A to Z of reusing, recycling and waste disposal

Use the search below to see where you can reuse, recycle or dispose of your waste.

Want to recycle more? Find out what else you can recycle in your local area using Recycle Now's recycling locator.

You can also find handy hints on how to reduce, reuse and recycle more on the #LeedsByExample website.

Gas cylinders and bottles

Gas bottles and cylinders can be extremely dangerous when in the wrong hands, so should not be left around after use. Please do not put unwanted gas cylinders or bottles in your black bin. We do not accept gas cylinders at any of our recycling centres. Most gas bottles and cylinders remain the property of the supplier. The supplier’s name will be printed on the item – the most common ones are Calor, BOC and Flogas. Calor gas bottles can be returned to any Calor stockist. If you have the original receipt, you can claim your deposit back. If you are unable to return them yourself, you can arrange a collection free of charge by calling 0113 307 9050 BOC will collect their cylinders free of charge. Please call 0330 162 1291 to arrange collection. Flogas will collect their cylinders free of charge. Please call 0800 574 574 and hold to arrange collection If you have a gas bottle or cylinder that is unbranded or you are unsure of its contents, you can email a picture of it toemail@synrec.co.uk for identification and advice on disposal or telephone National LPG and Industrial Gas Cylinder recovery on 0800 083 9652.

Glass (ovenproof and Pyrex)

Ovenproof and Pyrex containers should not be put into green bins or bottle banks. If these items are good enough to reuse, please take them to your local charity shop or drop off at your local household waste recycling centre's reuse container. If they are not, wrap them in paper and throw them away in your black rubbish bin.

Glass (sheets or windows)

You can re-use sheets of glass by using them to make row covers (cloches) for gardening. Please do not put sheets of glass into bottle banks. You can dispose of sheet glass by taking it to your nearest recycling centre where you should put it in the non-recyclable waste container. If you are unable to do this you can request a bulky waste collection online. Please wrap the glass sheets to protect our collection crew. This will then be disposed of to landfill.

Glass jars and bottles

Washed and clean glass jars can be used again for storing homemade jam, pickles, herbs and other foodstuffs. Wine and beer bottles can be re-used in home brewing. Empty glass bottles and jars of any colour can be placed in your green recycling bin, or taken to a glass bank or recycling centre. Give them a quick rinse first, leave caps and lids on and they'll get recycled too. Glass recycled in green bins and bottle banks is 100% re-melted in Yorkshire and can be back on the shelf as a new bottle or jar within 30 days. Glass items such as light bulbs, drinking glasses and Pyrex containers should not be put into green bins or bottle banks. If these items are good enough to re-use, please take them to your local charity shop. If they are not, wrap them in paper and throw them away in your black rubbish bin.

Glasses (spectacles)
Many opticians collect unwanted spectacles for re-use in the developing world. Please ask your local optician about this.
Grass cuttings
Please see Garden Waste.
Greetings cards
Please see Cards.