Recycling Directory
How much waste can you reduce, reuse or recycle?
Welcome...
This Recycling Directory is compiled by The Recycling Forum of Lancaster District, a group of committed individuals who aim to encourage waste reduction and recycling locally. We hope this website helps you to reduce your waste and re-use and recycle even more of your unwanted things.
In August 2009 Edition 3 of the Recycling Directory will be launched as part of The Little Book of Sustainable Living. Watch this space for details!
If you have any comments or additions to this Directory, please email sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582061
Recycling & Reuse A-Z
DO NOT puncture, burn or crush old aerosol cans and don’t place them in recycling banks. Dispose of them in your normal rubbish. Avoid buying aerosols - buy pump sprays instead. Making aerosols uses a lot of energy and the gases used may damage the environment. Although the hole in the ozone layer above the Antarctic appears to be shrinking, it will still be vulnerable for at least another 10 years.
ALUMINIUM
The extraction of bauxite, the raw material, is a polluting process. Recycling aluminium saves 95% of energy used in manufacturing new cans.
For aluminium & steel can recycling banks see Recycling Sites
- You can put ALL your cans, including steel food cans (rinsed please) in your kerbside box for collection or in any of the Can Recycling Banks in Lancaster district, even if it says ‘drinks cans only’. Please put the ring-pull back in the can before recycling it
- Aluminium cans wanted by
For aluminium foil recycling banks see Recycling Sites
Aluminium foil wanted by
- Guide Dogs for the Blind want aluminium foil including clean milk bottle tops, pie cases, take away dishes, foil, pet food dishes (no cans please). When you have a carrier bag full, take it to your nearest collection point. For nearest collection point, please contact Roger Frankland, Guide Dogs for the Blind, 6 Hillside, Lancaster LA1 1YH, - call 01524 541156 or 01524 382097
- Quernmore School wants aluminium foil - call 01524 66628
Recycled aluminium foil on sale at
- Single Step Wholefoods, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster - call 01524 63021
ASBESTOS
- Disposal of asbestos waste from the home - Lancaster City Council can remove some types of asbestos waste for a fee. For charges and how to prepare and package the waste - call 01524 582400
- Small amounts of asbestos waste will be accepted at Salt Ayre HWRC - Telephone first to arrange 0845 0500 957
- Fibrous asbestos, such as pipe lagging, should only be removed by a licensed specialist contractor (found in the Yellow Pages under ‘ASBESTOS REMOVAL’). It is too dangerous for a householder to handle
Take baby clothes in good clean condition to Charity Shops. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ – please call first to see which shops accept these items
BATTERIES
For recycling facilities see Recycling Sites
It takes far more energy to make a battery than you will get out of it, so try and use mains electricity wherever possible, or use rechargeable batteries. Many batteries contain hazardous materials such as heavy metals. When a battery is left in landfill it can leak and cause pollution.
Small Household Batteries
- Some local primary schools - such as Thurnham Glasson C of E Primary School, Marsh Lane, Glasson Dock - call 01524 751425 - have public recycling points for small household batteries
- The battery recycling scheme is run by Lancashire County Council and primary schools have the chance to win prizes by collecting used household batteries. For more information, contact Andrea Cox on 01772 531107
- Batteries from clocks, portable tools, toys, mobile and cordless phones, hearing aids, watches, cameras, laptops & calculators can be recycled at:
- Lancaster Town Hall reception area, Dalton Square, Lancaster LA1 1PJ
- Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe LA4 5AF
- White Lund Depot, Off Westgate, Morecambe LA3 3DT
Camera Batteries
- Robertson’s Photographic Shop, 15 Brock Street, Lancaster takes camera & AA batteries for the City Council’s recycling scheme - call 01524 32045
Car Batteries
- Old car batteries should be taken to your garage when you buy a new one or take them to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – see Recycling Sites
BEDDING see ‘CLOTHES, CURTAINS, BLANKETS AND TEXTILES’
BICYCLES
Pedal Power (a Furniture Matters project) would like your bicycles (not too damaged or rusty) to repair and refurbish for use by local people. They especially need mountain bikes and BMXs. Will collect, or to arrange to drop off in Lancaster call 01524 426622. To purchase a low-cost recycled bicycle call 01524 65328
BINOCULARS & OTHER OPTICAL EQUIPMENT
The RSPB would like your unwanted binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes or tripods - they must be in good working order. They will go towards conservation or educational projects around the world. Please send items to RSPB Second-Hand Binocular Scheme, Unit 17, St Martin's Business Centre, St Martin's Way, Bedford, MK42 0LF or bring your donation to RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale
BIRTHDAY CARDS see ‘CHRISTMAS CARDS’
BLANKETS see ‘CLOTHES, CURTAINS, BLANKETS AND TEXTILES’
BOOKS
- A book bank is located in Asda carpark, Lancaster.
- Many Charity Shops take good quality second hand books. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- Poulton Community Gardens, Morecambe, welcomes books on subjects such as the environment and nature – call 01524 426911 or email Rita Gerrard
- For second-hand bookshops see under ‘BOOKS - RARE & SECOND HAND BOOKS’ in the local ‘Yellow Pages’ or you can borrow books from the library
BOTTLES AND JARS see ‘GLASS BOTTLES AND JARS’
BRIC-A-BRAC
Most Charity Shops take bric-a-brac. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
BUBBLE WRAP
This is highly re-usable especially if you grow plants and want to get them started early, as it can be used to insulate the seed trays. Also good for sending breakables through the post. People that move house tend to use lots of it - so this is a good source if you want some.
