Q - Z of Recycling
Q / R
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Quilts | See Textiles in Q - Z of Recycling |
| Radiators | See Scrap metal in Q - Z of Recycling |
| Radios | See Electrical Appliances in D - F of Recycling |
| Rags | Reuse these as floor or dish cloths. |
| Real Nappies |
Modern improvements in reusable nappies' ease of use and reliability, coupled with the considerable cost savings, make these a genuine alternative to disposable nappies. For more information contact the Grampian Real Nappy Project on 01224 560360 or visit the following:
|
| Rechargeable batteries |
Rechargeable batteries can be bought from most shops that sell disposable batteries and electrical appliances. For disposal information see Batteries in A - C of Recycling |
| Roof tiles |
See Architectural Salvage in A - C of Recycling |
| Rubble / hardcore |
Small amounts of rubble or hardcore can be recycled at your local Recycling Centre. Rubble and hardcore, even if it is from your own house or garden is NOT classified as household waste. It is instead classified as construction waste, therefore Aberdeen City Council does not have to accept this type of waste at Recycling Centres, but does so as a service to residents. A more convenient way to dispose of hardcore and other large quantities of DIY waste is to use a local skip hire service or a 'bulk bag' company. For more details, look in your local classified directory. |
S
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Saucepans |
Kitchen equipment in good working order can be donated to your local charity shops. The following organisations may accept this waste for distribution to local residents in need:
A full list of charity shops can be found in your local directory. |
| Scrap metal |
Scrap metal should be taken to a scrap merchant. Check your local directory for more details. Alternatively, scrap metal including radiators, hot water cylinders, metal bed frames, and broken bicycles can be taken to your local Recycling Centres. |
| Shoes | See Textiles. |
| Spectacles |
See Glasses/spectacles in G - L of Recycling |
| Stamps |
There are a number of organisations who accept used stamps for charity fundraising. Stamps should be trimmed leaving approximately 1cm of envelope with each stamp. To assist the fundraising organisation, sort stamps into First Class and above, Second Class and below, Foreign and commemorative. Organisations that accept used stamps include:
|
| Steel cans | See Cans in A - C of Recycling |
| Syringes |
Used syringes should not be put directly into your general refuse bin. All used needles, empty syringes, empty insulin cartridges and lancets must be put in a sharps bin. Sharps bins are plastic containers designed for the safe disposal of hazardous waste. Sharps bins are available on prescription from your doctor (FP10). Please ask your GP surgery to prescribe one for you. If you pay for prescriptions, normal prescription charges will apply. Alternatively, your local pharmacy may offer these for sale. For further advice on disposal please contact your doctor, pharmacist or the NHS. |
T
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Tapes |
Give them to friends or charity shops. A full list of charity shops can be found in your local directory. Some companies will collect the VHS tapes for a small charge, for example: |
| Tea Bags | See Food Waste in D - F of Recycling |
| Telephone Directories |
Telephone directories can be recycled as part of your Kerbside Recycling service or at your On Street Recycling bank. |
| Television sets |
See Electrical and Electronic Equipment in D - F of Recycling |
|
Tetra Paks |
Food and drink cartons such as Tetra Paks can be recycled at six dedicated banks provided by Tetra Pak and the Alliance for Beverage Carton Recycling UK situated at:
|
| Textiles |
Clothes can be taken to your local tailor for mending and alteration. Clothes and shoes, towels, sheets, coats, bags, clothing accessories, and curtains in good condition can all be donated to your local charity shop for reuse. Good quality hand and bath towels, sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and tea towels can be donated to:
A full list of charity shops can be found in your local directory. Textiles can also be recycled at your local Household Waste and Recycling Centres or Recycling Points. |
|
Tiles |
Use broken tiles in mosaics or donate to community art projects or the Creative Waste Exchange (01224 560360). |
|
Tin foil |
See Foil in D - F of Recycling |
| Toasters | See Electronic and Electrical Equipment in D - F of Recycling |
| Toilet and Kitchen Roll Tubes |
These work well as compostable pots for seedlings. See Cardboard in A - C of Recycling |
| Toner |
See Cartridges in A - C of Recycling |
| Tools | Unwanted tools in good condition can be donated to your local charity shops. A full list of charity shops is available in your local directory. |
|
Toothbrushes |
Worn, manual toothbrushes can be kept and reused as a cleaning brush for bikes, shoes, or furniture. For electrical or battery operated toothbrushes please See Electronic and Electrical Equipment in D - F of Recycling |
|
Toys |
See Children's Toys in A - C of Recycling |
|
Tyres |
Old tyres can be used to create compost bins, flower or plant containers. Alternatively take them to a local garage. They may make a charge for disposal. Tyres can be taken for recycling to the Recycling Centres at Greenbank Road, East Tullos. |
U
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Unwanted Mail |
To reduce unwanted mail visit Stop The Drop for information and advice. Unwanted mail can also be recycled as part of your Kerbside Recycling service, at your local Household Waste and Recycling Centres or Recycling Points and at your On Street Recycling bank. |
V
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Vacuum Cleaner Dust |
See Dust in D - F of Recycling |
| Vegetables | See Food Waste in D - F of Recycling |
| Vehicles |
When buying a new car ask your garage if you can trade in your old one. Alternatively, sell it through your local or online classified ads. To scrap a vehicle, please take it to an authorised treatment facility. Note that there may be a charge for the treatment of a vehicle registered before July 2002. You should be given a certificate of destruction. Please see your local directory for a list of facilities. |
| Vending Cups |
To avoid generating plastic waste, avoid using disposable cups and use glasses, mugs or cups for water or coffee. If your place of work generates large quantities of plastic vending cups, these can be collected for recycling by contacting Save-a-Cup on 01494 510 167 or visit Save A Cup. They recycle old vending cups in to a variety of items including pencils, pens, coasters and rulers. |
W
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Walking sticks | Unwanted walking sticks can be donated to your local Charity Shop. A full list of charity shops is available in your local directory. |
| Wallpaper | Wallpaper is neither compostable nor recyclable, therefore it should be disposed of in your general refuse bin. See DIY materials in D - F of Recycling |
| Washing Machines / White goods | See Electrical and Electronic Equipment in D - F of Recycling |
| WEEE - Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment | See Electrical and Electronic Equipment in Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment |
| Wood | Wood is now collected for recycling at the Recycling Centres at Greenbank Crescent, Tullos and Sclattie Disposal Works, Bankhead Avenue. |
| Wormeries |
A wormery is a container that contains special worms which eat your left over food waste. The worms produce a rich compost and liquid fertiliser. Wormeries can be purchased from local garden centres or online. Online retailers include:
|
| Wrapping paper |
Wrapping paper can be reused. Paper wrapping (not foil wrapping), gift tags and greetings cards, can be recycled as part of your Kerbside Recycling service or at your On Street Recycling bank. Foil wrapping paper cannot be recycled and should be placed in your general rubbish bin for disposal to landfill. See also Paper in M - P of Recycling |
X / Y / Z
| Item | What to do |
|---|---|
| Yellow Pages |
See Telephone directories. |
| Yoghurt Pots | See Plastic in M - P of Recycling |
| Zimmer Frames | Please return to issuer or donate to social services, old people's homes, hospitals or health centres. |
Back to the A - Z of Recycling Options home page.