 yoghurt pots can be recycled. However, type 5 Tupperware and type 6 foam burger boxes should be put in the rubbish.
If an item cannot be recycled, try to reduce the amount of this type of plastic you purchase. Make an active choice not to buy goods that have a lot of plastic packaging (eg if you can, choose to purchase loose fruit and vegetables rather than pre-packed).
(Single-use) plastic bags
Single-use plastic bags cannot be recycled in Westminster as they are very lightweight and get caught between the sheets of paper at the materials recovery facility. They can then damage the machinery at the recycling plant.
When you next go shopping, why not take some plastic bags with you. Better still, purchase a "Bag for Life" or take a canvas bag to carry your shopping in - not only are they stronger but they can be reused many times.
Plastic syringes and spoons
Plastic syringes and spoons, which are often supplied with children's medicines and do not contain needles, should be put in the rubbish.
Additionally, plastic cutlery and plastic tableware should be put in the rubbish.
Polystyrene packaging
This cannot be recycled in Westminster. When buying new things, make a conscious effort to buy things with as little packaging as possible. More and more distributors are also switching to eco-friendly alternatives such as starch and wool-based padding.
Postage stamps
Some charities collect old stamps to raise money. Try searching on the internet to see if your favourite charity runs a stamp collection scheme. If you can't find a charity then send them to the Royal National Institute for the Blind.
Alternatively, you can leave them on the envelope and put the envelope in your recycling bag/box.
Pouches
Empty and clean pet food pouches, dry pet food packaging and pet treat packaging can be taken to some supermarkets to be recycled. Search for ‘pet food pouches’ to find your nearest recycling point.
Printer cartridges
The Recycling Factory offers a Freepost service for recycling inkjet and toner cartridges. Please check their website for an up-to-date list of the inkjet cartridges that they currently accept. If you have larger laser toner cartridges to recycle please email [email protected] and the Recycling Factory will confirm if they can recycle them.
Pyrex
This can not be recycled as it can explode when heated up in the glass recycling furnace. If you have broken Pyrex glass, wrap it carefully and put it out with your normal rubbish collection.
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Rainwater
If you have a garden, why not collect rainwater in a water butt for use on your plants? You can buy water butts for your garden at a reduced price and with free delivery to your home by using this special offer for Westminster residents.
Recycling Collections
All households in Westminster have mixed recycling collection. How to recycle at home
Refillable bottles
Refill London runs a programme across London to encourage people to carry and use refillable water bottles and avoid creating plastic pollution. Use the app to find your nearest Refill Station.
Reuse and recycling centres
See Household waste recycling centre
Rubble
Please do not put soil or rubble out with your rubbish. We will not collect them and you could be fined.
Soil and rubble can be taken to the household waste recycling centre at Smuggler's Way. Alternatively, you could hire a skip or skip bags. Check in your telephone directory or search the internet to find local skip hire companies. Skip and Bin is a price comparison web site