This page is designed to answer the most frequently asked questions with regard to recycling and household waste.

The Recycling Team can offer help and advice on any aspect of waste management and household recycling.

Blue Bin Questions:


Q1  What can I recycle in my Blue Bin?

We are pleased to announce that Card Packaging and Cardboard Boxes can now be placed in the blue bin.  Please flatten any large boxes and remove any food and polythene before placing the card in your blue bin.

Use the Blue Bins to recycle Card Packaging, Cardboard Boxes, Magazines, Newspapers, Comics, Office Paper, Brochures, Yellow Pages, Junk Mail, White Envelopes, Drinks Cans, Food Tins, Plastic Fizzy Drinks Bottles, Plastic Milk Bottles, Plastic Shampoo and Bleach Bottles.

Q2 How will 'managed weekly collections' affect my Blue Bin collection frequency?

Managed weekly collections mean that the Council is changing the way it collects your waste.  Your blue bin collections will increase from 4-weekly to 2-weekly.


Q3 Does this mean that my Blue Bin day will change?

Yes, it is very likely that at least one of your current collection days will change, but you will receive a new calendar nearer the time detailing these changes and informing you of your new days and dates.


Q4 Why can’t I put glass into the Blue Bins?

Small fragments of glass can become mixed with paper. The paper would then be rejected at the Paper Mill.  You can place your glass bottles and jars in your Purple bin or at your nearest glass Recycling Point and Recycling Centre.


Q5  Why can I only recycle plastic bottles and not all types of plastic?

Plastic bottles are mainly made from PET and HDPE. They are produced and used in large volumes and there are established end markets allowing plastic bottles to be easily recycled.

Yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and meal trays have different specifications from plastic bottles. End markets for these plastics are limited and our recycling partners do not accept them.

Remember plastic bottles can also be recycled through Blue Bin Collections or certain Recycling Points throughout the city.


Q6  Why can’t I recycle Tetra-paks in the Blue Bin?

Tetra pak is packaging used to store liquid food and drinks (e.g Juice and milk cartons). They are made from layers of cardboard, plastic and foil. At present in the UK there are few re-processors that are capable of recycling tetra-pak.

Please note: Tetra Pak Recycling Bins are now located at the Council's 4 Recycling Centres.


Q7  Why can’t I keep my 14O Litre Blue bin?

Glasgow needs to increase the amount of waste that is recycled. To help us to do this, you are now going to be able to put cardboard boxes and card packaging in your blue bin, as well as all of the paper, plastic bottles and other items that you can currently put in it. Cardboard is more bulky and you will probably need the additional space to accommodate this.


Q8  What happens to my Blue Bin material once it has been collected?

The material collected in the Blue Recycling Bin will be taken to the Council's Materials Reclamation Facility at Polmadie for sorting.  After sorting it will be transported to our partners where it will be recycled.


Q9 Where can I recycle other household materials I have?

Many household items can be recycled at your local Recycling Centres or Local Charity Shops



Brown Bin Questions:


Q1 What exactly can I put in my Brown Bin?

All compostable garden waste such as  – grass cuttings, leaves, hedge trimmings, plants and garden weeds.

Bin liners or carriers bags should not be placed in the brown bin because they are not biodegradable.  All garden waste has to be placed loose in your brown bin.

Soil, rubble and stone should not be placed in your brown bin as it will make the bin too heavy for the hoist on the collection vehicles.


Q2 Can I deposit my organic garden waste at the Recycling Centre?

Yes, if you bring any organic garden waste in a plastic bag or sack, please deposit the contents only - NOT THE PLASTIC BAG - into the Garden Waste skip otherwise the skip will become contaminated.


Q3 Where does my Brown Bin material go once it has been collected?

The material will be processed into compost by our recycling partners.



Real Nappies - Questions:


Q1 Does Glasgow City Council run a real nappy scheme?

Glasgow City Council has applied on 2 occasions for funding to run a real nappy scheme but unfortunately have been unsuccessful.  It should be remembered that whilst many local authorities have run incentive schemes these are generally short lived i.e. they last for between 12 and 24 months whilst the Local Authority has funding.  The benefits of incentive schemes are relatively small.


Q2 Will Glasgow get funding in the future?

Unfortunately it is unlikely that there will be any more money available to Local Authorities to fund a Real Nappy Project. We do recognise that more information is required for parents-to-be about the available options when it comes to choosing nappies.

For further information please visit our Real Nappies Section.


General - Questions:


Q1 What is my collection day?

Please refer to your Blue Bin and Brown Bin Calendar leaflet with regards to your collection day.  If you do not have a leaflet then contact the Councils Customer Care Centre to obtain new information.


Q2 What if my bin has been damaged or gone missing?

Please contact the Councils Customer Care Centre to report it.


Q3 My recycling has not been collected?

If you have checked your bin is not contaminated and it has not been uplifted by 6pm on your collection day, please report this to the Councils Customer Care Centre.

For further information on contaminated bins and missed collections please visit Recycling Collections


Q4 What do recycled materials get made into?

Recycling Materials are made into new products, paper, toilet roll, newspaper, writing paper, plastic bottles, fleece Jackets, Garden furniture, sleeping bag fibre, compost bins, recycling bins, food tins, drinks cans, glass bottles, jars and many more.