A-Z of waste and recyclable items

Our A-Z of waste and recyclable items can be used to find out which items you can put in your bins and which can be taken to your local recycling centre.

It also tells you which container at the recycling centre you need to use for items and if there are any restrictions on the amount of waste you can take.

A

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Aerosol cans Brown Scrap metal Empty domestic aerosols such as deodorants, hairspray and air freshener style can be put in the brown bin.
Asbestos None Asbestos (Worsbrough only) Asbestos is accepted in small amounts by appointment only. You need to make an asbestos booking online before visiting.
Ash Grey Hardcore and rubble  Small amounts of clean, cooled ash from your fireplace can be put in the bin. If the ash is from a bonfire, please remove any metal and large items first. You can also add coal ash to your compost.

B

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Bathroom suites None Hardcore and rubble You can take a bathroom suite to the recycling centre. The toilet and sink are classed as rubble which is a restricted material. Rubble is limited to one boot load. For larger amounts you'll need to hire a skip.

If you're carrying out large scale home renovations you should use a skip to dispose of rubbish.
Batteries (household) None Household batteries We accept used batteries from most items including toys, household appliances, mobile phones and cordless tools. Many local retailers also accept used batteries and electrical products. Please make sure that you remove batteries from toys, games controllers, TV remotes etc before disposing of them.
Batteries (car) None Car batteries We accept old car batteries, but are unable to accept any other vehicle parts.
Bedding and blankets Grey Mixed textiles and clothes Blankets, bed sheets, pillow cases and quilt covers in good condition can be donated to charity shops for reuse.
Bicycles None Reuse or metal Please donate bicycles for reuse at the recycling centre, or your nearest cycle hub will accept bikes for up-cycling. Find out more at Barnsley Bike Works.
Books None Media Charity shops will accept books that are in good condition. 
Bricks and building waste None Hardcore and rubble This is classed as rubble and is restricted to one boot load. For larger amounts you'll need to hire a skip.

C

 

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Cans (food and drink) Brown Food tins and drink cans Cans should be clean and empty before being put in the bin or recycling centre container.
Car parts None None This is industrial waste so we can't accept it at our recycling centres. Find out which car parts can be recycled by contacting your local car dealers, garages or scrap yards.
Cardboard - including corrugated Blue Cardboard Tear up large cardboard boxes into small pieces before putting in the bin.
Cards (greeting) Blue Paper No metal, foil or glitter on cards.
Carpets and rugs None Non recyclable -
Carrier bags None Non recyclable Re-use carrier bags where possible or replace bags for life at supermarkets.
Cartons (food and drink) Grey Beverage cartons (Tetra Pak) Please wash out cartons before you dispose of them.
Catalogues and brochures Blue Paper bank No metal, foil or glitter. 
CDs None Media Charity shops may accept these donations. 
Central heating boilers None None Boilers are not household waste. If a new boiler is installed by a trades person it's their legal responsibility to dispose of your old boiler through a private disposal company.
Chemicals Grey Household and garden chemicals Household chemicals and pesticides can be disposed of at the Worsbrough recycling centre by prior appointment. You need to make a hazardous waste booking online before visiting.
Chipboard None Wood and timber Please remove as much contaminants as safely possible (ie metal). We're unable to accept wood treated with creosote or other hazardous chemicals.
Clinical waste Grey Non recyclable Incontinence pads, catheter bags, stoma bags, syringes with needles removed, tubing and peg stomach feeding equipment that is bagged up can be placed in general rubbish.
Clothing Grey Mixed textiles and clothes Items in good condition can be taken to a local charity shop or put in local clothing banks.
Coat hangers Grey Non recyclable Charity shops may accept these as donations.
Coffee pods Grey Non recyclable Most pod manufacturers have a recycling scheme. Please visit their website for more details.
Computer equipment None Small appliance, TVs and monitors Computers in good condition can be reused - ask a site attendant. Make sure all personal information is removed from your device.
Crisp packets Grey Non recyclable Some crisp packets can be recycled at supermarkets and other local locations. Check for the 'recycle at store' logo on the packet.
Crockery None Hardcore and rubble Charity shops may accept items in good condition as donations.

D

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at recycling centre Details
Dead animals None None Consult your vet, local pet burial or cremation service for more information.
Doors (uPVC) None Non recyclable Restriction of one item of uPVC only. For multiple uPVC items you'll need to hire a skip.
DVDs Grey Media Charity shops accept these as donations as well as our banks at the recycling centre.

