What happens to your recycling?

When we collect your recycling, it goes to special companies that clean and sort it. They make sure the materials are good enough to be reused. Here’s what happens to some of the things you recycle:

Cans (like fizzy drink and food cans)

These are made from metal like steel and aluminium. They are melted down and used to make new cans or other metal things.

Cardboard

Cardboard is turned back into new cardboard.

Food and drink cartons

Some cartons are burned to make energy. Others are taken apart. The paper is used to make new paper, and the plastic and foil can be used to make furniture.

Electrical items

Old electrical things are taken apart safely. Some parts are reused.

Glass (like bottles and jars)

Glass is crushed and cleaned. It’s used to make new glass items or used in building roads.

Garden waste

Leaves, grass and branches are turned into compost to help plants grow.

Paper

Old paper is made into new paper, like the kind used for newspapers.

Plastic

Plastic is melted and shaped into new things. It can be used to make clothes, garden furniture, and bins.

Rubble (like bricks and stones)

This is crushed and used to build roads and buildings.

Clothes and textiles

Clothes are sorted. Some are reused, and others are shredded to make things like protective blankets.

Wood

Wood is chipped and used to make furniture like tables and cupboards.