Many items can be recycled, reused, or donated, search to see your options and what you can bring to a household waste recycling centre (HWRC).

For example: bricks, furniture, garden waste, clothes, toys, bathroom suites or appliances.

Items starting with: A
  1. Abandoned vehicles

    It is a criminal offence to abandon a vehicle. Report an abandoned vehicle to your local council.

    If you are want to get rid of a vehicle, see how we can do it for you.

  2. Aerosols

    Recycle this item

    Recycle aerosols with your kerbside collection. Do not squash or pierce the container. Check with your local council for help if you're unsure what to do.

    Or take it to a local recycling bank.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If your local council cannot collect this item, bring it to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  3. Aluminium

    Recycle this item

    Recycle aluminium with your kerbside collection. This includes:

    • foil
    • food trays
    • milk bottle tops.

    Check with your local council for help if you're unsure what to do. Or take it to a local recycling bank.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If your local council cannot collect this item, bring it to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Metal container.

  4. Artificial grass

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    If the artificial grass is in good condition, see if somebody else would like it.

    You cannot recycle this item.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If you are unable to sell it, bring your artificial grass to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  5. Asbestos

    You cannot recycle this in your kerbside collection.

    For large quantities, or if you need someone to collect the asbestos, contact the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association for a company near you.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    We accept asbestos at all of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) - apart from Sheerness.

    It must be:

    • double wrapped in heavy duty plastic bags (or sheeting) and secured with tape
    • not sticking out from the packaging
    • no more than 10 feet (3 metres) x 5 feet (1.5 metres)
    • kept damp.

    You must wear protective gloves and a face mask and do not break or cut it.

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    No more than 5 sacks (or equivalent) per month for free.

    Where to put it

    Due to health and safety, our staff lock the asbestos container. If you need us to unlock it, speak to member of staff on site. We will ask you to declare the asbestos is from your own home.

    They will not be able to help you lift the asbestos.

Items starting with: B
  1. Baby and car seats

    Request a bulky collection

    Contact your local council to find out if they will collect it for you.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your baby seat to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Together, we can help families in need. If you’re bringing a baby or car seat to New Romney Recycling Centre, we’ve teamed up with a charity to give these seats a second life. Please have the safety booklet or instructions ready. Learn more about our partnership and how your generosity supports others in our community.

    Charge

    Free.

  2. Bathroom suites

    Request a bulky collection

    Contact your local council to find out if they will collect it for you.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your bathroom suite to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    If your bathroom suite is ceramic, and you exceed our free disposal limit there will be a charge. This includes:

    • baths
    • bidets
    • ceramic bathrooms
    • cisterns
    • shower trays
    • sinks
    • toilet pans
    • wash basins.

    Find out more about the limits and charges.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  3. Batteries (car, dry cell, portable)

    Do not put any batteries in your wheelie bins or black sacks.

    Recycle your batteries

    Most supermarkets and large shops have a collection point for recycling. Find your nearest collection point.

    For rechargeable, mobile phone and laptop batteries. Take them to your local:

    If you’re a school, library, family hub, or one of our facilities with a battery recycling box, you can arrange a collection with Valpak. Call 08450 68 25 72 or visit the Recycle More website.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    You can bring:

    • rechargeable mobile phone and laptop batteries
    • car batteries
    • electric bike batteries
    • scooter batteries

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  4. Bikes

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Your bike has more stories to tell, don’t keep it in the shed!

    Donate it to a charity shop or second‑hand cycle shop and help someone start their cycling journey, whether it’s a child learning their first wobbly ride or an adult rediscovering the joy of two wheels.

    Your bike could inspire healthy exercise, active travel, and greener trips to see family and friends. From countryside escapes to everyday journeys, it’s a chance to turn old wheels into new adventures.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your bike to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  5. Bitumen

    We can’t take anything containing bitumen at our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    You must take bitumen to a licensed waste management facility.

  6. Books

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    From children’s stories to adult fiction and non‑fiction, your books can live on and spark new adventures. Why not donate them to a charity shop or a community shelf, or even sell them online?

