Big boost for recycling as even more items can go in your silver bin!

From April, residents will be able to add several new materials to their silver recycling bin, including:

• Aluminium foil, such as clean kitchen foil and foil trays
• Cartons, including milk, juice, soup and plant‑based drinks
• Plastic pots, tubs and trays, such as fruit punnets, meat trays and cream cheese tubs
• Plastic tubes, such as toothpaste and cosmetic tubes
• Aluminium bottles, such as shampoo, soap and empty aerosol bottles
• Aluminium tubes, including tomato purée tubes
• Metal jar and bottle lids

Nothing is changing about what residents can already recycle. All existing items will continue to be collected as normal. The service is simply being expanded so households can recycle even more from home.

More information, guidance and FAQs are available on the District Council website: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/simpler-recycling

To make sure everyone has the information they need, the District Council is sending clear guidance to every household explaining exactly what can and cannot be recycled in the silver bin. This means that residents who may not have access to online information will still receive full details ahead of the changes coming into effect.

If a resident’s next silver bin collection isn’t due until after 1 April, they can begin adding the new items to their silver recycling bin right away.

All recycling must be empty, clean, dry and placed loose in the silver recycling bin.

Councillor Simon Forde, Portfolio Holder for Climate and the Environment at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are really pleased that residents will soon be able to recycle more from home. These new additions mean even more of the everyday items people use can now be put straight into the silver bin rather than going to waste.

“We know recycling can sometimes feel complicated, but these changes make it easier than ever for residents to recycle with confidence. I’d encourage everyone to take a look at the leaflets we’re sending out to every household and use the online recycling checker for quick guidance. And if a household’s next silver bin collection isn’t until after 1 April, they can start adding the new items right away. This is a really positive step forward for Newark and Sherwood, and we’re excited to see the impact it will have on reducing waste and protecting our environment.”

This positive change supports the Government’s Simpler Recycling policy, which aims to make recycling collections more consistent across England so everyone can recycle the same core materials. It will help reduce confusion and improve recycling rates.

Residents living in flats can also take part using their communal recycling bins.