Have you asked: what cannot be put in general waste? Learn why certain items must be disposed of separately and how improper disposal can impact the environment and public health. Discover alternative disposal methods and recycling options.

Recyclables

One category that should not end up in your general waste bin is recyclables. These include items made from glass, paper, cardboard, metal, and certain types of plastic. These materials are reusable and should be discarded in the recycling bin. Items like plastic bottles, food tins, drink cans, paper, and cardboard can easily be recycled. While tissues and some food-soiled papers are not recyclable, clean paper certainly is.

The reason is clear - recycling helps reduce the need to extract virgin materials, saving time and resources. Before disposing of these items, ensure you sort and clean them. Also, remember to separate them from your general household waste. It’s easy to find more detailed information about the types of items you can recycle in your local area. Keeping these items out of your general waste bin is a vital step towards a more sustainable future.

There are other types of waste that should not go into general household bins. Hazardous waste like batteries, electrical items, and chemicals should be disposed of separately. These items often contain substances that can be harmful to the environment if not handled properly. Batteries contain metals that can be recycled, but only at specific collection points. Old electronics like mobile phones, computers, and wires can often be recycled at designated facilities. Recycling e-waste ensures that valuable metals are recovered and reused rather than ending up in landfills.

However, it's important to remember that some types of garden waste should not be composted. Weeds, diseased plants, and invasive species can harm your compost. 

They should be disposed of through your local authority's garden waste collection service. In summary, putting your garden waste into your general waste bin is not the best option. Instead, use your local authority’s green bin service or start a home composting system.

Bricks/Rubble

Next up is building waste, such as bricks and rubble. These items must not be disposed of in your general waste bin because of their weight and potential to damage collection equipment. Materials like bricks and rubble should be taken to a local recycling centre, where they can be processed appropriately. Some areas may have specific rules regarding the disposal of construction waste.

It is beneficial to find detailed information about your local disposal regulations. Many local councils have websites that provide extensive information about waste management. This includes the correct procedures for disposing of building waste materials. When preparing to take bricks and rubble to the recycling centre, it is important to know if there are any specific requirements you need to follow. 

For instance, some centres may need you to separate different types of building waste. Additionally, considering the amount of waste you have, you might need to check if there are any limits on the quantity that can be disposed of for free. Charges may apply for larger amounts.

Making the effort to dispose of building waste not only helps to protect the environment. But also ensures that your waste is managed in a way that is safe and efficient. It prevents damage to waste collection vehicles and reduces the strain on landfill sites.

Electrical Waste

None of your electrical items should end up in your general waste bin. This category includes anything with a plug, rechargeable power source, or battery.

Firstly, it’s important to understand why disposing of these items properly matters. Electrical items contain components that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly. These can include heavy metals and other toxins that can leak into the soil and water if left in a landfill. 

Disposing of them incorrectly can have serious environmental consequences. Instead, these items should be taken to a designated electrical waste recycling centre. These centres are equipped to handle and process electrical waste safely and efficiently. 

They have the facilities to extract and recycle various materials, such as metals, plastics, and glass. These can then be reused in the production of new items. This process conserves natural resources and reduces the need for new raw materials.

Recycling electrical items not only keeps harmful substances out of landfills. But also promotes the sustainable use of resources. For example, many electronic devices contain precious metals like gold and silver, which can be recovered and reused. 

Recycling helps to ensure these valuable materials don't go to waste. Moreover, proper recycling helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturing new products from raw materials requires significant energy. Contributing to the carbon footprint. However, recycling materials from old products generally consumes less energy. Aiding in the fight against climate change. 

You can usually find your nearest electrical waste recycling centre by checking with your local council’s website. Some larger retail stores also offer take-back services, where you can return old electrical goods. It’s a good idea to keep a box or a specific area at home for old electrical items, so you can easily take them to be recycled.

At Welcroft Lee Logistics, our team of local specialists provides hassle-free waste removal service, ensuring customer satisfaction. Whether it's a one-off project or a regular waste collection that you require, you can count on us.