Certain materials are not accepted in recycling bins in Durham, and it's important to know what they are to avoid contamination. Here's a list of items that should not go in your recycling bin:
| Material | Notes |
|---|---|
| Black plastic trays | Must go in rubbish bin. |
| Polystyrene | Place in rubbish bin; can’t be recycled. |
| Cling film | Not accepted; can recycle with soft plastics at supermarkets. |
| Soft plastics (like salad bags, crisp packets) | Not recyclable in curbside bins, but can be taken to soft plastic collection points. |
| Pyrex glass | Cannot be recycled; wrap and dispose in rubbish bin if broken. |
| Ceramics and glass panes | Not accepted; take to recycling centre. |
| Disposable PPE (gloves, face masks) | Should go in rubbish bin. |
| Food waste | Cannot be recycled; compostable items can be put in green waste caddy when collected. |
| Electrical items | Must be taken to a recycling centre, not placed in bins. |
| Bedding and textiles | Donate if in good condition; take to recycling centre otherwise. |
| Shredded paper | Cannot be recycled; can be composted. |
| Nappies (disposable) | Must go in rubbish bin. |
| Paint (hazardous) | Take to specific recycling centres; do not dispose in bins. |
If you're ever unsure about a specific item, it's best to consult the full recycling guidelines available on the Durham council website.