In West Lothian, the brown bin is used for recycling both food and garden waste. You can include a variety of items, which are summarized in the table below:
| Allowed Items | Notes |
|---|---|
| Solid food waste | Includes tea bags, coffee grounds, eggshells, cheese, fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and plate leftovers. |
| Garden waste | Grass cuttings, flowers, small branches, weeds, and leaves. |
| Compostable bags | Only bags marked with 'EN 13432' or 'BS EN 13432'. |
| Not Allowed | Liquids (sauces, soup, yogurt, oil), plastic bags, soil, turf, rubble, stone, bricks, or any items that are bagged. |
Remember to remove any soil from plant waste before placing it in the bin. If you want to use your brown bin for garden waste, you'll need a permit, but if it’s just for food waste, a permit isn't required. For more information or to apply for a permit, check the Garden Waste Permits page.