Recycling. Return Home

Recycling Common Domestic Materials ...

   
...plus a few others

Many common domestic materials are listed below with information on how they can be recycled. However, if you are interested in recycling (or buying recycled) Computers and Cartridges, or Electrical and Phones which includes Electronic Equipment and Mobiles), use the menu to the left.
But above all, re-use is usually the most efficient form of recycling eg plastic bags, clean jars and computers. How many things can be re-used?

Goldfinches on thistle seed Fountain in Bushey Park
Goldfinches feeding on Thistle seed. Fountain in Bushey Park.
 
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Recycling Index
Down Some general sites and a few words about councils
Down Aluminium & Foil
Down Bicycles
Down Books
Down Candles
Down Cans
Down Card & Cartons
Down Christmas Cards
Down Clothing/Textiles
Down Furniture
Down Glass Bottles
Down Jewellery
Down Metals
Down Paper/Office Waste
Down Plastics
Down Postage Stamps
Down Shoes
Down Spectacles
Down Tools & Machines
Down Tyres
Down Water Filters
Down Wood/Building Matls
Down Recycling Machines
   
     
   
General Sites and Councils  

If you have doubts, as an individual, as to what to do with any kind of waste ask your local council; they are your main recycling service providers. For information and comment on councils click here Councils: Information.

  Link to Abacus House Clearance

Abacus House Clearance offer a flexible, low cost service covering most of Northern England, the Midlands and parts of Scotland. Licensed waste carriers, registered with the environment agency, all rubbish is disposed of at one of the many waste management depots around the country.

  Link to CBD Enviro Service CBD Enviro, an Australian company, offers economic, environmentally friendly and effective waste management services coupled with up to date methods. Providing skips and bins for both general waste and recyclables.
  Link to Churchills House Clearance Churchills House Clearance operates over most of the UK. They can usually clear a property within 24 to 48 hours, will recycle as much of the material as possible and are registered with the environment agency.
  CRN Link The Community Recycling Network (CRN) promotes community waste management in the UK, tackling the growing waste problem and building the social economy. CRN, a non-profit industrial and provident society, supports local groups and provides a national voice for community recyclers CRN: Information.
  Link to Dont Dump That Don't Dump That can help reduce the amount of useful but unwanted household items going into landfill. By registering you can post items you no longer want so that other members who do want them, can take them.
  Link to Efreeko Efreeco is a national recycling organisation with a website that allows users to add items and place wanted adverts. All items have to be free but the aim is to keep perfectly usable stuff out of landfill. With a similar theme to the Freecycle Network it needs to expand to make a significant impact.
  ESA Link

Environmental Services Association (ESA) is the trade association for companies providing waste management and related environmental services. It produces a variety of information for the public as well as its members ESA: Information.

  FRP Link

The Forest Recycling Project (FRP) is a not-for-profit community business that collects many items for recycling, sells recycled goods and Traidcraft products and initiates community recycling activities. Seems like a model for others. Click here for a resumé of their activities FRP: Information, or visit their site.

  Link to The Freecycle Network The Freecycle Network is an international organisation to help members dispose of unwanted items to local fellow members. Judging by the queries we get there should be plenty of interest, sounds a fantastic idea. Items you want to dispose of must be free, legal, and appropriate for all ages. Many countries are catered for and there are many groups within each (eg in the UK there are more than 150 listed by county and town/city).
  Letsrecycle.com Link Letsrecycle.com gives news, material prices plus key information for recyclers and all involved in sustainable waste management in the UK letsrecycle.com: Information.
  Link to Rag-and-Bone
Rag-and-Bone provides a way to give a new home to unwanted, but still usable, large household items. For a small fee you can advertise the items which you want to give away or if you want some item from the site you can collect it for free.
  REalliance Link
REalliance is a joint venture between the four main community resource and recycling networks in England: CCN, CRN UK, LCRN and FRN. They provide support to enable organisations to sustain and develop the waste management activities they provide to their local communities.
  Link to Recycle2shop Recycle2shop.com sells brand new recycled products made in the UK by small businesses, inventors, artists, designers and craftspeople.
  Recycling Consortium Link The Recycling Consortium, a non-profit company, promotes waste Reuse, Reduction and Recycling, mostly for those in south west England Recycling Consortium: Information.
  Link to Recycle for London Recycle for London has launched a text service to make recycling easier for Londoners. Londoners will be able to find out when their recycling is collected or where their nearest recycling facilities are by texting RECYCLE and their full postcode to the number 63131. There is also a direct link in the text message to their local recycling helpline so residents in each borough can order their recycling box or bag if they have not yet got one.
  REMADE Scotland Link REMADE Scotland, a major public/private sector initiative, aims to develop, strengthen and stimulate recyclate material markets in Scotland. Priority strategies are for materials like glass, paper, organic waste, plastics REMADE Scotland: Information.
  Reuze: link Reuze is a site that aims to tackle the three parts of the recycling problem. It provides information concerning recycling, organisations that reuse that waste and products made from recycled waste.
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  SWAP Link

