The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Why is recycling in Slough changing?
Recycling is changing because currently we only recycle around 25 per cent of waste in Slough. We need to increase the amount that we recycle in coming years. Residents have also expressed the wish to be able to recycle more materials at the kerbside.
For more information see the main recycling pages
When is recycling changing and when will my red bin be delivered?
We will start to deliver red bins to households in mid October. Delivering to every household will take about six weeks therefore deliveries are likely to be completed by the end of November. In general deliveries will start in the West of the Borough and work towards the east.
Please continue to use your black box until your red bin has been delivered.
What types of plastic can I place in my red bin?
Your red bin will be delivered with a sticker and a recycling guide. please remove lids and rinse any bottles, cans or jars.
All recycling must be placed in the red bin loose - not in plastic bags or liners. This is very important for the sorting process.
Ask yourself, is the plastic item 'bottle-shaped'? If the answer is yes then you will be able to place it in the red bin including:
You should only use your red bin for paper, card, cans, glass and plastic bottles.
Do not include any other materials. For example do not include:
For more information see the Recycling Guide
What shall I do with my black box when I receive my red bin?
Once your red bin has been delivered, you will not need your black box any more for recycling.
Please use your black box for another purpose at home. We would encourage residents to keep their black box next to their kitchen bin to make collecting recyclables easy and convenient in the home. You can then transfer materials to your red bin for collection.
If you no longer want your black recycling box and would like us to collect it please call 0800 6346301
What is the red bin scheme?
Red wheelie bins are now being delivered to replace the black box scheme. The red wheelie bins will give more space for recycling and allow plastic bottles to be included in the recycling service.
The red wheelie bins will be used to collect:
For more information see the Recycling Guide
What happens to my recycling?
All recycling from the red bins is taken to the Materials Recycling Facility in Colnbrook. Here it is sorted into different materials by size and shape using machines, magnets and hand sorting.
The recycled materials will be made into a variety of items:
I live in a flat, will my recycling scheme also be changing?
Recycling in flats will also change, to offer the same range of recycling as houses (paper, card, glass, cans and plastic bottles). This will take place after the changes to houses as we need to survey each flats site individually.
Why can I only recycle plastic bottles in my red bin?
A plastic bottle is very easily identified, both by members of the public and those sorting the collected bottles. There is a demand for the material that is made from plastic bottles, as reprocessors can be sure it is of a certain type.
Other plastic items such as margarine tubs, yoghurt pots and rigid food containers are made from a very wide range of types of plastic, many of which are blends. These are more difficult to identify and separate effectively and so are not easily recyclable at the moment.
What if I have difficulty moving a wheelie bin?
There will be some smaller wheelie bins available to those households with limited storage space or who have difficulty moving a larger bin.
We offer an assisted collection to those households that have difficulty moving their wheelie bins. If you are already assisted with your refuse bin you will automatically be assisted with your red bin.
If you do not have assisted collection and need it please call 0800 6346301.
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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