Keep it loose: shake out your bags!

It is easier, quicker and safer for our workers to sort loose material, so please do not 'bag up' items in your recycling container.See our comprehensive A-Z list of recycling and waste if you are uncertain about which bin to use for a specific item.

A brief overview of what you can recycle in Exeter is given below.

Yes please:

• drink cans (empty)
• food tins (empty)
• aerosols (empty)
• aluminium foil
• plastic drinks bottles (empty, with the lids on)
• plastic household cleaning bottles (empty, with lids on – but no pumps)
• plastic food containers (empty)
• carrier bags, bread bags, polythene bags/film and bubble wrap (see more information on recycling plastic bags/film)
• paper (no wrapping paper)
• newspapers and magazines
• cardboard (no greetings cards)
• junk mail and envelopes (windows can be left in)
• catalogues
• phone directories
• small amounts of shredded paper inside paper envelopes or paper bags

No thanks:

• glass
• batteries
• nappies and pads
• mixed-material items, such as blister packs that contain foil and plastic
• wrapping paper
• greetings cards
• pouches (for pet food, baby food, etc.)
• crisp packets
• confectionery packets
• clear bags/packets/film that springs open after being ‘scrunched’ (see more information on recycling plastic bags/film)
• cartons