Recycling contamination is a real problem in Glasgow. When the wrong items end up in the blue bin, entire loads can be rejected and sent to landfill instead. Here's a definitive guide to getting it right.
YES — Put These in Your Blue Bin
Paper and cardboard (flattened), plastic bottles (with lids on), plastic food tubs and trays, food tins and drink cans, empty aerosol cans, aluminium foil (scrunched into a ball), Tetra Paks and cartons.
NO — Keep These Out
Food waste, nappies, black bags, soft plastics (cling film, carrier bags, crisp packets), polystyrene, broken glass, textiles, wood, garden waste, electrical items, batteries.
Common Mistakes
**Pizza boxes** — only if clean. Greasy pizza boxes should go in general waste. **Shredded paper** — put it in a paper bag first, loose shreds jam the sorting machinery. **Plastic film** — the soft plastic on ready meals isn't recyclable in your blue bin (some supermarkets collect it separately). **Coffee cups** — the plastic lining means they can't be recycled in standard facilities.
Soft Plastics
Major supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Co-op now have front-of-store collection points for soft plastics — bread bags, crisp packets, cling film, and plastic wrapping. This is worth using as these materials make up a significant portion of household waste.
Making Recycling Easier
Keep a small caddy or bag next to your main bin for recyclables. Rinse food containers before they go in — a quick rinse is enough, they don't need to be spotless. Flatten cardboard boxes to save space in your bin.
Need help with waste removal?
Send a photo of what needs to go and we'll quote you within minutes. Same-day service available across Glasgow.