What to put in your recycling bins and box
Please put your bin on the kerbside by 6am on your collection day and return it to your property as soon as possible after collection.
You must make sure that your bin can be easily seen from the road and you put the right items in the correct bin or box.
Please show consideration for other pavement users when placing your bin for collection. Particularly users who are
- blind
- partially sighted
- wheelchair and pushchair users.
Download the recycling guide. Please note that some of our downloads might not be accessible. If you need help please email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Green wheelie bin - mixed recycling
You can put
- paper and unwanted mail
- cardboard
- drinks cartons (such as Tetrapak type)
- clean plastic bottles with tops, pots, tubs and trays
- clean cans, tins, foil and empty aerosols
- envelopes
in your green wheelie bin.
Watch how easy it is to use your green bin.
You can't put
- plastic bags, wrappers, crisp bags and clingfilm
- paper towels
- plastic plant pots and toys
- glass
- batteries and small electrical items
in your green wheelie bin.
Watch our tips on making the most of your recycling.
Find out more about recycling plastics.
Recycling box - glass and small electricals
You can put
- glass bottles and jars
- small electrical items placed on top or next to the box, for example, hairdryers and toasters
- household batteries placed inside a clear bag and on top of the box
- clothing, towels, clean sheets, pairs of shoes, placed inside a plastic bag
in your box.
You can't put
- light bulbs, glass dishes, broken glass, ceramics and pyrex
- large electrical items, for example microwaves or larger items
- duvets and pillows
in your box.
Grey food bin - cooked and uncooked food
You can put
- beans, pasta, rice and bread
- cakes and bakery items
- dairy items, eggs
- fruit and vegetables including peelings
- meat and fish including bones
- fast food, for example, chips and pizzas
- tea bags and coffee grounds
in your grey kitchen caddy.
Food must be bagged. You can use any small plastic bag, such as a carrier bag or a bread bag or a compostable liner. Liners are available at libraries for £1 per roll or at supermarkets. If you prefer, you can just wrap it in newspaper.
You can't put
- liquids including milk and cooking oil
- food packaging
in your grey kitchen caddy. Transfer this to your grey kerbside food bin and present it on the kerbside on your collection day each week.
Watch our what happens to your food waste video.
Download our food recycling leaflet
Brown wheelie bin - gardening waste
You can put
- flowers, plants and weeds
- grass cuttings and leaves
- hedge clippings, twigs and small branches
in your brown wheelie bin.
You can't put
- animal waste and bedding
- plant pots
- soil and turf
in your brown wheelie bin.
Christmas trees should be cut in half and placed beside your brown garden bin in January only.
Grey non recyclable bin
This bin is only for household waste that can't be recycled. Don't leave items or bin bags beside the bin or on the street, it's illegal.
If you are unsure how to dispose of something, you can find out what to do with many items by checking our recycling sorter or find out more on Zero Waste Scotland website.