Recycling rules for Norwich
Based on Norwich published guidance · Last verified October 2026
Under Simpler Recycling, councils across England are standardising collections. Here's what currently goes in each bin in Norwich.
Search what goes in your bins →Quick answers for Norwich
Polystyrene: Usually general waste (UK-wide position)UK-wide, not council-specific
Across the UK, polystyrene is rarely collected at the kerbside and usually belongs in general waste. Norwich's published guidance we hold doesn't list it.
Cardboard: Goes in your recycling bin
Glass bottles and jars: Not accepted in Norwich's food waste bin
Food waste: Norwich has a separate food waste collection
Takes eggs and eggshells, meat and bones, fruit and vegetables and more.
Shredded paper: Goes in your recycling bin
Aerosols: Goes in your recycling bin
No paint aerosols.
Your bins in Norwich, by colour
Container colours as published by Norwich. Some homes get a different container. See the notes.
What goes in each bin
Recycling
Accepted
Blue bin (recycling), paper and cardboard items |:
- Cardboard
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Shredded paper
- Pizza boxes
- Empty aerosol cans · No paint aerosols
- Foil trays and containers · Must be clean
- Drink bottles · Keep the lids on
- Milk bottles · Keep the lids on
- Bottles · Keep any lids on
- Jars · Keep the lids on
Blue bin (recycling), metal, tin and metallic items |:
- Aluminium cans and tins
- Steel cans and tins
- Aluminium foil
Blue bin (recycling), plastic containers |:
- Yoghurt pots
- Margarine tubs
Blue bin (recycling), cartons |:
- Fruit juice cartons
- Milk cartons
Tips (3)
Blue bin (recycling), how to prepare recycling:
- • Rinse items so they are clean
- • Keep shredded paper loose (not in bags)
Blue bin (recycling), if you have extra recycling:
- • Break down large boxes
Food Waste
Accepted
All food waste, such as::
- Eggs and eggshells
- Meat and bones · Raw or cooked
- Fruit and vegetables · Raw or cooked
- Tea bags and coffee grounds
- Rice, pasta and beans
Not accepted
Food waste (food caddy), what not to put in:
- Packaging
- Glass
Garden Waste
Accepted
Garden waste (brown bin), what to put in:
- Grass cuttings
- Leaves and small plants
- Hedge trimmings
- Twigs and small branches
- Cut flowers
Not accepted
Garden waste (brown bin), what not to put in:
- Soil or dirt
- Plastic bags
- Stones or rocks
When are bins collected in Norwich?
This page covers what goes in each bin. Collection days are set by the council and vary by street. See how to find your bin collection day, or browse streets by postcode to see schedules your neighbours have added.
Bank holidays, in Norwich’s own words: “Collection days will change following bank holidays and other public holidays. Check your collection day to make sure you know when to put out your bin.” See the council’s page →
No streets in Norwich on BinBosh yet — be the first to add yours, and your neighbours can adopt it instead of setting up their own.
Frequently asked questions
What bin does cardboard go in Norwich?
In Norwich, cardboard goes in your recycling bin.
What bin do glass bottles and jars go in Norwich?
In Norwich, glass can't go in your food waste bin.
What bin does food waste go in Norwich?
In Norwich, food waste goes in your food waste bin. It takes eggs and eggshells, meat and bones, fruit and vegetables and more.
What bin does shredded paper go in Norwich?
In Norwich, shredded paper goes in your recycling bin.
What goes in the recycling bin in Norwich?
Norwich's recycling bin accepts cardboard, newspapers, magazines, pizza boxes, shredded paper, aluminium cans and tins, and more.
What goes in the food waste bin in Norwich?
Norwich's food waste bin accepts eggs and eggshells, meat and bones, fruit and vegetables, tea bags and coffee grounds, rice, pasta and beans, and more. Raw or cooked.
What goes in the garden waste bin in Norwich?
Norwich's garden waste bin accepts grass cuttings, leaves and small plants, hedge trimmings, twigs and small branches, cut flowers, and more.
What can't be recycled in Norwich?
Items not accepted in Norwich: packaging, glass, soil or dirt, plastic bags.
Helpful guides
Source: Norwich council website. Check your council's site for the latest updates.
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