Reduce, re-use and recycle

Find out what you can recycle or donate

While recycling is great, it is even better to try and reduce the waste we produce in the first place and reuse or recycle as much as we can.

Before you throw anything away, check first to see if it can be recycled.

Re3cyclopedia - download or use the website version to find out what you can recycle and where.

Recycle Now - An alternative website to find out what you can recycle and where.

Reduce

Food Waste - Find out how to reduce your food waste and find useful tips and recipes on the Love Food Hate Waste website
Disposable nappies and wipes - Reusable options can be an easy and cost effective alternative to disposable ones. You can also benefit from our nappy cash back scheme by sending us the Real nappy cash back scheme form (PDF document)

You can donate your unwanted items in the following ways

Advertise - any unwanted items on sell or give away for free websites or apps to find your items a new home.
Repair - consider repairing or finding an alternative use before throwing away.
Furniture - you can take unwanted furniture to the recycling centre for Sue Ryder to collect, or you can donate unwanted furniture to Age Concern.

Shoes, clothes and bags -take to your favourite local charity shop , your local donation bank, sell or give away for free online.
Batteries - collection points can be found at any shop selling batteries or take to the recycling centre. They are a hazard so don't put them out for a kerbside collection.
Printer ink and toner cartridges - return to the supplier, check your local shop selling cartridges or visit the Stinkyink website.
Laptops - Retec has been launched to support local families in need. For drop off points and more information visit the Wokingham Lions website.
Soft plastics - plastic bags, fruit and vegetable packaging, crisp packets and biscuits wrappers. Read the packaging for advice on what can be recycled. Check if your local supermarket has a collection point for soft plastics.
Glass bottles and jars - return to a local bottle bank and keep the metal lids on. All other broken glass can be taken to the recycling centre.

Read our information for developers page for about waste and recycling container storage requirements and access.