SWAP (Save Waste and Prosper) is an environmental consultancy dealing predominantly with sustainable management of waste, being an innovative specialist in the UK. SWAP has strong, successful working relationships with industry, commerce, local and central government and NGOs SWAP: Information.

  Valpak Link

Valpak impressed us for many reasons. It caters primarily for businesses to comply with the packaging waste regulations, but don't be put off, it really is interesting. To learn more about the site click here Valpak: Information or visit the site.

  Veolia Link Veolia Environmental Services (was Cleanaway Limited) is one of the UK's leading waste management companies with recycling and disposal operations, providing advice, collection, support services, with capability to recycle a variety of items such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass and cans for companies and organisations.
 

Waste Watch Link

Waste Watch,a national organisation, aims to protect the environment by promoting sustainable use of scarce resources, by educating, informing and raising awareness about waste reduction, re-use and recycling. It works with community organisations, local authorities, educational establishments, businesses and individuals. It operates Wasteline information service.
  Recycled Products Guide Link In 2002, Waste Watch re-launched its Recycled Products Guide as an online resource with a wide range of products, info on labeling and a glossary of terms used to describe recycled materials WasteWatch, Wasteline & Recycled Products Guide: Information.
  WEN Link Women's Environmental Network (WEN) works to inform & empower women who care about the environment via creative, innovative campaigns, public information and local action. WEN provides information, advice to the public on environmental and consumer concerns, waste being a focal issue WEN: Information.
  WRAP Link Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) focuses on creating stable and efficient markets for recycled materials and products. It is part of UK government's waste strategy promoting sustainable waste management WRAP: Information.
  WyeCycle Link WyeCycle is a venture set up in the village of Wye, Kent. On a national scale, it is a small operation but is an exemplar of recycling innovation WyeCycle information.
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Aluminium and Foil
Bluebells
Maybe you thought it was only paper recycling that saves the trees? Forests are also cleared to make way for mining Bauxite, the raw mineral from which aluminium is extracted. This mining can harm the environment.
Aluminium is fairly valuable as a recyclable metal and councils may offer a service and many charities accept foil or collect cans.
Where does aluminium waste go? To make new cans and hardware such as car parts.
 

Alufoil Link

Alucan/Alupro Link

Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro)'s site contains information about foil recycling, as well as info on the production and uses of foil (Alufoil). Alupro promotes the fundraising and environmental benefits of aluminium can recycling (Alucan); you can even get cash for cans. Click for Alupro information Alupro, Alufoil, Alucan: Information.
  ALFED Link The Aluminium Federation (ALFED) is the Trade Association representing the UK aluminium industry and providing a wide range of services ALFED: Information.
  Ollie Recycles, Aluminium Link Ollie Recycles, aluminium - a fun site to teach children about recycling and waste management. This link's to aluminium, there are other topics.
  Scope Link
Scope have an active recycling programme covering drinks cans, mobile phones, printer and fax cartridges and IT equipment / furniture, to raise funds for disabled people. Details on their Web site, under Recycling Scope Recycling: Information.
Bicycles
That old bike can be repaired and may help charities. Some recyclers (yes that's a pun) may also be able to sell you a cheap, repaired cycle. Some examples of recyclers:
  bikerecycling.net link bikerecycling.net is a directory of community projects, nfp businesses, training and rehabilitation schemes and other projects that are happy to receive your donations of bikes, parts, accessories etc.
  The Bike Station Like The Bike Station, a community project that accepts bikes donated by the public and recycles them for use by priority groups who need them. They renovate and sell some bikes to raise funds The Bike Station: Information.
  Infinity Cycles Link Infinity Cycles is a social enterprise which takes in unwanted and discarded bicycles and restores them back to good quality reliable machines for sale at low-cost to the local community. Tel: 01724 851569
  Re~Cycle Link Re~Cycle’s mission is to collect and ship second hand bicycles and parts to less developed countries; they also teach local people the skills of how to repair and maintain bikes. If you want to help, click here to see how Re~Cycle: Information.
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Books
What do you do with all those books you've read? Recycle them by taking them to a charity shop or public library; most accept used books.
Candles
Spider on web

