An initiative to help boost recycling rates in Knowsley is being rolled out across the borough.
In the coming weeks Knowsley residents will be receiving a leaflet featuring their latest recycling and waste collection calendars – along with lots of advice and tips to help them recycle more of their rubbish.
In an effort to raise recycling rates – which currently stand at 26% in Knowsley – ahead of the national waste reforms being introduced in 2026, Knowsley Council has introduced a range of measures to encourage residents to recycle more using the Council’s recycling and waste collection services.
This has included the ‘Recycling in Knowsley is so easy’ campaign which is featured on waste collection vehicles and promoted at events across the borough. It reminds householders that there’s no need to separate cans and tins, bottles, paper, cardboard and jars – they can all go in the grey recycling bin.
What’s in the new leaflets?
Alongside the new calendars – running from January to December 2025 – residents are reminded that recycling makes sense. It can make a real difference to our environment and community.
Recycling helps tackle climate change by conserving vital natural resources and helps reduce costly landfill and disposal charges – meaning more funds can be used to provide vital council services.
There are also reminders about the items which should – and shouldn’t – go in each bin, as well as some helpful tips about making the most of recycling bins, including:
- Rinsing plastic bottles, cans, tins and glass jars
- Flattening cardboard boxes to maximise space in the grey bin
- Putting recycling loose in the bin – no plastic bags
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “At least 60% of an average household’s waste is recyclable, but at the moment, too much of this waste is still being placed in the general waste bin and ending up in landfill.
“We hope these leaflets, in addition to our latest campaign, will remind people how quick and convenient it is to recycle in Knowsley and encourage residents to include recycling as part of their daily routine.
“We are very grateful to residents who currently recycle, but we still have a way to go to increase our recycling rates and need everyone to get involved and do their bit for the environment and the local community.”
What goes in your grey bin?
- Food/cereal boxes
- Cardboard
- Food tins and drinks cans (place lids inside cans)
- Glass bottles and jars (caps and lids can go in the maroon bin)
- Plastic – bottle shaped plastics only (tops and caps can go in the maroon bin)
- Envelopes
- Paper, newspapers and magazines
- Junk mail
Remember: Recycling likes to be left loose, so please don’t put any plastic bags in the grey bin.
What if I have extra recycling?
You can request an extra grey recycling bin online by visiting www.knowsley.gov.uk/bins-waste-and-recycling
Or you can leave extra recycling next to your grey bin if it is put in a cardboard box or clear plastic bag (not a bin bag or carrier bag). The cardboard box needs to be small enough to fit into your wheeled bin, as our crews will need to place it into the bin so it can be emptied into the bin lorry.
What goes in your blue bin?
You can also recycle most of your garden waste in your blue recycling bin. This includes:
- Grass cuttings
- Shredded paper
- Flowers
- Prunings
- Hedge and tree clippings
- Twigs and branches
- Leaves
- Plants and weeds
- Untreated bark and wood chippings
- Pet bedding – wood chippings, sawdust, straw and hay (clean or soiled)
Garden waste collections have been suspended over the winter months (from the end of November) but will be resumed in March in plenty of time for the gardening season.
During the suspension of the service green waste can be taken to the Household Waste Recycling Centres at Wilson Road, Huyton or Depot Road, Kirkby. For information about trips to the Household Waste Recycling Centres visit the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority website.
All food waste, including any fruit that has fallen from the trees, should be placed in your maroon bin for collection.
And if you’re in any doubt about what to put in each bin then visit www.recycleright.org.uk
You can find more information about recycling in Knowsley and what goes in each bin here.