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A-Z Recycling Guide

We understand it can be a little confusing knowing which items can or cannot be recycled, what you should do with them or which bin to use. To help make things easier, we’ve put together an A-Z guide for residents that provides guidance on what to do when disposing of items.​

Recycling if you live in a flat or tenement

Bring Sites have been provided to make it easier for residents living in flats and tenements in Dundee to recycle. Please be considerate of others when using these facilities.

Search nearest Bring Site

Recycling points across the city

Recycling points are smaller in scale and have a more limited number of bins than Recycling Centres. However, they are sited in locations throughout Dundee.

Search nearest Recycling Point

What can and cannot go in your bins

Grey (General Waste) Blue (Paper & Cardboard) Burgundy (Metals, plastics, cartons) Green Caddies (Food Waste) Brown (Garden Waste)

Recycle for Dundee

Click on a letter or use the category filter to search for your item.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T V W Y
Item Category Guidance More Info
Cutlery (Plastic) Food & Drink
  • Not currently recycled.
  • Do not place in Burgundy recycling bins.
  • Place in Grey general waste bin.
Cutlery (Wooden) Food & Drink
  • Do not place in Brown Garden Waste Bin. 
  • Whilst these items are biodegradabe, they are unsuitable for producing commercial grade compost such as our own Discovery Compost which is certified to PAS 100 standards.  Some types of wood can take longer to decompose which could lower the quality of our compost.

If you have your own Home Composting Bin

  • Items marked as "compostible" may be suitable for home composting but remains at the discretion of the consumer.
  • Home Compost Kits can be purchased via our website.

General Waste

  • If home composting is not an option then Place in Grey general waste bin.
Dead Animals Special / Hazardous
  • If found on Dundee City Council land, phone Environmental Management on 01382 436288.
Dental Floss Dispenser (Plastic) Health & Beauty
  • Do not place in Burgundy recycling bins. 
  • Place in Grey general waste bin.
Deodorant (aerosol sprays) Health & Beauty
  • Ensure aerosols are completely empty before recycling.
  • Do not pierce, crush or flatten aerosol cans. 
  • Place in Burgundy recycling bins.
  • Can be disposed of at Riverside or Baldovie recycling centres.
Deodorants (Roll ons) Health & Beauty
  • No black plastic please.
  • Place in Burgundy recycling bins.
Deodorants(Sticks) Health & Beauty
  • Not currently recycled.
  • Do not place in Burgundy bins.
  • Place in Grey general waste bin.
Dishwashers Electrical
Dog Waste Special / Hazardous
  • Please bag all dog waste before disposing in a dog waste bin.
  • Dog owners must clean up after their dog has fouled any public open space.
Drinking cups and straws(take-away) Food & Drink
  • Not currently recycled.
  • Do not place in Burgundy recycling bins.
  • Place in Grey general waste bin.