What happens to your waste?

We collect your household waste to recycle as much as possible and reduce what goes to incineration. This page explains where your waste goes, why it matters, and how you can help by using the right bin.

Black or green bin – non‑recyclable waste

You should only use this bin for waste that cannot go in any other bin.

We take waste from your black or green bin to an energy from waste facility in Dunbar. The waste is burned to create steam, which is then used to generate electricity.

This facility sends around 30 megawatts of electricity into the national grid. That is enough to power about 39,000 homes. Using waste this way helps reduce landfill and recover energy from rubbish that cannot be recycled.

Blue bin – paper and card

We take paper and card from your blue bin to a recycling outlet in Glasgow. From there, it is sent to paper mills across Europe and turned into new paper products.

Paper and card can only be recycled if they are clean and dry. If items are dirty or mixed with the wrong materials, they may be rejected and sent to an energy from waste facility instead.

Put in your blue bin:

• clean paper, card and cardboard

Do not put in your blue bin:

• used paper towels or napkins
• food‑stained packaging (greasy pizza boxes)
• nappies or general waste

Even small amounts of the wrong items can spoil a whole load.

Light grey bin – glass, cans and plastics

We take items from your light grey bin to sorting facilities. They separate glass, metals and plastics so they can be recycled. Glass is crushed and used to make new bottles and jars. Metals and plastics are baled and sent on to be recycled into new products.

To ensure your bin is emptied and the materials are recycled, only place clean containers in the bin.

Do not put in this bin:

• plastic bags
• food waste
• nappies or black bag waste

Burgundy bin – food and garden waste

We send food and garden waste to an in-vessel composting facility, where it is turned into compost.

Find out more

If you are unsure what goes in each bin, use our bins - what goes in them guide or contact us for advice.