How do I recycle it?

THE picture is a confusing one: householders are advised to check with their local authority. Most plastic bottles and containers can go in household recycling collections. But here is a guide to what you can and can’t put out.

POLYSTYRENE

Few councils recycle this material. In most cases it must be binned.

FOOD TRAYS

About 1.3billion black trays, which come with ready meals and vegetables, are used in Britain. Most are not recyclable because the colour cannot be read by sorting machines.

TETRAPAKS

These plastic and metal juice containers are recycled in some areas only.

COFFEE CUPS

Takeaway cups have a plastic lining that makes them hard to recycle. Costa is trialling recycling and will accept cups from rivals. The City of London is planning a yellow bin cup scheme.

PLASTIC BAGS

Most councils bar plastic bags in recycling. But many supermarkets collect them as well as bread bags and sleeves covering newspapers and magazines.

BUBBLE WRAP

This should not be put in with plastic containers. Check whether it can be recycled at supermarkets.

CRISP TUBES, CAT FOOD POUCHES AND DVD CASES

Check with your council – many will not take these items.

CLEANING SPRAYS

Some councils take rinsed containers.