Waste A to Z
Find out what goes in which bin
To find information online, please use our accessible search function below.
If the item you are looking for is not listed, please contact us at waste@eastcambs.gov.uk. We will advise you of the best method of disposal and add it to the online search.
Ash (wood)
Wood ash can be used on your garden by adding directly to the soil around plants.
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
Allow to completely cool and then bag it in a paper bag and put in your green bin. It must be bagged or it will blow out when the bin is emptied, and can be a hazard for our bin collectors.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Bamboo or wood BBQ skewers
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Bread and pastry
Prevent waste
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Cakes and pastries
Prevent waste
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Cardboard
Materials from your blue lidded bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it.
More information on how your recycling is processed can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Please check Cambridgeshire County Council’s website (external link) before you visit Witchford Household Recycling Centre.
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
Small amount of cardboard can be added to green bin to stop food and garden waste sticking to the bottom and side of the bin. Please make sure there are no tape or stickers left on cardboard.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Christmas trees (real)
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Cut up and put pieces in the bin with the lid fully closed. In January, we collect real Christmas trees that are cut into pieces that are not higher or wider than the bin. Check you bin collection dates for the exact dates we collect in your area.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Coffee filters
Reduce waste
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Coffee grounds
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Cooked food
Prevent waste
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Cooking oil
Never pour fats down the drain
Compost at home or use the green lidded bin
Household waste recycling centre
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Please check Cambridgeshire County Council’s website (external link) before you visit Witchford Household Recycling Centre.
Cork - real
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Egg shells
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Fat
Never pour fats down the drain
Compost at home or use the green lidded bin
Household waste recycling centre
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Please check Cambridgeshire County Council’s website (external link) before you visit Witchford Household Recycling Centre.
Fish
Prevent waste
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Food waste
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Fruit pits or stones
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Garden waste
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Grass cuttings
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Hedge trimmings
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Kitchen roll
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Small amount of kitchen paper are suitable for composting. Together with your food and garden waste, it will be turned into compost.
You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Black sacks go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more about this process on RECAP's website (external link)
You can check your waste collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Leaves
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Leftovers
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Magazine wrapper
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Black sacks go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more about this process on RECAP's website (external link)
You can check your waste collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Meat and bones cooked
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Newspapers
Newspaper can be used for wrapping food waste to go in your green lidded bin, and for lining a kitchen caddy, if you have one.
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Materials from your blue lidded bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it.
More information on how your recycling is processed can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Nut shells
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Pizza box
Materials from your blue lidded bin are sorted and turned into new products. Please put things in the bin loose and not in bags. This helps us process it.
More information on how your recycling is processed can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
Black sacks go through a mechanical and biological sorting process before going to landfill. Find out more about this process on RECAP's website (external link)
You can check your waste collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Sawdust, wood shavings or straw pet bedding
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Soiled sawdust or wood shavings from rabbit, guinea pig, hamster and gerbil cages can be put in your green bin. If you have large amounts, please put in a paper bag, as the sawdust can blow out over the bin collectors when tipping the bin.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Shredded paper
Small amounts of shredded paper can be added to your home compost bin. Small amounts layered with food waste and garden waste can be also added to your green lidded bin.
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Small amounts of shredded paper layered with food waste and garden waste can be also added to your green lidded bin.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable 'plastic' or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
More information on how your recycling is processed can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Tea bags and coffee grounds
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Tissue paper
Re-use
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Please make sure that any sellotape has been removed, before putting your tissue paper in the green lidded bin.
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Tissues
- keep your personal waste (including tissues and cloths or wipes used to clean exposed surfaces) in a separate bin bag,
- when the bag is full, tie the top, place the whole bag into another bin bag and tie the top of that,
- store the bag for at least 72 hours before putting for collection.
Turkey carcass
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Untreated wood
Re-use
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Large branches thicker than a broom handle can be taken to the Household Recycling Centre.
Please check Cambridgeshire County Council’s website (external link) before you visit Witchford Household Recycling Centre.
Vegetable and fruit peelings
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Weeds
If you cannot do the preferred option please see alternative options below:
Composting is a natural process that turns your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. For more information about home composting, please visit Recycle Now’s website (external link)
Your food and garden waste from green lidded bin is turned into compost. You can put things straight into the green bin. You can wrap food waste in newspaper or put it in a paper bag. Please do not use biodegradable plastic or corn starch bags. These do not break down quickly enough and result in extra processing costs. Your bin could also be refused collection.
More information on how the compost is made, can be found on RECAP’s website (external link)
You can check your bin collection dates on our bin collection day page (external link)
Please check Cambridgeshire County Council’s website (external link) before you visit Witchford Household Recycling Centre.