Skip to main content

Blue sack - paper and cardboard

Every other week, you will need to put out your blue recycling sack, containing paper and cardboard for recycling. 

What can I put in my blue recycling sack?

  • Birthday cards (no glitter)
  • Cardboard
  • Cereal box
  • Chocolate boxes (cardboard)
  • Christmas cards (no glitter)
  • Envelopes
  • Kitchen cardboard tube
  • Magazines and pamphlets
  • Newspaper
  • Paper plates (clean)
  • Pizza boxes (no food traces)
  • Tablet pack (cardboard)
  • Telephone directory
  • Tissue box
  • Toilet roll tube
  • Envelopes including windowed
  • Writing paper (Letters) (not shredded)
  • Yellow pages and directories
  • Cardboard food sleeves

Please check our A-Z of Recycling for detailed information on what can be recycled in your other containers.

What cannot be included?

Only items listed above can be placed in your blue sack. Please do not place any other items in your blue sack.

Why can’t shredded paper be recycled?

Shredded paper cannot be recycled in your blue paper & card sack as small pieces of paper can adversely impact on the processes at a mill, additionally the fibre length can be problematic, by being too short.  We would ask that you try to avoid shredding paper documents that do not have personal information on them as, this way, the paper can be recycled.  You could also use shredded paper for other uses such as pet bedding or packaging. 

Why can we no longer recycle Tetrapak?

The MRF (Materials Recovery Facility) that we deliver our recyclables to no longer accept Tetrapak as a recyclable material, as is the case with many other MRF operators. Tetrapak is made up of layers of different material that are difficult to sort from other 3D containers. There is a secondary processor in the UK who shred the material to recover the fibre, but the LDPE and the aluminium content is lost as residual waste. Last year, Tetrapak accounted for less than 1% of the dry recycling we collected, whereas paper and card can be up to 70% with cans and plastic at 20%. We are, however, consantly working with the MRFs to review the recyclables that are accepted as well as exploring alternative solutions to provide residents with the facility to recycle Tetrapak. We will keep our web pages updated with any changes

Need another reusable recycling sack, food waste caddy or red box for glass?

Smaller blue bags

Our blue recycling bags are now available in a smaller version. The smaller bags are aimed at helping those who have difficulty managing the larger sacks.

The contents of the smaller bag can then be transferred to the standard blue bag ready for presentation on the kerbside.  

Not sure when your blue week is or what else to put out on the same day?

Check your collection calendar, view the collection day map or register for our SMS reminder service.

Top tips

  1. make sure you place the specified materials loose and directly into the correct sack
  2. make sure all items in your sack are rinsed of food or drink traces and squashed
  3. only use the reusable recycling sacks supplied by us, as any other type will not be accepted
  4. always close the top of the sack to keep the contents dry
  5. put your items out for collection by 7:30am on your collection day
  6. view our How to Recycle video