BinMate
Empty recyclable containers and follow your council’s rinsing instructions. The aim is to remove leftover food and liquids, not to make every piece of packaging look new.
A simple preparation routine
Scrape out food, drain remaining drink and give suitable containers the rinse needed to remove residue. Reusing washing-up water can help avoid an unnecessary separate wash. Keep food and liquids away from paper/card waiting for collection.
Recycle Now’s contamination guidance recommends removing residue and distinguishes materials. Do not extend washing advice to cardboard: soaking a pizza box does not solve its contamination problem.
Check lids and separate components
The correct treatment of a plastic cap, a jar lid and a film seal can differ. Follow the local material instructions. Do not remove every lid merely because a general checklist says so, or keep every component together because the main container is recyclable.
For sticky jars, do not put your hand into narrow or damaged glass. If cleaning cannot be done safely, check the service’s instructions rather than risking a cut.
What does not need a household wash?
Do not rinse batteries, electrical components or chemical containers as a way of making them suitable for mixed recycling. They require separate disposal checks. Likewise, a coffee cup’s coating is not removed by washing it.
Use the guides for pizza boxes, coffee cups and glass where the material itself is the question.
Will a tiny trace of food ruin an entire lorry?
Not necessarily. The effect depends on the material and receiving process. Follow the preparation rules to reduce contamination and ask the council about a rejected container.
Should I run recycling through the dishwasher?
Follow the collection’s required level of preparation. Use the preparation method your council requests; check whether a quick rinse is sufficient before doing a separate dishwasher cycle.
