Christmas and New Year closure information
Our council offices and phone lines will close at 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and reopen at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.
See our service arrangements for customers during this time.
Waste less by reusing
How to reduce waste and recycle
How to reuse, donate and share items including information about recycling centres and bring banks.
Waste less by reusing
Use less stuff when you can and use your recycling bin for things like paper, plastic and glass.
Check what else you can put in your recycling bin.
Use up your leftovers
Don’t throw away food! Visit Love Food Hate Waste for fun recipes and ideas to use up leftovers.
Got big stuff to get rid of?
If you have big things like old furniture or a fridge, here are your options:
- council collection – we may be able to pick it up. It costs from £24.50
- give it away on Freegle – someone else might want it!
- use the Love Junk app – take a photo, get a price, and someone will collect it
- try LITTA – they send trusted people to collect your stuff and help the planet
Give to charity – these groups may collect your items:
Call them first to check they can accept your item/s.
Donate things you don’t need
Reuse shops are found at recycling centres. You can give away or buy cheap second-hand items.
What about old clothes?
There are textile banks across the city provided by the Salvation Army.
Or take them to charity shops or recycling centres.
Got an old bike?
Your bike can be fixed and used again!
Try:
Or take it to a recycling centre