    Your old favourites could help someone discover a brave hero, a clever heroine, or a character they’ll never forget. From magical tales to DIY guides, cookbooks to how‑to manuals, your books could inspire new skills, new memories, and new stories to tell. Share the joy of a book by donating it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    We accept books to reuse them at some of our household waste recycling sites (HWRCs):

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

Items starting with: C
  1. Cans

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Rinse and squash your cans before recycling. Put them in your kerbside collection or take them to a recycling bank – usually in supermarket car parks.

    Check with your local council for help if you're unsure what to do.

    Or donate your cans to your nearest community project to help them to raise money.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your cans to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Metal container.

  2. Cardboard and card

    Recycle this item

    Cardboard and card are often collected as part of your recycling collection. Check with your local council for help if you're unsure what to do.

    Or visit your nearest recycling bank.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your cardboard or card to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  3. Carpets

    Request a bulky collection

    Your local council may collect this item through their bulky waste collection.

    Or you can:

    • ask if the supplier of your new carpet can take your old one away
    • check if a local charity or furniture re-use group will take it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your carpet to any of our household waste recycling centre (HWRCs).

    The carpet should be cut into manageable sizes and secured and tied if possible.

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  4. Carrier bags

    Recycle this item

    If you can’t reuse plastic shopping or food bags, recycle them at your supermarket. Use their recycling facility or ask a local charity shop if they need them.

    You cannot recycle carrier or plastic bags at home yet. Make sure you empty the items from the bag into your bin for collection.

    Visit Recycle Now to find local collection points.

  5. Cars

    We can get rid of your vehicle for free if you don't want it anymore. Request for a free car collection.

    Abandoned cars

    You can report abandoned vehicles to your local council. It is a criminal offence to abandon a vehicle.

  6. Cartons

    Recycle this item

    Recycle liquids cartons (including Tetra Pak) with your kerbside collection. Rinse, leave the cap on and place them with your recycling. Don't flatten the carton.

    Check with your local council if you're unsure what to do.

  7. CDs and DVDs

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Your old classic albums, favourite films and players could make someone’s day. They're perfect for a throwback music marathon or a cosy movie night. They could be someone’s next hidden gem, bringing back memories and creating new ones. Drop them off at a charity shop, share them on a community shelf, or sell them online. You’ll help keep great stories and tunes alive while reducing waste

    Bring them to a HWRC

    Bring your CDs and DVDs to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  8. Chemicals

    We cannot accept any amount of glycerin at our household waste recycling centres. Contact a private company to arrange disposal.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Chemicals (domestic hazardous waste, including antifreeze) can be taken to the following household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) only:

    Book your slot to visit us.

    See also - pesticides.

    Charge

    Free.

  9. Christmas trees

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Your Christmas tree has been the heart of your festive season. It's been lighting up your home, making it warm and joyful, and holding memories of laughter and love. It’s hard to say goodbye, but its story doesn’t have to end here.

    Donate it or sell it online and let it brighten someone else’s home where it can spread more cheer.

    Request a bulky collection

    Your local council may collect this item through their bulky waste collection.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your Christmas tree (artificial or real) to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  10. Clinical waste

    To get rid of clinical waste, contact your local council for collection.

    See also needles.

  11. Clothes and shoes

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Your unwanted clothes could become part of someone else’s story.

    Your coat could keep someone warm, those trainers could help someone get fit, that dress could make a special night even better or your smart outfit could be perfect for someone starting a new job!

    Passing them on means less waste and more reuse, which is great for the planet too.

    Donate good quality items to a charity shop or drop them at a clothes bank. You can also sell them online second-hand.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your clothes to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). Even if an item cannot be worn again, it can be recycled to produce items like cleaning wipes and mattress toppers.

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  12. Coffee pods

    Recycle this item

    Recycle your coffee pods by using the Podback recycler checker to find drop-off points in your local area.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring coffee pods to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free

    Where to put it

    We have separate containers for aluminium and plastic pods.

    Only put pods in the containers, we can’t accept bags or packaging. You don't have to remove the used coffee grounds from the pods.

