Big changes to Wakefield’s recycling scheme … here’s what goes where

People in the Wakefield district can now add even more items to their brown recycling bin.

As new recycling legislation rolls out across England, the aim is to simplify the process and standardise it across the country… less confusion, more recycling!

The biggest change in Wakefield is that your brown recycling bin can now take a wider range of materials, such as plastic pots, tubs, trays, tubes and cartons. From toothpaste tubes to juice cartons, aerosols to aluminium, your waste has real value. Recycle it right and give it a second life.

Got too much to fit in the bin? Now there’s an option for leaving out extra and it will still be collected.

Here’s the full rundown of what you need to know.

What can go in my brown bin?

As before, cans, cartons, cardboard, bottles, envelopes etc can still go in the brown bin, but you can also add in plastic pots, tubs, trays and tubes.

Do I need to crush them?

The smaller you make them, the more you can fit in, so lightly squash plastic and cans and flatten cardboard.

I’ve still got too much!

That’s okay, use clear plastic bags to handle the extra and put it out next to the bin. Or if it is cardboard, simply flatten and put it next to the bin … don’t stuff the extra bags on top of the bin, leave them where they can be spotted.

Do I have to clean things?

To give your recycling the best chance of being repurposed, house holders should follow three simple steps.

· Empty it

· Rinse it

· Recycle it

Being clean, dry and free from food or liquid waste will make them suitable for recycling.

What about food waste?

Most authorities in England will also be required to provide a weekly food waste collection. However, Wakefield does not. Food waste collections will not apply until the end of its current waste contract. The contract is expected to run for several more years.

Food waste is already recovered and processed at its waste treatment facility. Food waste from your green bin is then turned into renewable heat and green electricity.

What about businesses?

Workplace recycling rules for businesses and organisations with 10 or more full time employees changed from 31st March 2025. This included food waste being collected separately. All Wakefield businesses which use the council’s commercial waste collection service have been contacted. Any enquiries should be forwarded to [email protected]

The move to simplify recycling and increase the items that can be repurposed is part of the council’s drive to improve its performance. It currently ranks 81st nationally for recycling, and the new simpler scheme makes improvement achievable.

For more information, click here.