The UK's recycling guide app
What can go in your recycling bin? A UK guide ♻️
Not sure what's recyclable and what isn't? You're not alone. Recycling rules vary across the UK and councils don't always make it easy to find out. This guide covers what you can and can't put in your recycling bin and how Loci helps you stay on top of your collections too.
Recycling rules made simple
What you can put in your recycling bin depends on where you live. Most councils in the UK accept similar materials: paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal tins and cans, and certain plastics. But each council decides exactly what goes in which bin, and the rules don't always match your neighbour's.
Loci takes the guesswork out of it. The app connects you directly to your local council's recycling information, shows you what's accepted at kerbside and what needs to go to a recycling centre, and gives you the guidance you need to recycle the right things in the right place. You'll also get a reminder before each collection day so your bin is always out on time.
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How recycling reminders work with Loci
Set your address
Enter your postcode and street address in the Loci app. We'll find your local council's bin collection schedule automatically, so you don't have to dig through council websites.
Find out what you can recycle
Loci connects you to your council's recycling information so you know exactly what's accepted in your kerbside bin and what needs a trip to the recycling centre. No more guessing, no more contaminated bins.
Get a reminder before collection day
Loci sends a notification before your recycling bin is due out. You'll know which bin to put out, what goes in it, and when it needs to be on the kerb.
More than a recycling reminder
Loci gives you everything you need to recycle well, in one place. Find out what your council accepts at kerbside, what needs to go to a local recycling centre, and get clear guidance on how to recycle specific items correctly. It connects to your local council's services directly, so the information is always relevant to where you live.
Working for a council?
Find out how Loci helps councils connect with residents.
Why people use Loci to keep on top of recycling
Keeping track of bin collections sounds simple, but fortnightly schedules and changing collection dates catch a lot of people out. Loci users get reminders before each recycling day, know which bin to put out, and have access to their council's recycling guidance right inside the app.
Never miss recycling day
Know what goes where
Reduce contamination
Works for every bin type
Loci covers recycling, general waste, garden waste and food waste collections. One app for everything your council collects.
Useful when schedules change
Free for residents across the UK
Recycling bin FAQs
Most UK councils accept paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, metal tins and cans, and certain plastic bottles and containers. The exact list varies by council. Loci connects you to your local council's recycling information directly inside the app, so you can check what's accepted at kerbside in your area.
Items that typically can't go in a kerbside recycling bin include food waste, nappies, black bin bags, polystyrene, crisp packets, coffee cups, broken glass and most plastic films or wrapping. These go in your general waste bin. Some materials, like textiles and batteries, can be taken to a local household recycling centre instead.
Each local council sets its own recycling rules based on the waste contractor it uses and how materials are sorted and processed locally. That's why your neighbour in a different council area might be able to recycle something you can't — or vice versa. If you're unsure, your council's website is the most accurate source.
Simpler Recycling is a government initiative introduced in 2025 to standardise what gets collected at kerbside across England. Under the scheme, most councils are rolling out consistent collections for paper and card, plastic bottles and containers, glass, metal tins and cans, and food waste. Some changes are still being phased in.
Generally no. Soft plastics like carrier bags, bread bags and cling film aren't accepted in most kerbside recycling bins. Some supermarkets have collection points for soft plastics. Check your council's guide for what's accepted in your area.
Loci is rolling out across the UK and new councils are added regularly. You can check whether your area is covered in the app, or submit a request through the app if your council isn't listed yet.
Yes. Loci is free to download on iOS and Android. Bin collection reminders, local council services and community updates are all available at no cost to residents.
Yes. Loci connects you to your council's recycling guidance so you can see what's accepted in your kerbside bin and what needs to go to a local recycling centre. You'll also get reminders before each collection day so the right bin is always out at the right time.