E

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Electrical - small items None Small appliances Items in good condition can be placed in the reuse scheme by asking an attendant. Otherwise place these in the small appliance container.
Envelopes - brown Blue Paper Please remove and place the plastic panels from envelopes in the grey bin.
Envelopes - padded with plastic Grey Non recyclable -
Envelopes - white Paper Paper Please remove and place the plastic panels from envelopes in the grey bin.

F

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Fence posts and panels None Wood and timber If the fencing panels have been treated with creosote then you need to find a licensed waste disposal company who can deal with this kind of waste. Try looking in your local trade directory or online.

If you're carrying out major garden landscaping you'll need a skip. 
Fire extinguishers None Fire extinguishers and oxygen Some can be returned to the manufacturer. The recycling centre can accept used cylinders up to 1kg.
Fireworks Grey None  Fireworks should be left under water overnight and bagged up before being placed in your grey bin.
Flowers Green Garden waste -
Foil sheets - kitchen foil Brown Non recyclable Clean aluminium foil can go in your brown bin. If it's soiled and can’t be removed by washing then place it in the grey bin.
Foil trays Brown and grey Scrap metal Clean aluminium trays can go in your brown bin. If it's soiled and can’t be removed by washing then place it in the grey bin.
Food tins Brown  Scrap metal Please wash tins out before disposing in the correct container.
Food waste Grey Non recyclable Consider home composting or place food inside compostable liner bags for smell-free and eco-friendly disposal.
Freezer or fridges None Fridges and freezers Make sure food items have been removed from inside the fridge and freezer. Commercial fridges or freezers and ammonia fridges (typically from caravans) are not accepted at the recycling centres.

You can also ask us to collect large unwanted items.
Furniture None Wood and timber, hard plastic, scrap metal and domestic seating Wooden furniture with no upholstery can go into the wood container. Plastic furniture can go into the hard plastic container. Metal furniture can be put into the scrap metal container.

Sofas, chairs and other upholstered seating goes into the domestic seating container. Furniture without soft padding can be placed into the most appropriate container (i.e. metal/wood/plastic etc).

You can also ask us to collect large unwanted items.

G

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Garden waste Green Garden waste Items suitable for composting, such as grass cutting, hedge trimmings, plants and leaves.
Gas canisters, bottles and cylinders None Gas canisters Where possible, we encourage any used gas cylinders, bottles or canisters to be returned to the supplier/manufacturer for safe reuse or recycling.

We can accept empty domestic LPG cylinders (liquefied petroleum gas). These are typically Calor and B.O.C cylinders (butane and propane) used domestically for heaters and barbecues. We can't accept those used for industrial or commercial use.
Glass window None Hardcore and rubble Restriction of one window. Please do not place window glass in your brown bin as this can't be recycled alongside glass used for bottles and jars.
Glass bottles and jars - any colour Brown Glass  Bottles can be collected in your brown bin. You can also use local recycling banks.
Grass cuttings Green Garden waste Home composting is an economical and environmentally friendly way to reuse your garden waste, turning it into compost that you reuse in your garden. Composting bins can be bought online or in most DIY and hardware stores.
Greenhouse None  Hardcore and rubble, scrap metal, wood and timber Panes of glass can go into the rubble container. Metal frames can be placed in the scrap metal container. Wooden shelves or posts can go in the wood and timber container.

H

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Hedge cuttings Green Garden waste Hedge cuttings/clippings only. We're unable to accept large branches or tree trunks.

Home composting is an economical and environmentally friendly way to reuse your garden waste, turning it into compost that you reuse in your garden. Composting bins can be purchased online or in most DIY and hardware stores.

I

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Ice cream tubs Brown Hard plastic Please rinse before disposing of these.
Ink cartridges None Ink toner cartridges There are several ink cartridge recycling schemes available in local stores or by posting them off. Or these can be brought to the recycling centres.
Insulation Grey Non recyclable Small amounts accepted at the recycling centre. If you're undergoing major loft insulation replacement you'll need a skip to dispose of the waste. If you're having loft insulation replaced by a trades person it's their legal responsibility to dispose of the waste.
Ironing boards None Scrap metal If your ironing board has a resting plate that looks like it may contains asbestos, this can be disposed of at Worsbrough recycling centre by prior appointment. You need to make an asbestos booking online before visiting.

