What Happens to Recycling?
How you can help with recycling
Reusing and recycling your waste is the best way you can help protect the environment - see our why recycle? page.
What happens to my recycling?
Recyclables collected from households are sorted in Edmonton, north London and then sent to reprocessors who will recycle it into something new.
What happens to food and garden waste?
Food and garden waste (organic recycling) is taken to a composting facility and turned into compost.
How is recycling collected?
The contents of each type of bin (green dry recycling, garden, food) are collected separately in different vehicles. Some of our vehicles collect more than one of these waste streams in separate compartments on the same vehicle.
Is everything recycled?
Yes – we recycle the contents of your recycling bin as long as it contains the correct materials. If any of it can’t be recycled because it is not the right material or is spoilt by other waste, it may be taken to an energy-from-waste centre.
What happens to the rest of my non-recyclable waste?
Black bag, or residual waste that cannot be recycled is sent to an energy-from-waste facility in Edmonton, which ensures very little waste is sent to landfill and generates energy to power homes and businesses in north London. You can find out more by visiting the North London Waste Authority What Happens to Waste We Collect? webpage (external link).
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