Recycling - General Information

Recycling  -   Frequently asked questions

Q1 - What can I recycle?
Glass - bottles, jars and glasses.  No crockery, ceramics, porcelain or heat resistant glass.
Plastic Bottles - milk, juice, shampoo bottles, softdrink bottles etc.
Aluminium and steel cans/containers. Newspapers and textiles.

Q2 - Will my recycling be collected or do I have to take it myself to the C.A Site?
Council operates a kerbside recycling program for householders in Blaenau Gwent or alternatively, you may take your recycling to your local civic amenity site.

Q3 – How often is my recycling collected?
Recycling is collected weekly 

Q4 - What do I put my recycling in?
The council issues boxes to every householder, to assist the crews we would appreciate if the various items could be placed within carrier bags to avoid contamination.

Q5 - Where do I get a new box from?
If you have lost a box please ring C2BG on 311556

Q6 - Will it cost me anything to recycle?
There is no cost to participate in the kerbside recycling program (Boxes collected from your home) or dropping off recyclables at the civic amenity sites.

Q7 - Can I recycle cardboard?
Cardboard can be recycled, however, this must be taken to New Vale civic amenity site.  If you are a business, you may contact Adrian Lewis skip hire who will be happy to assist 01495-310438

Q8 - Why should I recycle?
Blaenau Gwent Council encourages all householders and businesses to recycle wherever possible so as to protect our environment for future generations and to keep charges to ratepayers down. 

Q9 - Are there any rules that I should know about?
Rules or guidelines do apply to recycling.
All food residue (solid or liquid) left in containers is classed as a contaminant throughout the whole recycling process.  A quick rinse before placing the container in the recycle bag is all that is needed.  Your assistance to have "clean" recyclables is greatly appreciated.
Cardboard should NOT be placed in the recycle bag as this becomes contaminated with broken glass and is then not able to be recycled.  Cardboard can be dropped off at your local civic amenity site.
Plastics such as plastic bags, pot planters, broken electrical appliances, chairs, buckets etc are NOT SUITABLE for recycling.  Please do not place these types of items in the recycle box

Q10 - Can I take my own recycling to the civic amenity sites
Yes you can drop off your recycling at any one of our bring sites or civic amenity sites.

Q11 - What hours can the public go to the civic amenity sites
Open every day except Christmas Day and New Years day
8.30am - 7.00pm (1st may to 30th September)
8.30 – 4.30pm (1st October to 30th April)

Q12 - Can I put my box out with just one or two items in it?
Council policy is to request householders to fill the box before putting out for collection.  If its collection day and you only have one or two items in the box, do not put it out that day but continue to fill and put out on the next collection day.

Q13 - Is coloured glass acceptable?
Yes, coloured glass is acceptable.

Q14 - Can I recycle car and truck batteries?
Yes – at any of the civic amenity sites

Q15 - Is steel recycled?
Yes, you may drop off any steel you wish to dispose of at New vale civic Amenity Site.  Please look for signage to ensure you put it in the correct storage area.

Q16 - How do I know what type of plastic bottles are recyclable?
Plastic bottles that are recyclable are:  milk, juice, shampoo bottles, softdrink bottles etc. (on the bottom of the bottle there is a number sometimes within a triangle, if this number is a 1 or 2 then it can currently be recycled).

Q17 - What plastics are not recyclable?
Plastics that are not recyclable include plastic bags, pot planters, broken electrical appliances, chairs, buckets etc.