  13. Community care equipment

    Request a bulky collection

    Your local council cannot recycle or collect this item.

    If you no longer need your equipment, contact Medequip on 01322 917 909. The equipment will be collected for free, cleaned and refurbished so someone else in need can use it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    You can take community care equipment to some of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) for reuse. This includes:

    • walking sticks
    • crutches
    • wheelchairs
    • hand grabs

    These centres include:

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  14. Computers

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Donate your working computer to a charity or local community group. Your donation could help someone:

    • Learn digital skills
    • Find a new job
    • Stay connected with friends and family

    Before you donate, make sure you wipe all your personal details from the computer.

    Visit Recycle Your Electricals and find your nearest electrical recycling point or check if your local council can collect it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your non-working computer to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Before visiting please wipe personal files prior to recycling or reuse. We cannot accept responsibility for protecting personal data left on computers.

    Charge

    Free.

  15. Cookers

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Got a cooker in good working order? Donate it to a charity or local community group and help create more dinner‑time memories.

    Your cooker could:

    • help someone who can’t afford a new one
    • support someone learning to cook in their first home
    • bring families together over home‑cooked meals

    Before donating make sure it’s clean, safe and ready to use.

    Request a bulky collection

    If it doesn’t work, check your local council for a bulky collection.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your cooker to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  16. Cooking oils

    Never pour cooking oil down the sink as it can congeal and solidify, causing a blockage.

    If you're a business find out how to get rid of cooking oil.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your cooking oil to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    The cooking oil container.

Items starting with: D
  1. Dishwashers

    Request a bulky collection

    Contact your local council or a local charity to find out if they will collect it for you.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your dishwasher to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

Items starting with: E
  1. Electrical items

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    If your electrical item still works, why not give it a second life? Donate it, sell it, or pass it on, someone else could use it! Check out local reuse shops or charity collections first.

    Or visit Recycle Your Electricals and find your nearest electrical recycling point.

    Request a bulk collection

    Do not put electrical items in your bins. Instead check whether your local council will collect.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your electrical items to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  2. Engine oil

    Find out about getting rid of trade waste oil.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring engine oil to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    The engine oil container

    Due to capacity within the container, we recommended that no more than 5 litres is accepted at any one time.

Items starting with: F
  1. Fire extinguishers

    Business fire extinguishers need to be disposed of by a specialist company - search online or check local listings for details.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    You can bring small domestic fire extinguishers to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Gas bottle container.

  2. Fireworks

    To get rid of fireworks safely, follow the fireworks code. Soak them first, then place them with your non-recyclable rubbish.

    Learn more about the firework code.

  3. Foam and polystyrene chips

    Your local council will collect this item, add it to your non-recycling bin.

  4. Food

    Recycle this item

    Food waste is collected weekly by local councils in most areas of Kent.

    It’s easy to recycle food waste:

    • Line your food waste bin (caddy) with newspaper, paper towel or biodegradable caddy liners.
    • Feed your caddy any solid food waste including cooked foods, bones, tea bags and leftovers.
    • Empty it regularly into your outdoor caddy for kerbside collections, or into your garden compost bin.

    Find out more about how to managing your food waste by visiting your local council website. Discover what happens to food waste when it gets collected.

    Create your own compost

    Did you know, you can also produce compost from your food waste? It's a great way to feed your plants and improve your soil. Both options are much better for the environment than putting food waste in your bin.

    Learn more about home composting.

  5. Fridges and freezers

    Request a bulky collection

    Fridges and freezers can be collected either by:

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your fridge or freezer to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Make sure that all food has been removed from fridges and freezers before delivery to HWRCs. If you need to get rid of food, read our advice.

    Old fridges and freezers are hazardous waste due to the gases they contain. The gases have to be recovered safely before the fridges and freezers can be recycled.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Fridge and freezer drawers can be disposed of in the general waste container.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  6. Furniture

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Every piece of furniture has a story, let yours continue. Turn your old furniture into someone else’s fresh start!

