Yes, you need to wash your recyclable items and squish them down before placing them in the red recycling box. Plastic and metal containers should have their lids included, but labels can generally remain on the containers as long as the items are thoroughly cleaned.
Here’s a quick summary of what’s required for recycling in Hounslow:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Wash items | Yes, all plastic and metal containers must be washed. |
| Squash items | Yes, squash them to save space. |
| Leave labels | Labels can remain on as long as items are clean. |
| Include lids | Yes, include lids with plastic containers. |
Make sure to check for any specific items with the Waste Wizard if you’re unsure about anything you want to recycle. You can access the Waste Wizard for help here.