Do you have candles where the wick has burnt to the end but there's still lots of wax left? You think 'what a waste to throw this candle away'! Well you can recycle them by making your own new candles from the left-over wax. You need a few items such as a wick, but they're easy to get from craft shops or stores. Click here for some guidelines, hints and tips on making your own candles Candle Making: Information, or visit one of the sites below:

  Cabbey 's Place Link Cabbey Crafts: from 'Cabbey's Place' you can visit Cabbey's Craft Cottage with info on how to make candles.
  Craftown Link
Craftown.com gives instructions for making your own candles and what materials you'll need. They have interesting ideas for decorating and making different shaped candles.
  Pioneer Thinking Candlemaking Link
Pioneer Thinking have a section on How to Make Candles by Jennifer Hall who says that making homemade candles can be a fun hobby, whether as gifts or for yourself to enjoy but it usually requires some experimentation. She tells you what you need and what to do.
Cans
Councils should provide facilities for collecting ferrous (aka tin) and aluminium cans (but are more likely to want aluminium than tin-plated steel, so its best to check first). See above for more details on aluminium.
Where do they go? Cans of both varieties go to make more cans.
  Can-Do Community Recycling Link Can-Do Community Recycling promotes recycling of both aluminium and steel used beverage containers (UBC) to assist in the development vocational and employment training for people who have disabilities Can-Do: Information.
  Novelis Link

Novelis state they are the largest recycler of aluminium drink cans in Europe, offering their best prices for UK-sourced used aluminium beverage cans, plus advice and support on all aspects of collecting aluminium packaging for recycling.

