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    What recycling equipment do I need?

    We show you what equipment you need to recycle. All recycling equipment is available from your local council. We’ve pulled together a list of the different types that might be used in your area. Please note, some local authorities may have different systems for collecting recycling, please contact them to get the right equipment for your area.

    Kitchen food waste caddy

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    They come in different colours depending on which area you live in. Place a caddy liner into the caddy and put food in the bags. When full, empty the bags of food waste into your kerbside caddy.

    Kerbside food waste caddy

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    This is the big caddy for emptying your kitchen caddy into when full. These also come in different colours depending where you live. These will be collected by your council weekly. Check your council’s website to find the correct day these need putting out.

    Caddy liners for your inside kitchen waste caddy/bin

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    Provided free of charge in some councils and available from libraries and local shops.Some councils charge a small fee, while others suggest lining them with newspaper. Please note, do not use plastic bags as they are not bio-degradable. As above, these should be used to line your small kitchen caddy.

    Recycling bags

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    Depending on where you live, you may have one type or more. Follow your council instruction on what should go in each bag. For example Cardiff Council has a green bag in which all dry recycling should go in. Bags can be obtained from your council in libraries, local shops etc. Please contact your council to find out.

    Recycling boxes

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    Depending on where you live, these come in different colours. Recycling boxes are mostly used for dry recycling items such as paper/card, bottles, plastics. If you are unsure what goes into your box or if you don’t have one, visit your local authority’s website.

    Wheelie bins

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    They come in a variety of colours depending on where you live. Not all areas use wheelie bins, but if you're eligible and don’t have one, contact your local authority.

    Garden waste bags

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    Some councils use these to collect your garden waste items instead of wheelie bins. Contact your local authority for details if you need one. Some councils charge for these bags and some councils charge to have garden waste collected. It is free to take your garden waste to your nearest recycling centre.

    Compost Bins

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    Some food items, garden or ‘green’ waste such as grass cuttings, leaves, twigs and plants is biodegradeable and will decompose easily, and naturally, in a compost bin! Many councils provide discounted compost bins, contact your local authority to find out more.

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    What kind of recycler are you?

    Recycling know-how

    • How is it recycled?
    • Things you didn't know you can recycle
    • Why should we recycle?
    • Start Recycling
      • Four simple steps to start recycling
      • What recycling equipment do I need?
      • Living in a flat or communal home
      • Recycling tips for students
      • Beginners show us how it's done
      • Set up recycling at your school
    • How food waste is turned into energy
    • Packaging Symbols explained
    • Where does my recycling go?
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    • Recycle Now
    • Recycle for Scotland
    • Northern Ireland
    • Wales Recycles

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    The Waste and Resources Action Programme (which operates as WRAP) is a registered UK Charity No. 1159512 and registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 4125764.

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