    Donate your furniture to a reuse project and give them a new chapter.  Find your nearest project and see if they can help you:

    Request a bulky collection

    Your local council may collect this item through their bulky waste collection.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    You can bring your furniture to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Don't forget to check the guidelines on upholstered seating.

    Book your slot to visit us.

    We can reuse good quality, undamaged furniture at these HWRCs:

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

Items starting with: G
  1. Garden waste

    We accept the following when brought in black bags:

    • grass
    • leaves
    • hedge trimmings
    • plants and branches up to 10cm wide.

    We also accept whole plant pots and garden ornaments.

    We don’t accept invasive weeds such as ragwort or Japanese knotweed. If you notice any of these harmful weeds on the road or pavement report it to us. If the weeds are located on private property then these are the responsibility of the landowner.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your garden waste items to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charges

    We have limits on the amount you can get rid of before there is a charge. This includes:

    • soil
    • gravel
    • hardcore
    • paving slabs
    • rocks
    • rubble
    • sand
    • stones.

    Whole plant pots or garden ornaments can be disposed of free of charge if they are made from the following materials:

    • concrete
    • clay
    • wood
    • metal.

    Learn more about our limits and charges.

    Where to put it

    For green waste (including plants and branches up to 10cm wide), empty your waste into the green waste container, do not place your black sacks inside.

    If you're bringing plastic or fibreglass plant pots, put these in the general household waste container.

    Garden waste bin

    If you need a new garden waste bin contact your local council.

    Compost

    Did you know, you can also produce compost from your food waste? It's a great way to feed your plants and improve your soil. Both options are much better for the environment than putting food waste in your bin. Recycle Now offers great advice to help you to compost at home.

  2. Gas bottles and cylinders

    Gas bottles should be returned to where you bought them or contact the manufacturer.

    We cannot accept Calor gas bottles. Visit the Calor website for information on how to return your gas bottle.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your gas bottles to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  3. Glass

    Recycle this item

    Recycle bottles and jars with your kerbside collection.

    Check with your local council for help if you're unsure what to do. Or take it to a local recycling bank.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs):

    • bottles and jars (not Favershsam)
    • sheets of glass
    • double glazing

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Ask our staff for help if you need it.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    For bottles and jars, place these into our bottle banks. If you're bringing sheets of glass or double glazing, these items need to be put into our bulky waste container.

Items starting with: H
  1. Hangers

    Donate or sell this item

    Give spare hangers a new home. Drop plastic or wooden hangers at a charity shop, or sell them online to help someone get organised.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your hangers to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  2. Hardcore materials

    Bring it to a HWRC

    For large quantities you may need to consider hiring a skip or a company to remove the material. Trade or business hardcore is business waste.

    Hardcore can be taken to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Separate any tiles with plasterboard before visiting us. If you're not sure how to do that, ask one of our team members for help - we're always happy to assist!

    Charge

    If you exceed our free disposal limit for one of the following items there will be a charge:

    • breeze blocks
    • bricks
    • cement - solidified (not powder)
    • concrete - solidified (not powder)
    • drain pipes
    • flagstones
    • granite
    • gravel
    • hardcore
    • marble
    • paving slabs
    • rocks
    • rubble
    • sand
    • soil
    • stones
    • tiles (ceramic, clay, slate).

    Find out more about our limits and charges.

  3. Home furnishings

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Your old bedding, towels, curtains and cushions could make someone’s new house feel like home. A duvet might keep someone else cosy on their first night in their new home, and those cushions you no longer want could brighten up a freshly decorated room.

    Passing them on means less waste and more reuse, which is great for the planet too.

    Donate good quality items to a charity shop or a homeless charity. Or sell them online through second-hand sites or local selling groups.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your unwanted home furnishings to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  4. Household waste

    Your local council collects your household waste bins, including garden waste and recycling, and bulky waste collections (furniture and white goods).

    Contact them about:

    • any issues with your bin collection
    • garden waste collections
    • any missing bins
    • bulky waste collections.
Items starting with: K
  1. Knives

    Do not put sharp knives in with your domestic rubbish or recycling collections as they could cause the collection crew harm.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your knives to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    In the metal container.