  SCRIB Link SCRIB (Steel Can Recycling Information Bureau), fairly self-explanatory, is educational and aimed mainly at kids, with facts, booklets, games etc SCRIB: Information.
  Think Cans Link
Think Cans website enables you to find out how you can be part of the aluminium can recycling loop, with recycling at home, school, work, for charity and more.
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Cardboard
Many councils provide containers for cardboard at their recycling sites. Cardboard may have its own bin or may be mixed with certain kinds of paper but not with all (eg newspapers). Flatten cardboard boxes first to save space. If cardboard recycling containers aren't provided, you may be able to drop off clean boxes at supermarkets or other high volume businesses.
  CAT Link The CAT Tipsheet on Composting says you can create better compost and reduce the amount of rubbish you throw away by composting paper and cardboard. CAT now make a small charge for their Tipsheets CAT Tipsheet on Composting Paper and Card: Information.
  Sadlers Link Sadlers are new and once used carton specialists, for cardboard box and carton recycling in the UK. They offer free advice and consultancy Sadlers: Information.
Cartons
Cat on a bike
Although Drinks Cartons are paper, very few are recycled at present in the UK as most paper mills do not process them; but in Europe, they are re-pulped in paper mills to recover quality fibres for new products. A few UK Council recycling depots accept cartons, but you need to check. Cartons are made from wood fibre from trees grown in sustainably managed forests, mainly pine and spruce from Northern Europe.
Where do they go? Cartons can be recycled into tissue, toilet and kitchen paper, office supplies, fibreboard and reels for industrial use.
  ACE, Belgium Link The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (ACE) is an international coalition of paperboard and beverage carton manufacturers, working to raise awareness of consumer and environmental benefits of the beverage carton and to address related environmental issues.
  ACE, UK Link ACE UK works with environmental and industry partners in areas of forestry and packaging. Their site gives details about the benefits of cartons, producing and transporting them, versatility, facts on forestry, etc ACE, UK: Information.
Christmas Cards
Link to The Woodland Trust Are you the type who thinks ahead? If so, 30 minutes with a pair of scissors can save you pounds next December; simply cut out parts of the front picture to use as parcel tags, or use blank bits for shopping lists etc. Alternatively you can take your used cards to participating Tesco, WH Smith, Marks and Spencer and TK Maxx stores (in January), to support the Woodland Trust (click the silver ball to link) raising funds to plant new woodland; this scheme is supported by many councils, Cleanaway and Nat. Assoc. of Waste Disposal Officers.
Also we received this suggestion from Tim Kasser (USA):
"My wife takes scissors to the ones she likes and cuts them to save the cover page with the nice pictures. She then pastes the picture to new card stock paper we buy and then sends them out the next year as our Christmas Cards. Saves money and paper, but you have to remember not to send it back to the person that sent it to you."
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Clothing and Textiles
You can recycle used clothes which are in good or reasonable condition to charity shops or second-hand or nearly-new clothes shops (where you may get some money for them). Also many recycling depots or sites have a clothes/textile container. Try these sites for more info:
  BCR Link Black Country Rag Company (BCR) specialises in reclamation and recycling of textiles. They now operate with >70 councils, servicing >800 banks nationwide and educate children on the importance of recycling textiles BCR: Information.
  The Curtain Exchange Link The Curtain Exchange sell good quality secondhand curtains. You can recycle your curtains: The Curtain Exchange will assess them and if suitable they will try to sell them. They also provide on-site valuations The Curtain Exchange: Information.
  Kettering Textiles Link Kettering Textiles Ltd states it is one of the UK's leading textile and used clothing recyclers. For more info click here Kettering Textiles: Information
  LMB Link
Lawrence M Barry & Co (LMB) reuses and recycles virtually every kind of textile, from t-shirts to saris to school uniforms, shoes, trainers, football kits, hats, belts, jackets, towels, bed sheets or curtains from their recycling banks. They distribute items to developing countries overseas.
  Ragtex UK Link Ragtex UK works with charities and public authorities collecting british clothing and textiles for exporting around the world and supplying nearly new clothing to retail outlets Ragtex UK: Information.
  SA Clothing Collection Link The Salvation Army Clothing Collection textile recycling scheme, run by the SA Trading Co. Ltd raises funds for charitable work in the UK and abroad Salvation Army Trading Co: Information.
  Textile Recycling Association Link Textile Recycling Association (TRA) aims to promote textile recycling, represent the interests of its members and create an advantageous climate for merchants to operate TRA: Information.
  Recyclatex Link Recyclatex is an independent, regulatory body of all TRA members, offering local authorities, organisations etc a reliable and cost effective way of disposing of used clothing, shoes and household textiles Recyclatex: Information.
  TRAID Link Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development (TRAID) raises funds via collection and sale of second-hand clothing and shoes to further sustainable development in poor regions of the world. You can donate to TRAID clothes banks or buy low-cost fashion clothes from TRAID shops TRAID: Information.
Furniture
Most furniture is easily recyclable, but there are regulations regarding inflammable materials, eg as used in many older sofas and chairs. Many charities including the Salvation Army will accept items in good condition (see details in the Clothing/Textiles section above). Other examples are:
  Emmaus Link Emmaus, a homeless charity, rely on donations of good quality goods from the public which they refurbish in their workshops and sell in their shops. You can buy or donate furniture, electrical goods, clothes, bicycles etc Emmaus: Information.
  FRN Link Furniture Re-use Network (FRN) arrange free collection in the UK, of unwanted furniture donated by the general public, which they sell to people on low-incomes FRN: Information.
  Furniture Recycling Project Link Link The Furniture Recycling Project aims to encourage recycling of furniture and household items to disadvantaged groups and provides volunteer training opportunities Furniture Recycling Project: Information.
  Green-Works Link Green-Works is a not-for-profit social enterprise bridging the gap between organisations with redundant office equipment and schools, charities, community groups, start-up businesses etc that need it Green-Works: Information.
  Morph Link Morph is a London based charity who recycle unwanted furniture by reselling  items at bargain prices. You can buy from their website and they will collect from local areas.
  Oxfam Link Oxfam has 19 furniture shops which have good quality furniture bargains, from bookshelves to three-piece suites. If you have some unwanted furniture in a good condition you'd like to donate, contact your nearest Oxfam furniture shop.
  SOFA Project Link SOFA Project is a Bristol-based charity which refurbishes and sells furniture and also white goods (electrical appliances) to low income households in the surrounding area; they also collect donated items SOFA Project: Information.
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Glass (bottles and jars)
Ladybirds on Forget-me-nots
One of the favourites to take to the council. Usually we get lots of bottles and jars accumulating and they're easy to sort by colour and deposit in the bins but a real menace if dumped with the refuse. Don't put other glass items like window glass, light bulbs, 'Pyrex', 'Visionware', electrical equipment or cookware waste in the bins. Panes of glass are briefly covered on the Hazardous Waste page (Go up to index to select it).
Where do they go? They are recycled to produce more bottles and jars for wine, beer, spirits and food. Glass can be recycled indefinitely without any loss of quality. Like to know how its done? Click here Glass Recycling: Information.
  British Glass Link

