Recycling - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recycle light bulbs?
Commercial quantities of fluorescent tubes can be disposed of at Edmundson Electrical, there will be a charge for this service.
Domestic properties should dispose of all Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Lamps (low energy lamps) at a staffed Recycling Centre.
I have a large quantity of books I don't need - how do I dispose of them?
These can be placed in the 'Book Banks' which are sited at some of the Recycling Points or at any Recycling Centre .
You can also join Freecycle which is an independent recycling website where you are able to offer, and look for, various items. Their website address is www.uk.freecycle.org and Moray has a local branch.
How can I get rid of old furniture?
Donate it to any of the charity shops across the county or visit the website www.sort-it.org.uk where you can find the details of the following local projects:
- The Green Home, March Road East, March Road Industrial Estate, Buckie, tel: 01542 839600
- Wastebusters, c/o Waterford Recycling Centre, Waterford Road, Forres, tel: 01309 676056
- Freecycle
How can I recycle my old Christmas tree?
You can take it to any Moray Council Recycling Centre, or to the Wood Recycling Training Project, Unit 7 Chanonry Industrial Estate, Elgin. It can also be presented with your garden waste but only on the first brown bin (garden waste) uplift of the year when the household Collection Calendar reverts back to normal collections after the festive season.
How can I recycle my old Yellow Pages and Phone Books?
These can be collected in your Kerbside Recycling Box or at the 'Paper Banks' at some Recycling Points or at any Recycling Centre .
How can I recycle Tetra packs/drinks cartons?
These can be collected in your Kerbside Recycling Box or at the 'Paper Banks' at some Recycling Points or at any Recycling Centre.
What can I put out for collection to be recycled?
If you live in an area serviced with a Kerbside Recycling you can recycle paper/card, glass bottles and jars, all your food and drinks cans/tins and aerosols.
What happens to old appliances you collect?
All electrical appliances can now be recycled at all our staffed Recycling Centre. Separate containers/areas are now available for the following streams –
- Fridges and freezers
- Televisions/Monitors
- All other domestic WEEE Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment
What kind of glass can be recycled?
Many types of glass contain sulphur or are in other ways contaminated and therefore can't be recycled at the usual Recycling Points, or in your recycling box. Please Note: Greenhouses, window - panes, vehicle glass, Pyrex dishes, ornaments, vases and mirrors are unsuitable for recycling. Even drinking glasses can't be recycled with household glass. It is best to just recycle household glass bottles and jars (rinsed out and without the lid). Broken glass should be disposed of inside the domestic waste bin.
Where can I obtain further information on recycling and the Council's recycling initiatives?
Either from the Waste Guide or Trade Waste pack please contact waste@moray.gov.uk or go to our Recycling page.
Who do I contact if I have old furniture in good condition that may be useful to others?
This can be offered on Freecycle, or collected by one of our charitable Community Groups who will offer this for sale at their depot. Contact: The Green Home, March Road East, March Road Industrial Estate, Tel: 01542 839600
Can I recycle envelopes?
These can be recycled in Moray, either in the Kerbside Box or at the staffed Recycling Centre.
Can I recycle batteries?
Recycling Centres can accept domestic household batteries and car batteries for recycling.
Can I recycle plastic?
Only plastic bottles marked as PETE 
and HDPE
can be recycled in Moray at the moment. They will be accepted in the specific plastics-only containers at the staffed Recycling Centres. In an effort to maximise space and reduce potential damage to machinery please ensure that all bottles have been flattened to remove air.
Can I retrieve something I accidentally put in my recycling bin?
This may be possible but, is quite unlikely as there are several tonnes of each recyclable stream collected each day, some are compacted on collection which will reduce the likelihood of finding the article.
I have a lot of cardboard to be recycled - what quantity will be collected at the kerbside?
From a domestic source we will collect your recycling boxes each week, additional card can be presented as long as it is flattened to reduce the volume, this will also mean less space is taken up on the pavement and is considerate to anyone who is using a pram or wheelchair etc.
I live in a rural area - can I have blue and orange recycling boxes?
We provide Recycling Bags to all our rural residents which provides an opportunity to recycle at one of the Recycling Points sited in the Supermarket car parks or at the Recycling Centres in the major towns.
WEEE (Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment)
As a result of recent legislation retailers are obliged to provide “take back” on a like for like basis of new electrical goods purchased unless they have contributed to a compliance scheme. Compliance Schemes provide a free uplift and recycling service to councils.
When purchasing any new items please check removal options with the retailer.