J

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Jiffy bags and padded envelopes Grey Non recyclable Some jiffy-style bags can be easily reused. If they're past their usefulness, most can be separated down to paper and plastic. The paper can be recycled in your blue bin.
Junk mail Blue Paper Please make sure to dispose of any outer plastic wrapping and remove windows from envelopes. To reduce junk mail you can sign up to the Mail Preference Service.

K

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Kitchen foil Grey Non recyclable Clean aluminium foil can go in your brown bin. If it's soiled then place it in the grey bin.
Kitchen units None Wood and timber If you're carrying out your own major kitchen replacement work you'll need a skip to dispose of the waste.
Knives None Scrap metal Larger or combat knives should be treated as weapons and handed in at a police station.

L

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Lawn mowers None Scrap metal and small appliances Manual lawn mowers should be placed in the scrap metal skip. Electric lawn mowers should be placed in the small appliances skip. Fuel tanks need to be empty. Lawn mowers in good condition can be placed in the reuse container by asking onsite staff.
Leaves Green Garden waste Home composting is an economical and environmentally friendly way to reuse your garden waste, turning it into compost that you reuse in your garden. Composting bins can be purchased online or in most DIY and hardware stores.
Lids (metal) Brown Scrap metal -
Light bulbs None Florescent tubes Domestic lights only including bulbs and strip lighting. Please do not place light bulbs in your bin as these need to be brought to the recycling centre so they can be broken down and recycled correctly.

M

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Magazines Blue Paper Magazines in good condition may be better placed in the media bank or donated to charity.
Margarine tubs Brown Hard plastic Please rinse before disposing of these.
Mattresses None Non recyclable You can ask us to collect large unwanted items.
Medicine bottles Brown Glass banks, plastic bottles You can put empty medicine bottles into your brown bin. Medication is not accepted and needs to be returned to your chemist or pharmacy for correct disposal.
Metal items (not food or drink packaging) None Scrap metal -
Milk bottles (plastic) Brown Non recyclable Please rinse before disposing of these.
Mobile phones None Small appliances Please remove all personal information from your mobile phone prior to disposal. Broken phones can be placed into the small appliances skip. Please remove the battery before disposing and place this into the battery bank.

Phones in good condition can be placed in the reuse container by asking a site attendant.

N

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Nappies Grey Non recyclable If you'd like to swap from disposable nappies to 'real' nappies, our real nappy incentive scheme offers a grant to help you make the change and use more economically friendly solutions.
Needles and syringes None None Contact your local doctor for advice on the best disposal methods. 
Newspapers Blue Paper Newspapers that have considerably aged or are damp will need to be placed into the grey bin or non recyclable skip at the recycling centre.

O

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Oil - cooking  None Cooking oil tank Limits apply – we're unable to accept commercial amounts of oil.
Oil - engine None Engine oil tank Limits apply – we're unable to accept commercial amounts of oil.

P

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Paint Grey Paint containers Water based emulsion only. Usable containers of paint may be accepted by local community organisations or charities.

Less than 1/8 volume should be left to air dry as they can't be recycled and put into non recyclable skip. Empty tubs can be placed into the brown bin for recycling.

Solvent-based paints such as gloss can be accepted at the recycling centre by prior appointment. You need to make a hazardous waste booking online before visiting.
Paper Blue Paper bank Plain greeting cards, junk mail, envelopes, catalogues, brochures, phone directories, newspapers and magazines can be recycled. These must be dry and free from food contamination.
Pet litter tray waste Grey Non recyclable Wood granule, pellets and paper pellets can be composted at your own home.
Petrol None None Please contact your local garage for details on disposal. 
Plant pots None Hard plastic, hardcore and rubble Plant pots in good condition may be accepted by local gardening groups or allotments. You could advertise these online.