Items starting with: L
  1. Lawnmowers

    Request a bulky collection

    Lawnmowers can be collected either by your local council or a charity.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your lawnmower to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Make sure petrol lawnmowers are empty as we can’t take petrol.

    Charge

    Free.

  2. Lighting

    Recycle this item

    Old-fashioned bulbs can’t be recycled - wrap in newspaper and put out with your rubbish for your local council to collect.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Take any of the following to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs):

    • a lamp
    • lighting fixtures
    • light bulbs
    • fluorescent tubes

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  3. Loft insulation

    Loft insulation can be made up of glass or natural fibres.

    Any loft lagging should be removed by the contractor replacing it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring loft insulation to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    General household waste container.

    If the insulation is made up of glass fibres, it should be bagged up.

Items starting with: M
  1. Mattresses

    Request a bulky collection

    Mattresses can be collected either by your local council or a charity. Some shops may also take back your old mattress.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    You can also bring your mattress to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

    Where to put it

    If you're visiting Allington, Ashford and Canterbury HWRC, put it in our mattress recycling container.

    For all other HWRCs, put the item in the bulky waste container.

  2. Medicine

    If you have any medication to get rid of, take it to your local pharmacy to be disposed of safely.

    See also needles.

  3. Metal

    Request a bulky collection

    Check whether your local council will collect the metal (for example stainless steel).

    Or take it to your nearest recycling bank.

    For large items or commercial waste, contact a local scrap metal merchant. If you are paying someone to take away your metal, protect yourself from rogue waste collectors and traders by following our simple steps.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If they cannot help you, bring your metal to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  4. Mirrors

    Request a bulky collection

    Check whether your local council will collect your mirror.

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    You may also wish to donate your mirror to a furniture repair project team, or some shops or charities may take back your old mirror.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your mirror to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  5. Mobile phones

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Donate your working mobile phone to a charity or local community group. Your donation could help someone:

    • Use it for a job
    • Stay connected with friends and family

    Before you donate, make sure you wipe all your personal details from the phone.

    Visit Recycle Your Electricals and find your nearest electrical recycling point or check if your local council can collect it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your old phone and any chargers to any household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Small electrical appliances container.

Items starting with: N
  1. Nappies

    Disposable nappies are not recyclable for disposal they must be bagged and put in the black waste bin for your local council to collect.

    Reusable cloth nappies

    Instead of disposable nappies, have you thought of using reusable nappes. You could save money and reduce the amount waste by switching to reusable cloth nappies.

    Reusable cloth nappies are available from a variety of shops.

  2. Needles and syringes

    If you administer medicines yourself you are responsible for getting rid of needles, syringes and other medical waste. Never put needles or syringes with your household rubbish or recycling.

    Arrange a collection of sharps box

    To arrange collection or disposal of a sharps box contact the healthcare service who provided the item. Or your local council may offer a collection service.

    Found needles or syringes

    If you come across a needle or syringe:

    • never touch it, try to hide or conceal it
    • never try to dispose of it by kicking it down a drain or putting it in the bin or down the toilet.

    Contact your local council to request a member of their staff to visit the location as soon as possible.

    Nursing homes and medical establishments

    You should arrange for this type of collection through your normal waste collection contractor.

    Needles used for non medical purpose

    Needle exchange facilities are offered at each of the drug and alcohol hubs in Kent. Find out how to dispose of needles in your local area:

    View a list of Kent pharmacies (PDF, 121.5 KB) who accept needles and syringes

Items starting with: O
  1. Oil tanks

    There are a few companies who may be able to offer a collection service. See the waste directory for details.

Items starting with: P
  1. Paint

    Bring it to our HWRC

    Finished decorating? That leftover paint could help someone brighten their first home, refresh a tired room, or add colour to a community project.

    Share it with a neighbour, local group or online community, it’s the greenest option and a simple act of kindness. If nobody can use it, you can still bring dry or wet paint to our recycling centres. We prefer it dried out, as it’s cleaner and safer to handle.

