Find out what goes in your bins
To use this search first type your postcode into the search box below. You can then search for the item you want to throw away.
This tells you which bin to use and any special instructions to follow. You'll also see the nearest recycling location that accepts your waste.
You can also download our new 2026 recycling guide and calendar in one handy document.
Download our guide and bin collection calendar (PDF, 25 MB)
Make sure we can collect your waste
If you put waste in the wrong bin, we will not be able to collect it. The bin will be 'contaminated', and you'll have to take any incorrect waste out. You'll also have to wait up to two weeks for us to empty your bin.
If your bin is deemed too heavy by our collection crews, it will not be collected. Heavy bins pose a risk to our collection crew and the public, and could damage the collection vehicle. Heavy items should be removed and disposed of correctly.
- 2 wheeled bins must not exceed 50kg
- 4 wheeled bins must not exceed 250kg
You'll also have to wait up to two weeks for us to empty your bin.
Green recycling bin
| Yes please: | No thanks: |
|---|---|
| Paper, card, newspapers and magazines | Black bags |
| Glass bottles and jars | Expanded polystyrene |
| Empty tins, cans and cartons | Hard plastics, cling film or bubble wrap |
| Empty aerosol cans | Food waste, crisp packets or sweet wrappers |
| Clean foil and foil trays | Textiles or nappies |
| Plastic bottles, tubs, pots and trays | Drinking glasses, crockery or Pyrex |
| Plastic carrier bags | Paint tins, garden waste or wood |
| Plastic and metal lids, caps and bottle tops | General waste |
| Batteries and Vapes |
If you have too much recycling for your green bin, put anything else neatly at the side of your bin in a see through plastic bag.
Black refuse bin
| Yes please: | No thanks: |
|---|---|
| General waste that cannot go in your green bin | Paint cans |
| Gas canisters | |
| Asbestos, soil, rubble or building material | |
| Batteries and Vapes | |
| Garden waste |
Food caddies
| Yes please: | No thanks: |
|---|---|
| Meat and fish, including the bones | Packaging that can be recycled |
| Shells of fish, nuts and eggs | Black bin liners |
| Dairy food | Liquids |
| Fruit and vegetables | Oil or liquid fat |
| Bread, cakes and pastries | |
| Rice, pasta and beans | |
| Leftover, mouldy or expired food | |
| Tea bags and tea and coffee grounds |
Do not line your silver food bin with black bin liners. Use plastic liners, newspaper or old carrier bags if you want to line your bin. You can also use any bags you bought food in, for example a bread bag.
Batteries
Batteries, including those found in everyday items like vapes, must not be placed into any household bin. They can ignite when damaged or crushed, such as during the collection process. Even a single battery disposed of incorrectly is enough to start a fire.
Small batteries can be placed into a small tied bag and presented on top of your bin. If we have space, we will put them into a cage on the side of our waste collection vehicle each week. Alternatively, you can drop off used batteries at supermarkets, our Millmead offices, and Community Recycling Centres. More drop off locations can be found on BattRecycle (opens new window).
Garden waste
You can use our collection scheme to throw garden waste away.
More information is in our waste collection service guidelines (PDF, 266 KB).
Surrey's Zero Waste Map
Surrey's Zero Waste Map is a tool created for residents to help find locations for reducing, reusing, repairing, recycling and donating items.
Residents can search for their post code on the website, find out what items can be brought to each location and help to keep our areas clean and green.
Surrey's Zero Waste Map