What to put in your green bin

Find out what you can and cannot put in your green recycling bin (or bags if you are on a bag collection).

Yes please

  • aluminium
  • aerosols
  • bubble wrap
  • cardboard
  • carrier bags
  • cartons and Tetra Paks
  • cling film
  • film lids from fruit punnets, yoghurt pots and microwave meals
  • foil including food containers and takeaway trays
  • glass (or find your nearest bottle bank)
  • metal cans
  • paper
  • plastic bags and wrap from cereal, salad, pasta and rice
  • plastic bottles, film, pots, tubs and trays
  • plastic pouches, for example, detergent and cleaning product pouches with no foil lining
  • plastic types 1 (PET), 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE) and 5 (PP)
  • stretchy and tearable plastic bags and wrapping

image showing a green recycling wheelie bin with glass, paper, card, cartons, food and drinks cans, foil, aerosols, plastic pots, plastic bottles and plastic bags, which can all be recycled in Leeds

Make sure that your recycling is clean and dry before you put it into your green bin.

Watch a short animation showing the range of materials that can be recycled in your green bin.

No thanks

  • black plastic
  • black bin bags
  • compostable or biodegradable plastic
  • drinking glasses
  • electrical items
  • foil lined plastic
  • food waste
  • garden waste
  • light bulbs
  • polystyrene
  • shredded paper (this causes problems with recycling machinery)
  • syringes or needles
  • wood or timber

Find out what to do with the things that cannot go in your green bin in our A to Z of reusing, recycling and waste disposal.

Extra recycling

We will collect any extra recycling if you leave it in a clear or green plastic bag at the side of your bin on collection day.

You may also want to think about requesting an extra green bin.

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

What happens to your green bin recycling