British Glass has Glass Technology Services (GTS) as an independent, unbiased, wholly owned subsidiary, which undertakes research and development in glass science and technology British Glass: Information (search for recycling).

  British Glass RecyclingGlass Link

British Glass Recycling Glass fun site for kids to learn about glass recycling. They have also produced an interactive CD-ROM FREE, aimed at teachers, to encourage children to consider the benefits of recycling glass.

  Glass Recycling UK Link

Glass Recycling UK state they the UK's largest independent glass recycling company. They tell you why glass should be recycled, what you can do to help, tips for recycling glass and how they process recycled glass.

Jewellery
Jewellery doesn't seem like a waste product, but how many broken earrings and brooches or spare links from bracelets are tucked away? They may have seemed valuable at the time but often won't be put to good use. Many charities will collect, repair and sell them to help their cause. Go on have a clear out. For ideas on where to send them click here: Charities recycling  jewellery.
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Metals
Scrap metals have value and should be recycled. Steel and aluminium are the world’s most recyclable and recycled materials. If you accumulate copper (just had the central heating redone?) or aluminium or cast iron (just had the old gutters or the back boiler replaced?) why not take it to your scrap metal dealer and get cash for yourself. Or give it to your local travelling merchant. For larger quantities the links below might prove useful.
Where do they go? They are separated, refined and reused for hardware.
Over 40% of world production of ‘new’ steel is made from old steel, and 35% of ‘new’ aluminium is made from old aluminium (ref Corus 2002).
Warning!
Many metals are hazardous and are often hidden in compounds which may be toxic if misused. Notably, some batteries, paints and lamps may contain killers such as Lead, Mercury or Cadmium. For more details go up to the index and select Hazardous Waste|Toxic Metals.
  Alwin Link Alwin Metals Ltd: recycling and reclamation, mainly of non-ferrous metals. They also offer a complete service covering all recyclables and wastes Alwin Metals: Information.
  AWA  Link AWA Refiners Ltd: UK-based precious metal and computer reprocessors, also provide information about electronics recycling AWA Refiners: Information.
  BMRA Link British Metals Recycling Association, provides useful information on metal recycling and links to organisations associated with metal and recycling British MetalsRecycling Assn: Information.
  Corus Link Corus Steel Packaging Recycling (CSPR) states it is the UK's centre of technical and communications expertise on steel packaging recycling, facilitating and promoting further recovery and recycling of all types CSPR: Information.
  EMR Link European Metal Recycling (EMR) process and merchant ferrous and non-ferrous metals. They shred post-consumer durables, shear demolition scrap and perform high-tech granulation and dense media separation of mixed materials as well as fridge recycling and vehicle depollution EMR: Information.
  GC Metals Link
G C Metals Limited, an independent British precious metals refiner, offers a comprehensive precious metal reclamation service to a wide variety of commercial and industrial customers.
  Tecweb: Isaac Shaw Link Isaac Shaw Ltd: part of Sigfried Jacob Metals Group. Reprocess and recycle non-ferrous scrap metal, production scrap, residues and catalysts saac Shaw: Information.
  MIM Ltd Link Midland Industrial Metals Ltd: Specialist non-ferrous metal merchant and processor Midland Industrial Metals: Information.
  Sims Metal Management Link Sims Metal Management state they are the world's largest metals recycler. They recover end of life and abandoned cars, consumer goods, surplus metal from manufacturing processes and other scrap metal. They recycle recovered metals, plastics and other materials into various products.
  Zincworld.org and IZA Link zincworld.org provides the public and professional users with details about zinc and its uses. It is sponsored by International Zinc Association (IZA), who promote understanding of zinc and its environmental importance Zcworld.org and IZA: Information.
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Paper and Office Waste
