We’re all sometimes guilty of ‘wishcycling’ –putting waste in recycling bins just in case it can be recycled. But one wrong item can contaminate recycling. This week at the SSL, we’re asking one of life’s big questions: can you recycle it?

We’ve made a list below of some of the biggest culprits that manage to sneak their way into Manor Road recycling bins.

Disposable coffee cups

Unless there is a specific bin for paper cup recycling, these cups can’t be recycled. Put empty coffee cups in general waste bins (but make sure they’re empty first!).

Reduce waste by using a reusable coffee cup instead. Plus you can get discounts at many cafes and coffee shops. For instance, The Glasshouse Café in the Manor Road Building offers a discount on drinks purchased in reusable cups.

Tissues and paper towels

Another no. Whereas paper can be recycled, tissues and paper towels should be placed in general   waste. They’re generally made of low-quality materials and have often been recycled multiple times already. They can also be wet and contaminated.

Sweet wrappers

Plastic/metallic sweet wrappers can’t be recycled in mixed recycling bins, although some supermarkets will accept clean soft plastics for recycling. Don’t forget that the SSL, like other Bodleian Libraries, has a no food and drink policy (except for bottled water and drinks in reusable cups with a lid) so please eat your sweet treats outside.

Fruit peel

Take fruit peel home and put it in your food recycling bin, or use it for your compost. Otherwise, please put it in the general waste bin.

Plastic packaging

Whether you can recycle plastic packaging depends on what type of plastic it is. On most items the type of plastic can be identified with a number code. Plastics 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 can be placed in recycling bins (if clean and dry). 4 and 7 should go in general waste.

Check out the University’s A-Z of recycling for further information: https://sustainability.admin.ox.ac.uk/a-z-of-recycling#collapse957361