Recycling bin collection

Plastic bags and wrapping recycling trial

We are taking part in a trial for the recycling of plastic bags and wrapping.

Around 10,000 properties across the borough have been selected to be part of the trial.

Learn more about the trial

In Bracknell Forest, blue bins are for recycling.

They are collected every 2 weeks.

What goes in your blue bin

Quickly 'wash and squash' recyclable plastics, foil and cartons to reduce contamination and to free up space.

We can collect dry cardboard boxes which will not fit in your blue bin, provided you have cut them to a manageable size no bigger than your bin.

What we can and cannot take in your recycling bin
Yes No
aerosol canisters – empty metal jar lids
books cellophane, plastic film
cans and tins – rinsed food, drink and pet food (labels are OK) crisp bags
card – cereal boxes, corrugated card, egg boxes, kitchen and toilet roll tubes, flattened boxes electrical, electronic equipment and batteries
cards – greetings cards and Christmas cards (without glitter) foil-based wrapping paper
cartons (Tetrapak) – juice, milk and soup cartons food pouches and coffee pods
catalogues, brochures and directories food waste
foil and foil trays (rinsed) glass
junk mail, flyers, letters and envelopes (including window envelopes) metal – cutlery and pots and pans
newspapers and magazines nappies
paper – printer paper (white and coloured) plastic bags including bin bags
plastic bottles (rinsed) – drinks, milk, toiletry, detergent, bleach plastic toys and rigid plastics
plastic punnets and trays – fruit punnets, meat trays plastics which are black (other colours are fine)
plastic cosmetic pots or tubs polystyrene
plastic pots – yoghurt, cream or soup pots textiles – clothes, bedding, duvets
plastic tubs – ice cream and margarine tubs tissues
shredded paper (put in a small box, paper bag or wrap in newspaper) toothpaste tubes
wrapping paper (not foil based) paint tins

Black plastic is not currently recycled as sorting equipment cannot detect the carbon black pigment. Put any black plastic in your green general waste bin.

For more information about plastic recycling, visit the re3 website

Glass

We are not able to collect glass as our sorting facility is not able to separate glass from other materials. Separate containers would be needed for kerbside glass collections, alongside buying additional vehicles and recruiting staff.

When the government has passed the Environment Bill there will be statutory guidance on glass collection. At this point we will assess options for glass recycling.

In the meantime take your glass to your local bottle bank your local bottle bank.

Put your bin out the night before

Make sure your bin is out by 6am on your collection day.

We suggest putting it out the night before.

Report an issue

To report an issue, such as a missed bin, a broken bin, or a missing bin, visit our bin issues page.

Report an issue

Additional collection

If you missed a bin collection, you may want to request an additional bin collection. There is a charge of £34 for this service.

Request an additional collection

Recycling incentive scheme

When you sign up to the recycling incentive scheme, every time we empty your bin 200 points will be added to your account.

You can spend your points on lots of different rewards including sessions at Downshire Golf Complex and Bracknell Leisure Centre.

Find out more about the recycling incentive scheme.