Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my waste/recycling once it's collected?

Kerbside recycling collected from Norfolk homes is taken to the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), run by Norfolk Environmental Waste Services (NEWS) at Costessey. Here it is sorted into different materials and bailed before being sent for reprocessing.

Once at the MRF the mixed recyclables are shovelled onto a giant conveyor belt and taken to the sorting room. Here cardboard is removed and baled and any non-recyclable waste such as video tapes and plastic bags (that shouldn't have been put in the recycling bin) are removed by hand.

The paper, cardboard, cans and plastic bottles then pass through a high tech V-screen where rollers and screens separate the 3D materials such as the plastic bottles and cans and the flat materials such as the paper. This is why we ask people not to squash their cans and plastic bottles flat, as the machine can get confused and think they are paper!

The plastic bottles, food and drinks cans are then hand sorted for a second time to remove any paper or unwanted materials that have been missed. Next a powerful magnet removes steel cans and an electrostatic charge is used to fire off any aluminium. The remaining material is now mainly plastic bottles, which are perforated (popped) and bailed. The bails of material are then sent to reprocessors and recycled into new products.

Back to top ˆ

Why won't the council take my excess waste on collection day?

With most homes in Norfolk now receiving fortnightly recycling collections and access to subsidised home composting bins, refuse bins should be large for any left over rubbish (particularly if you squash items where possible). If you are having difficulties fitting all your rubbish into your bin, please contact your district council.

Back to top ˆ

I struggle to wheel my bin out for collection. Can I have help?

Yes, if you are having difficulties moving your wheeled bin the collection crews can help - you need to contact ask your local council to request this special service. You will need to fill in a form explaining why you need assistance and where the bin will be found on collection day.

Back to top ˆ

If I recycle my computer am I at risk of identity fraud?

All personal information stored on your hard drive should be removed from the hard drive before recycling your computer.

Back to top ˆ

Are we really running out of landfill space?

It is true that there is less and less landfill space available in Norfolk and in the UK.
New UK and European targets to reduce the amount of waste we bury in landfill mean we have to reducing our reliance on landfill or face huge fines.

Back to top ˆ

Why do Norfolk councils only recycle plastic bottles when other areas collect all plastics?

Recycling waste household plastics in the UK can be expensive as there are limited markets for wide range of different materials. Why? Firstly, plastic is lightweight; so the cost of collecting plastics in rural areas is high. Secondly, common household products and packing are made from hundreds of different types of plastics, each of which would need to be separated before being sold for reprocessing. Norfolk councils have opted for the most cost effective and sustainable option - collecting plastic bottles, as most made from three common types of plastic making them easier and most cost effect to find a market for.

Back to top ˆ

What do I do with garden waste?

There are three main options for recycling your garden waste in Norfolk.

1. Garden waste can be recycled in your own back garden in a compost bin. Go to our Home Composting Page to find out more. 

2. Garden waste from home to your nearest household waste recycling centre where garden waste is collected and taken to large scale composting sites. 

3. In some areas district councils offer a collect service garden waste from your home by providing an additional bin for an annual charge, please contact your district council to find out more.

Whichever option you choose, well done! You are doing a fantastic job at recycling and helping to keep degradable waste out of local landfill sites.

Back to top ˆ

What can I do to get rid of old, worn clothes that are no good for resale?

Items that are unsuitable for reuse because they are torn or stained can either be recycled in textile banks or taken to any of the County Council's 19 recycling centres. The textiles are sorted and absorbent materials such as cotton and linen are reused as industrial wiping rags. Other materials such as wool will either be shredded and made into felt or pulled to make new yarn.

Back to top ˆ

Why can't shredded paper be recycled and what should I do with it?

Shredded paper can be recycled with newspapers and magazines at local paper banks located at supermarkets, schools, and voluntary organisations and at the County Council's 19 recycling centres.

Shredded paper can also be recycled in your home compost bin as it is great for mixing with damp materials, such as grass clippings, or it can be used for animal bedding.

However, shredded paper can't go in your kerbside recycling collection bin, as the small pieces of paper are too difficult to separate from the other recycling at the sorting facility.

It is important to destroy personal details on documents before recycling, but instead of shredding the whole document, tear off and shred the section with your details on and recycle the rest.

Back to top ˆ