Home composting is using your kitchen and garden waste to make your own nutrient rich compost that you can use to help feed your flowers, plants and vegetables. Composting provides a home for a range of mini-beasts and worms that turn your food and garden waste into compost.
To kickstart your composting journey or expand what you’re already doing, we’ve teamed up with Get Composting to provide residents across Greater Manchester* savings on a range of composting bins and equipment.
Save £10 on 9 different items, all with free postage and packaging. Just put in your postcode to see all eligible discounts.
*not including Wigan
Good compost is made by combining 50% green items and 50% brown items
Visit Compost Instructions (compostinstructions.com) for a full list of what you can and can’t add to your compost bin.
Bacteria, fungi, insects and other invertebrates break down the items in the compost bin. Using a traditional compost bin takes around 1 year for compost to be ready to use.
Most composting systems should be in shade. Ground-based compost piles and bins should be placed on bare soil so that bugs and worms can get into your bin. Once filled, compost bins are heavy so it wont be easy to move. Make sure you can easily access the compost bin to be able to remove your compost when ready. A wormery can be placed in a shed to protect it from extreme weather conditions. Bokashi bins can be kept in the kitchen.
Yes, especially in rainy Greater Manchester! A cover stops it becoming waterlogged in winter and keeps moisture in during the summer. You can cover open compost piles with things like plastic, old carpet or plywood.
A well-managed compost should not smell or be slimy, but if it does there a few of reasons why this may be happening:
Make sure your compost is covered, turn the compost and add some drier ’brown’ materials such as leaves, hedge cuttings or shredded plain paper or card and give it a good mix. Only put raw vegetable and fruit food waste in your compost or consider a composting system specially designed to take all food waste such as a Bokashi bin.
Add more green waste such as veg peelings, grass cuttings.
It’s a fact that flies are attracted to rotting food. However, there are simple ways to avoid your compost attracting flies. Make sure you mix and bury your food waste within your compost. You can also add a layer of brown materials such as leaves, shredded paper, or sawdust on top each time you add food waste. If you do get flies try leaving the lid off for a few hours on a sunny day, then place a layer of wet newspaper on top to create a barrier before you replace the lid.
Sometimes hedgehogs may find a home in your compost, it’s warm and full of worms! So when you decide to turn over your compost just check that it is a hedgehog-free first!
To find out how you can encourage wildlife into your garden, yard or window box download the My Wild Garden booklet
Open day at the Renew Hub! To book go to: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… Come and see how we are working towards a circular economy by repairing, reusing, upcycling and recycling all kinds of things that people have donated that otherwise would have gone to waste.
The Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund closes 12pm on Friday 26th May. Apply now for up to £20k for your community waste reduction, recycling or reuse project. Go to recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/ZqbXOPqky6
Get #InTheLoopGM with bin confidence – once your food waste is in the bin, it's turned into compost to make more crops and food! ♾️ recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/3iCvtD4J9Z
Did you know vapes have batteries hidden within them? When vapes are incorrectly disposed of, they can get crushed in bin lorries & recycling centres which start fires. Never bin them, recycle ALL your vapes separately - recycleyourelectricals.org.uk pic.twitter.com/fUa6GnQigZ
Keep materials In The Loop by recycling, reusing or repairing you are helping the planet thrive within the resources we already have, help us #MoveTheDate on #OvershootDay recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/gb3Bhj3kBU
Greater Manchester, it’s time to get #InTheLoopGM ♾️ Recycle, Reuse and Repair to contribute to a Circular Economy youtube.com/watch?v=7chq4I…
Open day at the Renew Hub! Come and see how we are working towards a circular economy by repairing, reusing, upcycling and recycling all kinds of things that people have donated that otherwise would have gone to waste. Visit to book: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/N0EYWNIr12
Last year, Ava and Kyle’s neighbours recycled a steel can ♾️ Now, it’s back #InTheLoopGM and making Ava and Kyle’s favourite pasta sauce. recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/50IovduSeg
How well do you know your general waste bin? Always check before you chuck: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/p3DdUFFH6a
Greater Manchester, it’s time to get #InTheLoopGM ♾️ Recycle, Reuse and Repair to contribute to a Circular Economy youtube.com/watch?v=7chq4I…
Use the drop down menus below to find a quick and easy answer to our frequently asked questions.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Tel: 01204 336 632
Email: neighbourhoodservicesinbox@bolton.gov.uk
You can also complete the online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bolton council directly.
Email: wasteandrecycling@bolton.gov.uk
Tel: 01204 336 632
You can also complete the online order form or order a new recycling bin orcontainer in person at the One Stop Shop in Bolton Town Hall.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you are running low on liners, please tie an empty liner around the handle of your food waste container or green bin on collection day and the crew will leave you a new roll of liners.
You can also visit the One Stop Shop at Bolton Town Hall or the UCAN centres for replacement rolls of liners.