    To help the paint dry out, leave the lid off the container before bringing it to us. Adding cat litter or sawdust to the paint helps the drying process.

    You can bring:

    • wet paint in a paint tin (up to 5 litres) - please dry the tin before coming if possible
    • empty metal paint cans

    We do not accept:

    • commercial paint
    • large paint tins

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free

    Where to put it

    For empty metal paint cans, put them in the metal container.

    Any tin or paint cans with paint must go in our household waste container. We currently do not have the facility to reuse or recycle them.

  2. Paper

    Recycle this item

    Recycle paper with your kerbside collection. If you're recycling wrapping paper, remember the scrunch test. If it scrunches, it can be recycled!

    Or paper can also be taken to any recycling banks.

    We recommend shredding anything with personal details on before getting rid of it.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring paper to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs). All wrapping paper must have no ribbons or bows on it.

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    The paper and cardboard container.

    Commercial or business paper

    We do not accept commercial or business paper, and shredding. It should be taken to a transfer station.

  3. Perfume bottles

    Recycle this item

    Your perfume bottle can be recycled with your kerbside collection.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring the bottle to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

  4. Pesticides

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Never get rid of pesticides down the drain. You can take them to one of the household recycling centres below:

    Book your slot to visit us.

  5. Petrol

    Contact your local repair garage to find out how to get rid of petrol.

    If you are storing petrol, you must have a licence. Find out more about storing petrol.

  6. Plasterboard

    If you're getting rid of plasterboard as part of your business you'll need to contact a waste management company.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring plasterboard to the most of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    We do not accept plasterboard at:

    • Faversham
    • Folkestone
    • Sheerness
    • Swanley.

    Plaster powder is not accepted at any of our household waste recycling centres.

    Charge

    If you exceed our free disposal limit for there will be a charge.

    Find out more about our limits and charges.

  7. Plastic bottles

    Recycle this item

    Recycle your plastic bottles with your kerbside collection.

    You can recycle:

    • all clear and coloured plastic bottles from around the home
    • cleaning product bottles (for example bathroom cleaners and bleach, triggers can stay on)
    • detergent and soap bottles (please remove pumps)
    • fizzy and still drinks bottles
    • milk bottles
    • shampoo, shower gel, and skincare bottles
    • ready-to-use plant food and pesticide bottles (check the label)
  8. Pots

    Recycle this item

    Recycle your pots with your kerbside collection. You can recycle your:

    • chocolate and biscuit tubs and trays
    • dishwasher tablets and washing capsule tubs
    • plant pots that are not black
    • soup pots
    • tubs (for example butter, margarine and ice cream)
    • trays or punnets (for example meat trays (raw or cooked), takeaway trays, fruit and vegetable trays)
    • yoghurt pots
  9. Printer and printer cartridges

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Many charities collect working toner and ink cartridges to raise funds. If they’re empty or no longer usable, you can still recycle them through charity schemes or specialist collection points.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your printer and printer cartridges to any of our household waste recycling centre (HWRCs).

    Charge

    Free.

Items starting with: R
  1. Radiators

    Request a bulky collection

    Check if your local council can collect your radiator or heated towel rail.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your radiator to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

Items starting with: S
  1. Sewage

    If you have a cesspit that needs emptying, contact your local council.

  2. Soil

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your soil to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    If you exceed our free disposal limit for there will be a charge.

    Find out more about our limits and charges.

  3. Suitcases and luggage

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Your unwanted suitcase or luggage could make a dream holiday possible or help someone pack for a big move to a new home. Help someone else create new memories. Passing it on means less waste and more reuse, which is great for the planet too.

    Donate good quality suitcases and bags to a charity shop.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your suitcases or luggage to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

Items starting with: T
  1. Televisions

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    If you have a working TV, give it a second life by donating it.

    It might help someone enjoy big sporting events with friends, gather the family for a Saturday night movie, or share a favourite drama.

