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Games and toys

Household waste recycling centres do not accept toys and games made from hard plastics for recycling. They are not collected as part of household collections so should not be put in your home recycling either. If your toys are in good working order you could donate them to a charity shop or a local church, toy library or playgroup or on Freegle or Freecycle. If your toys and games are beyond repair, it may still be possible to recycle some of the parts if you dismantle them. This includes batteries and battery packs from remote controls which should be removed and recycled.

Garden furniture

If in good condition, garden furniture could be passed on for free through Freegle or Freecycle or by donating to a charity shop or furniture reuse organisation. Could it be repaired if broken or upcycled into something new? If it is totally beyond repair you can take it to one of our Household Waste Recycling Centres.

Garden waste

Your local Council provides a special bin for your garden waste and collects it as part of their household collection scheme. If you don`t have this type of collection service or your bin is full, you can recycle garden waste at your nearest Household Waste Recycling Centre. What can go in your garden waste bin; leaves and flowers, grass and weeds, tree bark and pruned branches, clippings and twigs, old veg and bedding plants. NEVER put food waste in your garden waste bin. You could also compost excess garden waste at home in a compost bin.

Gas bottles and cylinders

Please do not place gas cylinders in your general household waste bin as they may explode if they are crushed. Many retailers and suppliers of gas bottles will allow you to return your gas bottle once used for refilling. Gas bottles may be accepted at Household Waste Recycling Centres. Please check with staff as to where the bottles should be left so they can be stored safely before being re-used. Small non-refillable camping stove type gas canisters should also be handed to site staff

Glass /bottles / jars /pyrex /broken glass / drinking glasses / mirrors

Glass recycling banks can be found at some Recycle Points for collection of glass. Remember to remove all the tops from the bottles and jars and rinse out those which have contained food. Alternatively bottles and jars can be collected using your kerbside collection scheme if you have one available.

Some types of glass do not melt at the same temperature as bottles and jars. If they enter the glass recycling process it can result in new containers being rejected. These include Glass cookware, e.g. Pyrex, microwave plates, Ceramics, e.g. crockery and earthenware, Glass Vases, nail varnish bottles, mirrors and light bulbs. These items should be recycled separately - check with your local household waste recycling centre.

Useable glass kitchenware, crockery or drinking glasses can be offered free on Freegle or Freecycle or donated to a local charity shop. Please check your local charity is accepting these items before donating.

Broken glass should always be wrapped safely in newspaper before being placed in your general waste bin - please do not put it in with your kerbside recycling as it may be hand sorted and poses a health and safety hazard to collection crews.

Glasses - spectacles

You cannot put old spectacles or glasses in your household recycling bin; however, you can donate them to charity. Ask your optician if they collect old spectacles. Many do - they are donated to charities who send them to developing countries.

Glycerol (Bio-Diesel)

200 litres can be accepted annually, 20 litres in any one visit.
For guidance please call 0300 373 3730 if you live in the Cumberland Council area or 0300 373 3300 if you live in the Westmorland & Furness Council area.