what goes in the black recycling box wiltshire

What Goes in the Black Recycling Box in Wiltshire

By Emily LeeMarch 30, 2026

When it comes to recycling in Wiltshire, the black recycling box plays a pivotal role. Knowing what goes in and what doesn't is crucial for an effective recycling process. Let's delve into the details to ensure you're doing your part in keeping Wiltshire green.

Wiltshire Council provides clear guidelines on what can be recycled in the black box. It's not just about throwing everything that seems recyclable into the box; understanding the types of materials accepted is key.

Understanding the Black Recycling Box

The black recycling box in Wiltshire is designed to collect plastic bottles, pots, tubs, and trays. It's a convenient way to recycle these common household items, helping to reduce waste sent to landfills.

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Remember, the box is for rigid plastics only. This means no plastic bags, films, or soft plastics should be placed inside. These can contaminate the recycling process and may result in your entire box being rejected.

Accepted Materials: Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are widely accepted in the black recycling box. This includes water bottles, soft drink bottles, and milk bottles. Ensure they are empty and rinsed before placing them in the box.

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Remember to remove the lids and recycle them separately. Lids can be placed in the black box as well, but they should be loose, not screwed onto the bottles.

Accepted Materials: Plastic Pots, Tubs, and Trays

Plastic pots, tubs, and trays are also accepted. These include yogurt pots, margarine tubs, and meat trays. Again, ensure these are clean and dry before recycling.

For trays, it's best to check if they have the recycling symbol on them. If they do, they can be recycled in the black box. If not, they should be disposed of in your general waste bin.

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What to Avoid in the Black Recycling Box

While the black recycling box is designed to handle a variety of plastic items, there are certain things that should not be placed inside. Knowing what to avoid can help maintain the efficiency of the recycling process.

Here are some common items that should not go in the black recycling box:

Plastic bags and films
Soft plastics like cling film and bubble wrap
Polystyrene and foam
Toys and electronics
Hazardous materials like chemicals or oil

Why Avoid Certain Items?

Certain items can contaminate the recycling process. For instance, plastic bags can get tangled in the sorting machinery, causing delays and potential damage.

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Other items, like hazardous materials, can pose safety risks to the workers handling the recycling. Always check the guidelines before disposing of any item.

By understanding what goes in the black recycling box in Wiltshire, you're not just disposing of waste, you're contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. Let's all do our part to keep Wiltshire's recycling process efficient and effective.