    Request a bulky collection

    Check whether your local council will collect your TV.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If they cannot help you, bring your TV to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  2. Toothpaste tubes

    Recycle this item

    Recycle your toothpaste tube with your kerbside collection.

  3. Toys

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Every teddy, doll, and action hero has a tale to tell. Don’t let their story end in a dusty corner!

    If your child's companions are still in tip-top shape, send them off on a new adventure. Donate them to a charity shop, hospice or hospital, and watch as they become the hero of someone else’s bedtime story. Your child's old friends could spark new giggles, hugs and magical memories for a child who needs them most.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your broken toys to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    Mains or battery-operated toys go in the small electrical appliances container.

  4. Tumble dryers

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Got a tumble dryer that’s still in good working order? Donate it to a charity or local community group and help someone keep their laundry fresh and dry.

    Your tumble dryer could:

    • help a family who can’t afford a new appliance
    • support someone setting up their first home
    • make everyday chores easier for someone in need

    Before donating make sure it’s clean, safe and ready to use.

    Request a bulky collection

    If it doesn't work, check if your local council can collect tumble dryers.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your tumble dryer to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    In the large WEEE area.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  5. Tyres

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your tyres to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    You do not need to remove any tyres attached to wheels before disposing of the tyres.

    Charge

    £3 per tyre (car and motorbike tyres), limited to 5 tyres per day.

    Find out more about the charges.

Items starting with: U
  1. Upholstered seating

    Repair and re-use this item

    If the upholstered seating is of good quality, we will set it aside for reuse. Otherwise, we will separate them following the law.

    Types of waste upholstered domestic seating

    • armchairs
    • bean bags, floor and sofa cushions
    • futons
    • garden furniture
    • kitchen and dining room chairs
    • office chairs
    • recliner chairs
    • sofas
    • sofa beds
    • stools and foot stools
    • other forms of household seating to which relevant fire regulations apply. This might include child car seats, high chairs, and benches.

    We can’t accept upholstered seating because of storage space at:

    • Dartford
    • Maidstone
    • Sittingbourne.

    Some upholstered seating contains chemicals that don’t easily break down. These are called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), sometimes known as ‘forever chemicals’. Because we can’t tell which items contain them, we must safely destroy all upholstered seating. This prevents harmful chemicals from entering the environment and helps keep our recycling process as green as possible.

    Request a bulky collection

    If you can't bring the furniture to a household waste recycling centre in one piece, arrange a bulky waste collection with your local council.

    Bring your items to a HWRC

    Keep your upholstered seating intact before bringing it to a household waste recycling centre (HWRC). This will prevent any POPs getting into the environment.

    If your upholstered seating is damaged and you're visiting one of the HWRCs below, you must cover the damaged area using a bin bag and tape.

    Book your slot to visit us.

Items starting with: V
  1. Vapes

    As vapes contain batteries, you must not put them in your household bin.

    Learn more about vaping.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Take used or discarded vapes from personal use to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    Where to put it

    In the vapes container.

  2. VHS video tapes

    Reuse, donate, or recycle

    Don’t let your VHS tapes gather dust, donate them. Take them to a charity shop or sell online so they can be loved again.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your old VHS video tapes to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

Items starting with: W
  1. Wallpaper

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your wallpaper to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Do not place wallpaper in the paper bin, as it may have glue on the underside.

    Charge

    Free.

  2. Washing machines

    Reuse, donate or recycle

    Got a washing machine that’s still in good working order? Donate it to a charity or local community group and help someone keep life fresh and clean.

    Your washing machine can:

    • help a family who can’t afford a new appliance
    • support someone setting up their first home
    • make everyday laundry easier for someone in need

    Before donating make sure it’s clean, safe and ready to use.

    Request a bulky collection

    If it doesn't work, check whether your local council will collect washing machines.

    Bring it to a HWRC

    If they cannot help you, bring your washing machine to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.

    If you are using a larger vehicle to bring this item, you may need to apply for a vehicle voucher.

  3. Wood

    Bring it to a HWRC

    Bring your wood to any of our household waste recycling centres (HWRC).

    Book your slot to visit us.

    Charge

    Free.