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Simpler recycling
Get ready for simpler, smarter recycling in North Lincolnshire – launching April 2026
We’re introducing a major upgrade to make recycling easier and help you recycle more.
What’s changing?
North Lincolnshire Council has approved the rollout of 70,000 new, larger recycling bins as we prepare for a completely new collection system starting in April 2026.
Your new, streamlined collection system
The new approach will simplify recycling by moving to a co-mingled collection system with a focus on three main containers:
| Container | Purpose | Key change/frequency |
|---|---|---|
| New Burgundy Bin (240L) | All Dry Recycling (Plastic, Metal, Glass, Card, Paper) | Single bin for all recyclables, replacing your current kerbside boxes and existing 140 litre burgundy bin. Collection frequency will be fortnightly |
| Brown Bin | Garden and Food Waste | Upgraded to a weekly collection (free of charge) |
| Grey/Green Bin | General Waste (non-recyclable) | Collection frequency will be fortnightly |
What goes in your recycling bin (from April 2026)
Your new, larger burgundy bin is for ALL clean, dry recycling. Please remember to ensure items are clean, dry and loose before placing them in the bin to prevent contamination.
Paper and Card:
- All paper
- Newspapers and magazines
- Any clean cardboard and greetings/coloured card
- Wrapping paper (no foil/glitter)
Plastics:
- All clear and coloured plastic bottles from around the home (including lids)
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays
- Food and drink cartons
- NEW plastic film and plastic bags
Metals:
- Food tins and drink cans
- Aerosols (empty)
- Clean aluminium foil, trays and tubes
- Materials
Glass:
- Glass bottles and jars
- Perfume bottles
- General waste
- Electrical items
- Batteries and Vapes
- Food waste
- Nappies
- Textiles
- Laminated pouches(e.g. pet food)
- Plastic toys/hard plastics
- Polystyrene
- Glass/ceramic cookware (e.g., Pyrex, plates, glasses).
Your new bin is on its way.
The new, larger burgundy recycling bins will be delivered to households in the New Year (early 2026), ahead of the new system going live in April 2026. We’re ordering the bins now to make sure the system is ready to go!
Opt out option
We understand some households may prefer to keep their existing compact recycling bin. If you do not want to receive the bigger 240L burgundy bin, you can opt out of the upgrade and keep your current one by completing the form below.
Next steps
We will provide more detailed information, including your new collection days, as we get closer to the launch date.
Thank you for helping us build on our excellent recycling record!
Frequently asked questions
We will begin delivering the bins in the New Year. You will also receive your new, confirmed collection calendar through the post before April 2026.
Yes, your collection day may change. You will receive a collection calendar through the post before April 2026. All updated collection dates will also be available to view online starting mid-March 2026.
When we deliver your new container, we will take your smaller burgundy bin and ensure it is reused or recycled. We will not be collecting the kerbside recycling boxes. Please reuse them at home or drop them off at a Household Recycling Centre (HRC).
If you do not want to receive the bigger 240L burgundy bin, you can opt out of the upgrade and keep your current one by completing the opt out form.
Materials collected are sent to recycling facilities where they are sorted, cleaned and made into new products such as packaging, construction materials and car parts.
We are currently reviewing the provision of recycling services at non-standard properties, such as flats.
If containers are contaminated with non-recyclable items, they may not be collected, or the materials could end up being wasted instead of recycled. Always follow the ‘Yes please / No thanks’ lists provided in your instruction leaflet.
Household batteries and any items that have a plug, use batteries, need charging or have a picture of a crossed out wheelie bin on can be recycled in a separate container at the Household Recycling Centres and some Community Recycling Centres.
Clothes, textiles and shoes can be dropped off at the Household Recycling Centres.
Yes, you can keep both.
Please flatten all cardboard and crush plastic bottles and cans to create more space. If you occasionally have excess recycling that won’t fit, you can take it to your nearest Household Recycling Centre (HRC). We are currently reviewing our provision to larger households or households with medical waste.
Yes! Recycling is worthwhile – 88% of UK households already recycle regularly. By sorting and recycling your waste, you’re helping to: reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill and incineration, turn old materials into new products, protect the environment and save natural resources, support jobs in the UK’s recycling, processing, and manufacturing industries. Most people in North Lincolnshire are already doing it – and every item you recycle really does make a difference.
Recycling is the most environmentally friendly way to dispose of packaging. Putting something in your rubbish bin means it WILL end up incinerated for energy from waste, but recycling gives that material the best chance of staying in use and out of the environment. If every household in the UK recycled just one more item each week, we could save enough energy to power over 500,000 UK homes for a year.
A Green Future
We are all working together to protect our environment, end our contribution to climate change and benefit from the wealth of the natural and economic opportunities we have in North Lincolnshire. Read more about A Green Future, what the council is doing and what you can do to contribute to protecting our environment. Make a pledge to show your commitment. It doesn’t matter how big or small, all changes add up to a big impact.