Recycling

There are many reasons to recycle - it stops our refuse going to landfill, and saves energy and resources. Read more about how and what to recycle, and do your bit to help to save the planet.

How to recycle

We aim to make recycling as easy and as convenient as possible for all residents. There are two schemes in place for the collection of recyclable materials: 

  • Orange bag recycling for residents living in street level properties
  • Mixed bank recycling for residents living in mansion blocks, flats and estates

If you are unsure which recycling service you receive please call Streetline on 020 7361 3001.

All recycling schemes accept the following materials for recycling:

  • paper (not shredded), newspapers, magazines, junk mail, telephone directories, envelopes
  • cardboard
  • empty glass bottles and jars (no lids)
  • clean, empty tins, cans and aerosols (please rinse)
  • clean, empty plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays (no lids)
  • clean, empty food and drink cartons (please rinse and flatten) including Tetra Pak type food and drink cartons

Please include only the materials above for recycling. Placing other items in your recycling bag or bank will contaminate the recycling and it will be sent for incineration.

Read more about What not to recycle.

Get tips on how to make the most of your recycling bags here.

Download and print a copy of the recycling poster [PDF] (file size 110Kb) which highlights what can and can't be recycled.

If in doubt, leave it out!

Garden waste collection

Garden waste is collected every fortnight, all year round. All garden waste collected by the Council is sent for composting. If you would like to have your garden waste collected you must register for the service by telephoning Streetline on 020 7361 3001. Kensington and Chelsea does not operate a collection for food waste or provide subsidised composters or wormeries, although the recycling team can provide help and advice to any resident on these matters. See the Garden waste page for further information.

Mini recycling centres

There are 22 mini recycling centres located around the borough, each having up to five mixed recycling banks on site.  You can recycle the same items as listed above. In addition, most mini recycling centres offer separate facilities to recycle textiles, shoes, and books.  See the mini recycling centres page.

Recycling at school

The Royal Borough aims to have recycling available to all schools in the borough. We offer a comprehensive range of services to schools to encourage recycling. To find out more about please telephone Streetline on 020 7361 3001 and ask to speak to the Schools Recycling Adviser.

Recycling and refuse amenity sites (public tips)

Residents can take their unwanted household items, free of charge, to the following Recycling and Refuse Amenity Site situated in Wandsworth. Find out more at Amenity Skips and Rubbish Tips page.

Textile Recycling

We are working with Traid to make recycling textiles easier for residents. Read more...

More useful information