Green recycling sack

Some flats and apartments in Bath with limited space to store standard recycling containers are issued with green recycling sacks instead. 

Use this page to find out what you should put in your green recycling sack and what you shouldn't, when your recycling sack is collected and what you can do to help us collect your recycling.

Green sacks come in rolls of 25. When you are running low, please order more using our online form.

We collect green sacks every week. Find out when your next collection day is using our collection day finder.

What goes in your green recycling sack

Materials and further instructions

Material	Full list of suitable items	Unsuitable items and further instructions
Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays	Recycling A-Z	No black plastic, plastic bags, or wrapping
Metal packaging and foil	Recycling A-Z	No crisp packets or paper backed foil
Cans and aerosols	Recycling A-Z	Ensure aerosols are empty
Paper	Recycling A-Z	No wrapping paper
Glass bottles and jars	Recycling A-Z	No broken glass (broken glass must be wrapped securely to prevent injury and placed in bags of general waste)
Cardboard and cardboard cartons (drinks and food containers)	Recycling A-Z	No polystyrene. Cut large pieces of cardboard to 45cm square

Prohibited items

You must not dispose of the following items in your green recycling sack:

• Food waste
• Clothes and textiles
• Facemasks
• Broken glass, sheet glass, light bulbs and drinks glasses
• Small electrical items
• Nappies
• Wipes or tissues
• Wrapping paper

Why we no longer accept wrapping paper 

Unfortunately, we cannot recycle wrapping paper. Wrapping paper often contains non-paper additives such as plastic, foil or glitter which then spoils the waste stream. The paper mills will not accept it. Please consider sustainable alternatives like fabric wrap, fully recyclable brown paper, newspaper or reusable gift bags.

Why we do not collect food waste from properties with green recycling sacks

As central Bath is very busy, we’re unable to provide containers to homes who would have to leave them out blocking pavements on collection day. The current sack service means we can ensure streets are kept clear and tidy after collections. We are currently exploring options to provide a food waste collection service to homes in the city centre.

Putting your recycling out

WarningWe can fine you if you leave your waste and recycling out after your collection day, or if you block pavements.

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

• Put your green recycling sacks at the front edge of your property where we can see them
• Put your recycling sacks out by 6am on your collection day (or no earlier than 8pm the night before)
• Do not put out large or hazardous items

Moving home

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