Recycling rules vary by council, and Cambridgeshire is no different. Most households end up contaminating their recycling without realising — which means entire batches get sent to landfill. Here’s what you need to know.

Generally accepted for recycling: Clean paper and cardboard, glass bottles and jars, most plastic bottles and containers (check the number — 1, 2 and 5 are usually fine), aluminium and steel cans, and food tins.

Generally NOT recyclable via kerbside: Pizza boxes with grease stains, black plastic food trays, crisp packets, cling film, polystyrene, coffee cups (they have a plastic lining), nappies, and any packaging that mixes materials.

Electrical items (WEEE): Old TVs, computers, phones, and appliances cannot go in a skip or general waste bin. They must be taken to a WEEE recycling point or collected by a licensed carrier.

Bulky items: Sofas, mattresses and large furniture can’t be recycled via normal channels. Many councils offer a bulky waste collection service, or you can book a clearance with Vantage 24/7 — we take everything to the appropriate facility.

The simplest rule: if you’re unsure, look it up on your local council’s website. When in doubt, leave it out of the recycling bin — contamination is worse than putting it in general waste.

Struggling with a large clearance? Vantage 24/7 Services are licensed waste carriers and will sort, load and dispose of everything responsibly. Call 01223 660 400.