Ducklings crossing path
Paper is one of the most popular recyclables and all councils should offer a convenient disposal system. There are certain kinds of "papers" that cannot be recycled eg plastic and laminates, carbon and waxed papers.
Where does it go? To paper mills which screen and pulp it. Then it is made into rolls of paper or cardboard, often for packaging.
If you have responsibility for disposing of waste within an organisation there are professionals who will help; click for more information Professional Recyclers: Information for. They should be able to recycle much more than paper and cover a lot of other needs as well including compliance with the The Environmental Protection Act and The Data Protection Act Data Protection Act: Information.
  CAT Link The CAT Tipsheet on Composting says you can create better compost and reduce the amount of rubbish you throw away by composting paper and cardboard which isn't suitable for taking to the recycling bank CAT Tipsheet on Composting Paper and Card: Information.
  Confederation of Paper Industries Link The Confederation of Paper Industries is the trade association for the paper industry; their site gives info on paper recycling and other links Confederation of Paper Industries: Information.
  Green Stationery Company Link The Green Stationery Company do not recycle but supply recycled paper and green office products. They select environmentally benign products and those with environmental advantages over the standard office products Green Stationery Company: Information.
  Hannay Link Hannay appears to be one of the leaders in the UK and Ireland, judging by the information supplied on their web site; for more info click here Hannay's professional services: Information.
  New Leaf Recycling Link New Leaf Recycling, based in south London, offers recycling schemes for office waste paper, redundant IT equipment and printer cartridges; they sell remanufactured laser printer and inkjet cartridges New Leaf Recycling: Information.
  Paper Round Link Paper Round offer schemes for recycling office paper, reusing laser and inkjet cartridges as well as offering free advice in office recycling Paper Round: Information.
  Link to RecycledWaste.Com RecycledWaste.Com claims to be a one stop shop for recycling office waste offering compliance with legislative requirements. It handles print cartridges, batteries, fluorescent tubes, lamps, hardware, cups, cans and bottles etc.
    (Note that much fuller treatment of IT equipment and printer cartridges is given in the section on Computers and Cartridges)
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Plastics
We have classified Plastics as marginally hazardous. To go to the Hazardous Waste page, go up to the index and select on the site map.
Postage Stamps
Even used postage stamps are not worthless. Tear around the stamps, put them aside and when you've got a bundle post them to a charity. Unused stamps are especially valuable, here's an idea of where to send them: Where to send stamps: Information.
  LeukaemiaCare Link Leukaemia CARE provides vital care and support to all those whose lives are affected by leukaemia, lymphoma and the allied blood disorders. Their work includes the welfare of families and carers, as well as patients. For info on donations including stamps, mobiles and cartridges click this button LeukaemiaCare: Information.
  Oxfam Link
Oxfam shops welcome used stamps. All stamps are carefully valued and priced. Albums and collections are particularly welcome, but they accept all used stamps (foreign or UK).
  PDSA Link
PDSA is appealing for the public to help pets in need of vets by recycling their used postage stamps. You can donate all types of stamps; first class, second class, foreign and special collections for recycling. The address to send them to is on their web site.
  RNIB Link
RNIB can raise money from British and overseas used, new, first or second class stamps. They tell you how to donate used stamps and ask you to encourage your friends and family, at home and abroad, to save their stamps for RNIB.
  Smilie's People Link Smilie's People invite you to collect used postage stamps to help support children suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Their site gives clear instructions of what to do with your stamps; click on 'Collect Stamps' Smilie's People: Information.
 

