Recycling - frequently asked questions

Can we recycle plastic bottles?

Plastic bottles are not currently collected at the kerbside due to them being light weight and high in volume, meaning we do not have the capacity to collect them on our present stillage vehicles.

They can however be recycled at any of our eleven collection banks throughout the borough. For information on where to find these banks please visit the Mini recycling centres in Christchurch page.

Can I recycle shredded paper?

Yes, shredded paper can be recycled at the kerbside and in all of the paper banks around the borough. However, if you are recycling shredded paper in your recycling box, please make sure it is contained within a plastic bag to ensure it is collected.

Can I recycle cardboard in my kerbside box?

Cardboard cannot be recycled using your kerbside box as the paper for this collection goes to a high grade paper mill, which does not accept cardboard.

Cardboard can however be recycled at any of our paper recycling banks throughout the borough, as these are sent to a lower grade mill. For information on where to find these banks please visit the Mini recycling centres in Christchurch page.

Why won't you take wet paper?

Wet paper is not accepted as it can be a fire hazard. The paper collected for recycling is taken to a bulky up station where tonnes of paper is piled up ready to be taken to the mill. However, if wet paper is stored in these piles it generates heat as it dries, which can cause a fire.

Can I recycle drink cartons in my kerbside box?

See 'Can I recycle cardboard in my kerbside box'

Drink cartons can however be recycled at any one of our four beverage carton banks throughout the borough. For information on where to find these banks please visit the Mini recycling centres in Christchurch page.

What shall I do with my old yellow pages?

Yellow pages are accepted in any of our paper banks throughout the borough. For information on where to find these banks please visit the Mini recycling centres in Christchurch page.

Alternatively, Christchurch council often runs the Yellow Woods Challenge for schools from November through to January. This scheme encourages children to recycle yellow pages at school, and the schools which recycle the most yellow pages receive prizes. See more information on the Yellow Woods Challenge (opens in a new window) and if the competition is running this year.