Green recycling box

Find out what goes in your green recycling box and what doesn't, when it's collected and what you can do to help us collect your recycling.

We collect your recycling every week (except for your chargeable garden waste which we collect every other week). Find out when your next collection day is using our collection day finder.

What goes in your green recycling box

If you have two green recycling boxes (55 litres), please separate your recycling as detailed below. If you live in a flat, you may have communal recycling bins instead of a green recycling box.

Don't put these items in your green recycling box!

• Batteries are a known fire risk to our vehicles and recycling plant. Please place them in a tied bag on top of your box. Never leave them loose in your recycling box or put them into your household rubbish.
• Sharps and needles are a health and safety hazard to our waste crews. Do not place them in any recycling containers, or loose in your rubbish. You can get a sharps box from your pharmacy or GP to dispose of them safely. 

Green box 1 - plastic and metal packaging 

Yes: Metal cans, empty aerosols, clean foil, aluminium tubes, plastic bottles, lids and caps, tubs and trays

These items can be mixed as the metals are separated using a magnet later in the recycling process.

No: Polystyrene, black plastic, crisp packets, plastic bags, wrapping, sharps or needles

Green box 2 - glass

Yes: Glass bottles and jars (labels and lids can be left on)

No: Broken glass, sheet glass, drinking glasses, or glass cookware (Pyrex)

We now collect paper and cardboard in your blue bag. Please put all suitable paper waste into your blue recycling bag 

Other items we collect in tied carrier bags

Please place the following items separately in tied carrier bags on top of a green box:

• Batteries and e-cigarettes (vapes)
• Clean, dry clothing and textiles in reusable condition. We can't take uniforms, quilts, duvets, pillows, cushions, rugs or curtains
• Small electrical items: hairdryers, mobile phones, chargers, kettles, toasters etc.
• Used engine oil and filters. Engine oil must be in sealed engine oil containers. Drain and wrap oil filters in plastic bags to avoid leaks
• Printer cartridges

For more information on what we can and cannot accept, check our Recycling A-Z.

Putting your recycling out

To help us collect your recycling box, please take note of the following:

• put your recycling boxes at the front edge of your property where we can see them
• put your recycling boxes out by 6am on your collection day (or no earlier than 8pm the night before)
• bring your emptied boxes back in on your collection day as soon as you can
• if you live in the city centre of Bath, don't leave your boxes on railings or steps
• don't put out large or hazardous items

WarningRecycling boxes blocking pavements or blown into the road can be dangerous. We may fine you if you don't put out your recycling safely or bring boxes back in after collection day.

Moving home

If you move, you must leave your green recycling box at your old home.