Terracotta pots can be placed into the hardcore and rubble skip.
Plants Green  Garden waste Please remove excess soil before disposal.
Plasterboard (clean) None Plasterboard skip (Worsbrough only) Small amounts from DIY activities are accepted - typically a car boot load. For larger amounts you will need to hire a skip. Plasterboard must be clean and free from any bonded material.
Plastic bottles Brown  Plastic bottles Please rinse before disposal.
Plastic film/bags Grey Non recyclable Use canvas or material bags for durability and longevity, or 'bags for life' that can be replaced for free when they've reached the end of their usability.
Plastic food pots (eg yoghurt pots) Brown Non recyclable We don't currently have a facility at the recycling centres to recycle these types of plastic. Please place these in your brown bin for correct recycling. Any additional plastic pots, tubs and trays can be placed into a clear bag and left beside your brown bin on your collection day. Please don't include any glass in these bags.
Plastic food trays (eg meat trays, fruit punnets) Brown Non recyclable We don't currently have a facility at the recycling centres to recycle these types of plastic. Please place these in your brown bin for correct recycling. Any additional plastic pots, tubs and trays can be placed into a clear bag and left beside your brown bin on your collection day. Please don't include any glass in these bags.
Plastic food tubs (eg margarine tubs) Brown Non recyclable We don't currently have a facility at the recycling centres to recycle these types of plastic. Please place these in your brown bin for correct recycling. Any additional plastic pots, tubs and trays can be placed into a clear bag and left beside your brown bin on your collection day. Please don't include any glass in these bags.
Plastic items (other than bottles and food pots, trays and tubs) Grey Non recyclable Check with onsite staff to see if the item can be recycled.
Plastic toys None Hard plastic Please remove batteries before disposal. Toys in good condition can be donated to the reuse container - please see a member of site staff.
Polystyrene packaging Grey Non recyclable Please ensure this is removed from cardboard boxes prior to disposal.
Pyrex Grey Non recyclable Pyrex in good condition can be taken for reuse to a charity shop. Please don't place this in the brown bin as it can’t be recycled with the same glass used for bottles and jars.

R

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Radiators  None Scrap metal  If you're replacing multiple radiators you'll need to hire a skip. If you're having your radiators replaced by a trades person it's their legal responsibility to dispose of the radiators. 
Rubble None  Hardcore and rubble Small amounts accepted from DIY activities, typically a car boot load. For renovations and construction, you will need to hire a skip.

S

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Sheds None Wood and timber Small sheds can be placed into the wood skip, unless the wood has been treated with creosote and then a licensed waste disposal company will need to dispose of this. You can also ask us to collect large unwanted items.

If you're having a shed replaced by a trades person it's their legal responsibility to dispose of the old shed.
Shoes None Textiles and shoes Shoes in good condition can be donated to charity. You can also use local recycling banks.
Soil None Hardcore and rubble Small amounts accepted from DIY activities, typically a car boot load. For renovations and construction, you will need to hire a skip.

T

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Telephone directory Blue Paper -
Tablets/iPads None Small appliances Devices in good condition can be placed in the reuse container by asking a site attendant. All personal information should be removed from your device prior to disposal.
Televisions None Televisions Devices in good condition can be placed in the reuse container by asking a site attendant.
Textiles None Textiles and shoes Items in condition can be donated to charity. You can also use local recycling banks.
Tiles None Hardcore and rubble Small amounts accepted from DIY activities, typically a car boot load. For renovations and construction you'll need to hire a skip.
Tree cuttings - bark, small branches and twigs Green Garden waste We are unable to accept large branches or tree trunks.
Tyres None None Contact local tyre dealers to ask about disposal.

V

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Vapes None Small appliances Empty vapes can be placed in the small appliances skip. If the battery is removable, please place this into the battery container before disposing of the vape.
Videos (VHS and video games) None Media Charity shops may accept these as donations.

W

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Washing machines None Large appliances If your washing machine is in working condition it could be sold online or in the newspaper. You can also ask us to collect large unwanted items.
Weeds Green Garden waste  Specialist commercial services may help you dispose of plants with pesticides. Cannabis plants will not be accepted and anyone trying to deposit these will be reported to the police.
Window frames (uPVC) None Non recyclable Restriction of one item of uPVC only.
Window glass None Hardcore and rubble Restriction of one window only. If you're having major construction work you'll need to hire a skip to dispose of waste.
Wood shavings (clean) Grey Wood and timber -
Wooden items Grey Wood and timber -
Wrapping paper - without metal, foil or glitter Blue Paper If it’s in good condition it could be saved and reused for another occasion.
Wrapping paper - with metal, foil or glitter Grey Non recyclable If it’s in good condition it could be saved and reused for another occasion.

Y

Item Which bin it goes in Container to use at the recycling centre Details
Yogurt pots Brown Non recyclable We don't currently have a facility at the recycling centres to recycle these types of plastic. Please place these in your brown bin for correct recycling. Any additional plastic pots, tubs and trays can be placed into a clear bag and left beside your brown bin on your collection day. Please don't include any glass in these bags.