Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do you have to remove staples before putting paper into your kerbside collection or a Paper Recycling Point?

A. No, the staples are removed during the recycling process so do not affect the quality of the recycled paper.

Q. Can you put paper with paint or glue on it into your kerbside collection or Paper Recycling Point?

A. No, the paint will affect the quality of the recycled paper.

Q. Can you put cardboard with parcel tape on it into your kerbside collection or Recycling Point?

A. Yes, but if you are able to remove the majority of tape, this will help to produce a higher quality of recycled card.

Q. Why can't you put envelopes in with paper for recycling?

A. The glue and if present, the plastic windows, will affect the quality of the recycled paper. However, you can put envelopes in with packaging recycling instead. Check your local recycling for confirmation.

Q. Do you need to rip the plastic bit out of a cardboard carton before recycling it?

A. No, just remove the lid and put that into your regular bin.

Q. Why do you need to take the tops off milk bottles before recycling them?

A. Lids are often made of a different type of plastic than the bottles, so it is best if they are removed before recycling the bottles. Lids can also cause problems during the recycling process due to their small size.

Q. Can you recycle plastic bottle tops?

A. There are no local recycling facilities for these, but if you are interested, contact Changeworks and we can give you a postal address (T: 0131 555 4010 or E: wasteprevention@changeworks.org.uk). Alternatively, your local nursery may accept bottle tops for arts and craft activities.

Q. Do you need to remove the paper labels from food tins before recycling them?

A. You don't have to, but it's good if you can. The paper can then be recycled too.

Q. Where do I recycle blue or red bottles?

A. They can be put into the Green Glass Recycling Points.

Q. Why can't drinking glasses or Pyrex glass be recycled with glass bottles and jars?

A. These types of glass require a much higher temperature than that needed for bottle glass, therefore cause problems during the recycling process.

Do you have any other questions? Contact the Waste Prevention Team at Changeworks:

T: 0131 555 4010

E: wasteprevention@changeworks.org.uk