Recycling - Your Questions AnsweredThis section aims to address any queries, questions or worries you may have about our new campaign, Recycling the easy way.
Why do I have to recycle?
A lot of items that are thrown away in Southwark could be re-used to save scarce resources and protect the environment. Waste disposal costs are rising and recycling will help to keep these costs down. Southwark has been set challenging targets by the government and could be fined if these are not met.
How do I start recycling? 
To order bags or boxes, or for advice or information please call 020 7525 2000.
Can I recycle anything else along with my paper, card, glass, cans, plastic bottles and garden waste?
Yes, using your doorstep collection service you can also recycle cardboard (in your blue bag), tin foil, aerosol cans, plastic food trays, yoghurt pots and ice cream and margarine tubs (in your blue box, in with your cans and plastic bottles).
How will you know I am not recycling?
We collect from the doorstep weekly, so it is easy to monitor which households are not participating. If residents are not taking part, a member of the recycling team will visit to make enquiries and carry out inspections of waste. They will also be able to answer any questions at that time.
What if I am away from home?
Don't worry, we will only issue a fine to anyone who persistently fails to use their blue box and bag and who is throwing recyclables out with their normal rubbish. So if you're away from home, you might receive a reminder to recycle but because we won't find any recyclable rubbish in your wheelie bin, we won't issue a fine.
I use my local recycling centre instead of the doorstep collection service - can I be fined?
No, you won't be fined as long as you're recycling all of your paper and card, glass bottles and jars, cans and plastic bottles. We will always check your wheelie bin to make sure that you're not throwing away any recyclables before we issue a fine.
What if I am physically unable to lift my blue box or bag?
Assisted collections are available for residents who need extra help. To register, please phone 020 7525 2000.
Is it legal to make people recycle?
Yes - under the  Environment Protection Act 1990, Southwark Council can legally require residents to use specific containers for different waste materials.
What should I do if my recycling isn't collected?
Make sure your blue box and bag are clearly visible at the front of your property from 7am on your collection day. If your recycling hasn't been collected, please call us the next day to report it and we will collect it within 24 hours.
What happens to the materials I put in my blue box and bag?
All materials collected are recycled and made into various new products. For example, the newspaper you read today could be made from the paper you recycled last week!
Recycling Rewards
Recycling Rewards is a monthly prize draw which gives residents taking part in our recycling schemes the opportunity to win £200.
To request a blue box and bag, garden waste receptacle or for further information about this recycling scheme, please contact our free phone recycling helpline.
Contact us
Tel: 020 7525 2000
environment@southwark.gov.uk
30-34 Penrose Street
London
SE17 3DW |