Stamps for Charity Link The Compassionate Friends Link

The Stamps For Charity web site is a contact and information point for those wishing to find a charity that collects used stamps. They mainly raise money for The Compassionate Friends charity. They tell you how to donate stamps.
Shoes
Don't throw old shoes, sandals, trainers etc away when they've gone out of fashion, you've finished with them, or the children have outgrown them. Take them to a charity shop or to one of the shoe 'bins' you see outside many shoe repair shops and smaller supermarkets; tie the shoes together or put them in a bag to ensure they stay as a pair.
  Where do these old shoes go? We are told that they go to Holland where a commercial organisation sorts them. The better shoes are then sent for use in the third world and the rest are shredded for other uses.
  European Recycling Company Link

Variety Club Link

The European Recycling Company state they are probably the only specialist shoe recyclers in the UK. They have over 5000 shoe collection points throughout the UK and take all footwear, in any condition.
The Variety Club works in partnership with European Recycling Company to help you to recycle unwanted shoes. They say every time you buy new shoes don't just throw away old ones, donate them to The Variety Club.
  Nike Reuse-a-shoe Link Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe program enables you to bring your worn-out trainers and athletic footwear to be recycled by taking them to drop-off points. Click on the red button or silver ball to find out where and how Nike Reuse-A-Shoe: Information.
  Recyclatex Link Recyclatex is an independent, regulatory body of all TRA members, offering local authorities, organisations etc a reliable and cost effective way of disposing of used clothing, shoes and household textiles Recyclatex: Information.
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Spectacles
Maybe you have several unwanted second-hand spectacles around the house. You can be sure that many other households have them too. They can be put to use in a very good cause, helping disadvantaged people overseas. Its very likely that your local optician will accept old, good condition specs for recycling, as will many charity shops, opticians, and sometimes supermarkets now have collection boxes for old spectacles to be deposited in. Also see the specialist links below.
  Vision Aid Overseas: Link Vision Aid Overseas helps needy people in developing countries with bad eyesight, mainly by supplying them with second-hand spectacles. Unwanted spectacles are donated in the UK, by the public, via various organisations such as Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, churches, schools and many opticians. The donated specs must be in good condition and unfortunately bifocals won't do. For more information click VAO: Information.
  Lions Club of Chichester Link
Lions Clubs across the UK collect used spectacles and send them to needy causes. You can donate to your local Lions club, or send them directly to the Lions Club of Chichester. The web site tells you how and what happens to the specs. All spectacles are welcome, including sunglasses.
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Tools and Machinery
Tools including garden tools can be re-used. For example see:
  TFSR Link Tools for Self Reliance (TFSR), a national charity, refurbishes and sends tools and sewing machines to agricultural communities in developing countries and assists craftworkers in refurbishing tools TFSR: Information. TFSR are supported by several co-operative groups whose emphasis is collecting and refurbishing tools and sending these to TFSR.
    TFSR Northampton's stated aims are to supply a workshop environment for local disabled people who refurbish the hand tools that the public donates and to send the refurbished tools to TFSR TFSR Northampton: Information.
  Conservation Foundation's Tools Shed Link
Tools Shed is the Conservation Foundation's tools for schools recycling project run in association with HMP Wandsworth. Old and broken garden tools are repaired in the workshops at the Prison, contributing to prisoners’ training and rehabilitation. The spruced up tools are given to schools and community gardens at seasonal distribution days. Tools can be dropped at all Capital Garden Centres, and RHS Wisley Gardens.
Tyres
Don't put tyres into landfill or the incinerator, they can be be recycled. OK, hang them on the boat if you want, but for more info on how useful they can be when recycled, go up to the index and select Hazardous Waste.
Water Filters
You can recycle your used water filter cartridges, but the only source we've found so far is Brita, see below.
  Brita Link Brita Water Filter Cartridges are 100% recyclable, and can be sent to Brita free of charge, however they do ask that cartridges are returned for recycling a few at a time Brita and recycling cartridges: Information.
Wood/Building Materials
There are companies who recycle used timber and building materials. You can also purchase a range of reclaimed and salvaged building materials from various sources. Some examples are below.
  Billingshurst Building and Roofing Supplies Link
Billingshurst Building and Roofing Supplies is a family firm supplying 2nd hand building and roofing material and reclamation building materials including old bricks, ridge tiles, finials, York stone paving, oak flooring, granite sets, rockery stone, walling stone, old beams, edging stones, flagstones, tiles, ridges and chimney pots.
  Gardiners Reclaimed Building Materials Link
Gardiners Reclaimed Building Materials are specialists Stockists of reclaimed building materials including roof and ridge tiles, bricks, cobble stones, oak beams, sleepers and flooring.
  Hadfield Link

