How to dispose of scissors in the UK?

Author: Tommie Miller  |  Last update: Thursday, July 17, 2025

If your scissors are broken beyond repair, they can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Household Recycling Centres.

How to dispose of old scissors?

Contact your local recycling center to see if they accept metal items. Trash Disposal: If recycling isn't an option, dispose of the wrapped scissors in your regular trash. Donation: If the scissors are still in good condition, consider donating them to schools, community centers, or charities that may need them.

Can you throw knives in the bin in the UK?

You can put the knives in your bin. It is advisable to ensure that they are packaged securely so as not to cause injury to any persons. With the introduction of wheelie bins everything is done by machine so that likelihood of injury has been vastly reduced.

Can I throw electrical items in the bin in the UK?

Unwanted electrical items should not be put in the bin – if they are faulty and can't be donated you can drop items off at your local Recycling Centre.

How to dispose of cutlery in the UK?

Cutlery (metal) can be disposed of at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

How to Recycle Correctly | Sustainability Tips | WWF

What are the rules for cutlery in England?

In the United Kingdom, the fork tines face upward while sitting on the table. The knife should be in the right hand and the fork in the left. However, if a knife is not needed – such as when eating pasta – the fork can be held in the right hand. Bread is always served and can be placed on the table cloth itself.

How do I dispose of old tools UK?

Tools that are in good working order can be donated to some charity shops, re-use organisations or local community projects. Tools often contain a lot of metal that can be recycled. Check with your local Recycling Centre whether they accept tools that are no longer usable.

How to dispose of a kettle in the UK?

Household waste and recycling centres have bins for appliances like kettles. Some have an area where you can donate items in good working order to be passed on.

How to dispose of a toaster in the UK?

Where can you recycle your toaster? Some councils collect electricals for recycling – either with your regular waste collection or by special arrangement. Contact the council or check their website.

Can you put a microwave in the bin in the UK?

This means that items like microwaves that have a crossed-out wheelie bin symbol on them, should not be placed in your bins at home. Instead, you should hire a professional to collect them or take them to your nearest household recycling centre.

Is it illegal to carry around a pocket knife in the UK?

It is an offence to carry any sharp or bladed instrument in a public place, with the exception of a folding pocket knife where the cutting edge of the blade is 7.62 cm (3 inches) or less.

How to dispose of old pots and pans in the UK?

Many items such as cookware, glasses and vases can be taken to charity for reuse if in good condition. Otherwise, please dispose of in the appropriate container at your nearest recycling centre.. These types can't be recycled so please put them in your black bin.

Can you throw metal in the bin UK?

Steel and aluminium drinks cans and food tins can be recycled in your kerbside bin including pet food tins as long as they are clean and dry.

How to throw away scissors in the UK?

If your scissors are broken beyond repair, they can be recycled in the scrap metal container at the Household Recycling Centres.

What to do with old suitcases in the UK?

How to dispose of suitcases and large bags. Suitcases and large bags can be reused if they're in a good condition, consider taking them to a charity or second hand shop. Suitcases which are broken or can't be reused should be presented as general waste. Please also see bulky commercial waste.

How to dispose of old shampoo?

Empty the products into the trash and wash containers and recycle or reuse. Never dump down the drain. That is extremely harmful to the environment.

Can I throw electrical items in the bin UK?

It is vital that you never throw old electronic gadgets away. Of course you can get rid of your old electronic devices, but never place them directly into your bin to be sent to landfill.

Do Brits use toasters?

And if there are 2 appliances that define a British kitchen, they are the kettle and the toaster. Often sold as a matching pair, it is extremely unusual to find a kitchen without these items – and yet in many other countries they are far less common.

How do I dispose of old towels UK?

Towels are not accepted in your local council's kerbside recycling or residual bin. If they are in good condition you may want to consider donating it to a local charity, charity shop or community organisation. Towels can be recycled in the textiles banks at your local Household Waste Recyling Centre.

How to dispose of a hair dryer in the UK?

Electrical items can be taken to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. Check with the retailer of the item - they may also have a take back scheme for recycling your items.

How to dispose of an electric toothbrush?

Firstly, it's crucial to disassemble the toothbrush to separate the plastic body from other components like the brush head and batteries. Once separated, research local recycling facilities or programs that accept electronic waste, including plastic parts.

What to do with old chargers and cables in the UK?

If cables are in good condition, they can be donated for reuse or sold. If the item is not reusable, you can recycle it. Anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled. Find a recycling point near you (opens in a new window).

How do you dispose of cutlery UK?

Cutlery in good condition can be donated to charity for reuse. Wooden disposable cutlery can be placed in a garden waste collection to be composted. Metal cutlery that is of no further use can be recycled with scrap metal at household waste recycling centres - find your nearest below.

How do I dispose of toiletries UK?

The best, yet imperfect, solution is to decant all unwanted toiletries into one jar and place in your normal rubbish. While there is evidence PPCPs leach from landfills, this is preferable to washing them away.

Can you put old clothes in the recycling bin UK?

The total carbon footprint of clothing in the UK last year was 26.2 million tonnes of C02. The majority of clothes/textiles can easily be recycled or reused. Please do not put clothes, shoes, bedding or textiles in your household recycling bin.

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