Recycle
Recycling turns old materials into new products, reducing our need to extract raw materials which is resource and emission intensive.
Kerbside recycling
Find out what goes in your recycling bin at home.
This service is run by your local council, and may vary according to where you live.
Recycling centres
There are 21 recycling centres managed by Essex County Council which accept a wide range of materials for recycling.
Recycling at shops
Lots of materials that aren’t accepted for recycling at kerbside can be recycled at supermarkets and retailers across the county.
Food recycling
When food waste is recycled at the kerbside it is transformed into energy and fertiliser.
Plastic recycling
Find out about recycling different types of plastic in Essex.
Textile recycling
Recycle your clothes and textiles if they are unable to be repaired or reused.
Electrical recycling
Electrical items contain valuable resources, such as copper, aluminium, gold, and steel, which can be rescued and reused through recycling.
Recycling with charities
Lots of materials that aren’t accepted for recycling at kerbside can be recycled via charities across the county.
Composting at home
Composting is a natural process that turns your food and garden waste into soil improver for your garden.
Where does your recycling go?
In Essex, your kerbside waste and recycling is collected by your local district, city or borough council. Once collected, Essex County Council is responsible for disposing of the waste.
Essex County Council is also responsible for managing the 21 recycling centres across the county.
Find out what happens to the different types of recycling and waste collected in Essex.
Did you know?
There are some easy ways to improve your recycling and to make sure you're recycling all you can!
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