To find out where your nearest UCAN Centre is visit the Bolton council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
If you just need liners or only need a caddy, you can collect these yourself from:
3 Knowsley Place (opposite Bury Town Hall)
Six Town Housing, 6 Knowsley Place, Bury (liners only)
Customer Support and Collections, Whittaker Street, Radcliffe
Alternatively, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin. Our collection crew will leave you a new roll.
You can also contact Bury council directly on their website.
If you are ordering a new or replacement brown recycling bin, you can order a caddy and liners at the same time with this online form.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Bury council directly here to request a new or replacement bin.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Bury council directly here to report fly-tipping,
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Bury council directly here to report a missed bin collection.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
When you get to the end of a roll, you’ll find a tag to request a new roll. Attach this tag to your bin handle and the collection crew will leave a new roll.
You can also pick up a new roll of compostable food bags at any Manchester library or request them on the Manchester City council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Manchester City council directly on their website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please visit the Manchester City council website and follow the instructions to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Manchester City council directly here.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Food caddy liners can be purchased from a number of outlets in Oldham.
For the list of outlets please visit the Oldham council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Oldham council directly by:
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or complete the online form on the Oldham council website.
To report flytipping on council property
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Or report it online on the Oldham council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Oldham council directly.
Email: waste@oldham.gov.uk
Tel: 0161 770 6644
Complete this online form on the Oldham council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, attach the yellow tag found towards the end of the roll to your brown food and garden bin or street food caddy. The collection crew will leave you a new roll or you can collect free compostable liners from any of the libraries in Rochdale.
More information and list of libraries on Rochdale council website.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete the online form on Rochdale council website.
Report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or report it online via the Rochdale council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Rochdale council directly.
Tel: 0300 303 8884
Or complete this online form on Rochdale council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Simply tie an empty liner to the lid of your pink lidded food and garden bin or outdoor food bin and place out for collection as normal. Salford council will deliver some more liners for free.
You can also order more compostable food bags by telephone on 0161 793 2500.
Or complete the online form on the Salford council website.
You can also collect two rolls of kitchen caddy liners, free of charge, from the Gateway centres and other locations across the city. Find your nearest here.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or order one online on the Salford council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Report it online via the Salford council website.
To report a missed kerbside collection
Please contact Salford council directly.
Tel: 0161 793 2500
Or complete this online form on the Salford council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
A roll of 150 liners is delivered to each Stockport household every year.
If you run out, you can buy them directly from the supplier online or over the telephone on 0844 571 4444.
Most supermarkets now stock compostable liners, just look out for the EN13432 composting association logo to make sure the liners are suitable to be used in your food waste caddy.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Stockport council directly
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Or complete the online form on the Stockport council website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Stockport council directly.
Tel: 0161 217 6111
Complete this online form on the Stockport council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
To request for more compostable food bags, tie an empty liner around the handle of your brown food and garden bin and the collection crew will leave you a new roll.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete the online form on Tameside council’s website.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or complete this online form on the Tameside council website.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Tameside council directly.
Tel: 0161 342 8355
Or report it online via the Tameside council website.
If you are having technical problems with your application or have been waiting more than 2 working days for confirmation of your permit, please contact gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com
You should also email gmcavanpermit.uk@suez.com if your permit has been rejected due to incorrect information
The only types of plastic you can recycle in your mixed recycling bin at home are plastic bottles.
Why only plastic bottles?
A bottle and a food tray are made of the same type of plastic but not the same grade of plastic, therefore the grades of plastic will behave differently when they are recycled, as they melt at different temperatures. Our Materials Recycling Facility cannot sort between the different grade of plastics, and so they can’t be recycled together.
There are really good reasons why we can only recycle plastic bottles in Greater Manchester:
1. Manufacturers that make new products demand high grade plastics. High Grade = Plastic Bottles.
2. Plastics like pots, tubs and trays are a low grade plastic and the manufacturers just don’t want these.
3. During the recycling process, the plastic is melted. Plastic bottles and plastic pots, tubs and trays melt at different temperatures, meaning the pots, tubs and trays contaminate the bottles and can’t be used to make new products.
4. Other areas may collect plastic pots, tubs and trays, but currently very little is recycled. Most of it is used to make electricity.
Find our more at our What happens to my waste? page.
How to order more compostable food bags
Trafford council now provides everyone with a year’s supply of compostable food bags.
If you run out of compostable food bags, you can contact Trafford council on 03330 035865 to order more. Trafford council will deliver these to you free of charge.
You can also pick up a roll from any Trafford library.
To request a new recycling bin or container
Please complete an online form on Trafford council’s website here.
To report fly-tipping on council property
Please contact Trafford council here to report fly-tipping.
To report a missed bin collection
Please contact Trafford council directly by completing this online form.
For other enquiries please complete the contact form.
If you have any enquiries about your waste and recycling bin collection service, please contact your local council directly.
If you have a complaint about a Recycling Centre, please put your complaint in an email to ContractManagerGM.uk@suez.com
If you have been through the complaints procedure with SUEZ and you are unhappy with the response provided you may wish to escalate your complaint to GMwaste@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
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