Hadfield Wood Recyclers specialise in recycling waste timber to produce recycled woodchip for chipboard manufacture. They describe the process, what's suitable and facts on sustainability Hadfield: Information.

  NCWRP Link

National Community Wood Recycling Project provides practical advice and information to individuals wanting information about wood recycling. They encourage and assist setting up and running of wood recycling projects NCWRP: Information.

  Recycle Wood Link
Recycle Wood, part of WRAP, is a sustainable wood information service. On the site you can search for your nearest wood recycler and find information about products made from recycled wood.
  Reelfurniture Link Reelfurniture is the project of David Meddings who sees the use of recycled timber as a design challenge and an active step towards change. Discarded cable drums and other reclaimed timber are used for the furniture Reelfurniture: Information.
  Salvo Link Salvo states it is a gateway to the world of architectural salvage and reclaimed building materials. They supply regional packs listing sources of antique and reclaimed materials for buildings and gardens, plus some craftspeople and restorers Salvo: Information.
  Wood Recyclers Association Link Link
The Wood Recyclers' Association aims to promote the wood recycling industry, provide advice, information and guidance and represent the wood recycling sector.
  UK Wood Recycling Link
UK Wood Recycling aims for no wood to go to waste and to reduce wood sent to landfill by recycling recovered wood to produce a range of products including horse, poultry and cattle bedding, equestrian surfaces and wood chip. They offer a service to companies and local authorities.
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Machinery for Recycling
There are many companies who manufacture or sell new and/or second-user equipment and machinery for the recycling of a range of materials. For those of you who want to make a living out of recycling, here are a few companies who can supply the machines:
  Bollegraaf Recycling Machinery Link
Bollegraaf Recycling Machinery, a sister company of Bollegraaf Logistic and Lubo Systems, is an international company manufacturing machines for the recycling industry, supplying to the waste paper industry, collectors of industrial and household waste, municipalities and companies which produce voluminous waste. They produce balers, sorting systems, conveyors, shredders, starscreens, reel splitters etc.
  Chas Lawrence Link Charles Lawrence International manufactures two classes of specialised recycling machinery: a range of machines for the reclamation industries; machines for building and maintaining sports and play surfaces Chas Lawrence: Information.
  JMC Recycling Systems Link

JMC Recycling Systems Ltd supply non-ferrous scrap metal processing and recycling equipment in the UK and the US. Altek Europe Ltd acquired the assets of J.McIntyre (Machinery) Ltd in 2009.

  Link to Middleton Engineering Middleton Engineering Ltd in Glastonbury, Somerset supplies many kinds of automatic baling machines for cans, cardboard, polystyrene, textiles and much more. They claim that whatever your needs they can provide a suitable automatic baler.
  PRM Link Paper Recycling Machinery Ltd supply new and second user paper baling & shredding equipment and compactors for waste and recycling industries Paper Recycling Machinery: Information.
  Link to Satrind Satrind produces shredders for industrial and urban waste treatment with capacities and ranges for recycling and disposal applicable to a wide variety of sectors. Originating in Italy, 1982, it now has an international spread.
  Seram UK Link
Seram UK offers the recycling, smelting and scrap industries modern machinery for large scale metal processing, metal smelting and scrap recycling, and materials recycling facilities Seram UK: Information.
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Page originated: 21 July, 2001  Last updated: 29 January, 2010