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Recycling Centres are now open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week*
Sites are experiencing high volumes of traffic, please plan your visit.
Please follow the below guidelines when visiting:
*Find your nearest site for further details
Food has a massive impact on the earth due to the amount of energy it takes to produce, store and transport it. The problem is also worsened when food is wasted and thrown away- it is causing a climate emergency.
In total, a staggering 6.6 million tonnes of food waste comes from our homes each year in the UK, at a cost of £14 billion. Of that, 4.5 million tonnes is food that could have been eaten.
Here we share some facts about how much food is being wasted and which types of food, tips to help reduce the amount of food you throw away and information on how to recycle some of your food waste yourselves by composting at home!
This activity can be used to demonstrate that not all food thrown away is rotten and past its use by date. Often people just buy too much or don’t store food correctly. This all adds up to huge amounts being thrown away which is such a waste!
Download the activity cards to start the discussion about which food type does your group think gets thrown away the most- the answers may surprise you.
The teacher notes will help you with how to facilitate the activity and highlight important discussion points to raise.
In this video, our Education Officer, Jess, explains how storing your food properly, planning your weekly shop and checking the temperature of you fridge and freezer can all reduce the amount of food you throw away.
In this video, our Education Officer, Janine, explains how to set up a home compost bin as another way to recycle your food waste.
#DYK lids from glass bottles and jars can’t be recycled? ❌ Some of the lids are made of a combination of metal and plastic. Put them in your general waste bin ✅ pic.twitter.com/adrJGWb8Q2
@TamesideCouncil @StephD_3101 We used to lend PPE to residents but due to Covid-19 we are unable to do this. You can find out more on our website: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… Thanks, R4GM 2/2
@TamesideCouncil @StephD_3101 Hello, thanks for your message. The weighbridge is a working industrial site where council and high sided vehicles go, different to the household waste recycling centre, therefore residents require full PPE for health and safety. 1/2
In case you missed it last week we sent our fortnightly newsletter covering the latest on... ♻️The Recycle for Greater Manchester Community Fund ♻️How to dispose of lateral flow test kits ♻️Plus much more! Sign up today ⬇️ recycleforgreatermanchester.c… pic.twitter.com/VeriLbHdf7
#DYK it takes only one nappy to spoil a whole lorry load of paper and card recycling❓ Nappies go in your general waste bin. #TedSays please don't put any nappies in your recycling! pic.twitter.com/9XtdCrDtCv
Rubbish bags don't belong in your paper and card recycling bin. Wrong items like this mean we have to treat the whole lorry load of recycling as general waste. This costs your council an extra £485. Let's all #RecycleRight pic.twitter.com/0tiyd1a4Yi
@DarrenJMcLean Hi Darren, thanks for your message. Tea bags can go in your food and garden bin. You can read more on our website here: recycleforgreatermanchester.c…. Hope this helps! Thanks, R4GM
@AnotherHowie @DarrenJMcLean @TamesideCouncil Hello, your general waste is used to make electricity here in Greater Manchester. You can find out more on our website here: recycleforgreatermanchester.c… Tameside Council's website is separate to ours so you would need to speak to them directly about their website. Thanks, R4GM
Join us at 6.30pm tonight for a Virtual Spring Open Day! Our Education Officers will be hosting an online session where you can go behind the scenes at our Materials Recovery Facility at Longley Lane to see how recycling is sorted and separated. ⬇️⬇️⬇️ recycleforgreatermanchester.c…
Have you used a #LateralFlowTest recently? Remember to dispose of it correctly by putting all the plastic items in your general waste bin at home - they are not recyclable. #TogetherGM #SafeGM #DoYourBit pic.twitter.com/ppzRsXdNG6
Use the drop down menus below to find a quick and easy answer to our frequently asked questions.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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