We've put together some handy FAQs on a range of questions about waste and recycling.
What happens to the waste I put in my bins?
We've put together a handy guide on what happens to your waste and recycling - find out more.
What do I do with my food waste?
Please put your food waste in your black bin, either loose or in a carrier bag.
Please do not put it in your garden bin or your blue bin. Please also ensure food waste is cleaned from all items you put in your blue bin (for example food containers).
Can I recycle aerosols?
You can recycle aerosols in your blue bin. Please do not squash or pierce them.
What should I do with old clothes and textiles?
We do not offer a textile recycling service. Please either donate them to charity, take them to a local collection point (such as Tesco car park) or take them to your local household recycling site.
What should I do with old furniture?
If your old furniture is broken and unusable, we can take it away for you. We offer a bulky (furniture) and scrap metal (old appliances such as fridges and freezers) and you can book this online:
You'll need your credit or debit card handy. Please remember to take a note of your collection day when you have booked it, as payment is non-refundable, so you need to remember to put your items out on time.
Alternatively, if your furniture/items are still usable, why not donate them to charity or let someone else locally benefit from them. Many local charities offer a collection service including St Giles, Lichfield Furniture Transfer Scheme (Michael Lowe's and Associated Charities), or why not find out about Lichfield Freecycle?
What should I do with paint scraps?
You can either take your paint scraps to your nearest household recycling centre (or tip) or find out about Community Repaint - a scheme that collects leftover paint and redistribute it to benefit individuals, families, communities and charities in need at an affordable cost.
Can I recycle my Christmas tree?
If you are subscribed to our garden waste service you can recycle your Christmas tree in your brown bin. Make sure you chop it up and can close the lid.
Additionally, St Giles run an annual programme called Treecycle where you can book a collection in return for a donation. More information can be found here.
All you need to do is follow these simple rules:
- Make sure you remove all decorations from the tree before putting it in the bin.
- Chop the tree up and make sure no branches are sticking out.
Your tree will then be taken to a composting site where it will be turned into soil improver, which may even be used to grow more Christmas trees!
Sign up to our garden waste service
If you are not signed up to our garden waste scheme, you can take your tree to your local household recycling centre and deposit it in a green waste container.