BUILDINGS
- ‘Green Built’ is a local environmental building consultancy with experience of using recycled materials in buildings - call 01524 840530
- For advice on reducing the environmental impact of building work contact the Sustainable Construction Advisor at Envirolink Northwest - call 01942 491294 or Constructing Excellence on - call 0845 605 55 56
BUILDING RUBBLE
Do NOT put rubble in your household bin – it will not be collected.
- Please take your waste building rubble to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre – see Recycling Sites
- Lancaster City Council will collect building rubble for a charge. For an estimate telephone 01524 582491
BULKY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
- Furniture Matters collects good quality wooden furniture (not furniture with glass panels), soft furnishings with a fire retardant label attached (complying with 1988 Fire Safety Regulations) and ‘white goods’ (washing machines, electric cookers, microwaves etc) for passing on to local disadvantaged people. Items must be in working order or only need minor repair - call 01524 426622 for your free collection
- Bulky Matters is run in partnership with Lancaster City Council and Furniture Matters and provides a whole new approach to dealing with bulky household waste. Bulky waste items such as fridges, freezers and other large items will be collected by Bulky Matters for a small charge. To arrange a collection please call Lancaster City Council on 01524 582491
- Some Charity Shops take small items of furniture, some collect. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
Sepia Memories buy and sell old and classic cameras, lenses and other photographic equipment, and will safely dispose of broken or unwanted items - 56a Queen Street, Morecambe, - call 01524 425508 or visit www.sepiamemories.com
CANDLES
Lorna-Ann McCabe (local artist) wants candles & bees wax - call 01524 222444
CANS see ‘ALUMINIUM’
CAR BATTERIES see ‘BATTERIES’
CARDBOARD
- Compost it in your compost heap or compost bin (screw it up first), or use it as a garden mulch around fruit bushes - see Guide to Perfect Home Composting
- For recycling facilities see Recycling Sites or you can put your cardboard in your kerbside box for collection
CARDS see CHRISTMAS CARDS
CARRIER BAGS see ‘PLASTIC’
CARS
- If your car has reached the end of its life, please ensure you dispose of it safely. Take it to a registered car dismantler and ensure you notify the DVLA.
- Local scrap yards reclaim and sell car parts (see the local Yellow Pages under ‘SCRAP METAL MERCHANTS’)
- If you suspect a vehicle has been abandoned, contact the City Council with its make, model, colour, registration number, condition and location - call 01524 582491
CATERING
- Metal and ceramic crockery and cutlery, and washable tableware are best for the environment. Just clean and reuse. If you chose disposables, remember polystyrene, plastic and bleached paper varieties are damaging to the environment.
- Opt for natural papers or a sturdy natural starch brand which degrades safely in composts. Costs are higher than for the traditional plastic, but a totally unscientific test has proven them well worth the extra effort! Nvyro (www.nvyro.com) and Vegware (www.vegware.co.uk) both offer starch based products
CDs
Donate CDs to your local Charity Shops. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items. Or use as bird scarers in your garden
CHARITY SHOPS
Remember to use charity shops and ‘close the loop’ on recycled and reused products.
Most Charity Shops will take clothing, textiles, books and bric-a-brac. Some take small items of furniture but they tend not to take electrical goods. Some provide a free household pick up service or distribute charity sacks to your home. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ for contacts to find out which shops accept which items
CHEMICALS
DO NOT pour chemicals down the sink or toilet as they can poison the water table and soak into the soil. Chemicals can be disposed of at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre see Recycling Sites
CHRISTMAS CARDS
Why not consider saving resources by sending an e-card? Or save on packaging and money by making your own?
- Lorna-Ann McCabe is a local artist who uses the glossy back part of greetings cards for encaustic artwork. She donates all profits to ‘Open Doors Women’s Ministry’ charity - call 015242 22444 (Beech House, Melling, Carnforth LA6 2RB)
- Christmas card collection points will be provided in January throughout Lancaster district so, if you don’t fancy using your old cards for next year’s gift tags, see www.lancaster.gov.uk for collection points
CHRISTMAS TREES
Where possible, buy rooted trees and replant in your garden after Christmas. They need to gradually get used to being indoors (and outdoors again). Place them in a cool light room for a day or two first. Keep well-watered whilst indoors.
- Real Christmas trees will be collected by Lancaster City Council in January (see www.lancaster.gov.uk or call 01524 582491for details)
- St John’s Hospice also recycle Christmas trees with all proceeds going to the Hospice – please contact Julie Miller for details on 01524 382538
- Alternatively you can take your tree to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre where it can be composted - see Recycling Sites
CLOTHES, CURTAINS, BLANKETS AND TEXTILES
- See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- Clean textiles can be placed in local textile banks see Recycling Sites
- Animal Care wants clean quilts, blankets towels and duvets (not feather) - call 01524 65495 or email Animal Care
- Ultimate Outdoors at 17 New Street Lancaster, are collecting old hiking boots and other outdoor kit that are in good condition for International Aid in Pakistan
COMMERCIAL RECYCLING
A variety of commercial recycling is provided by the following organisations:
- Capsticks, White Lund – please call 01524 63141
- C & G Recycling (includes confidential waste paper) – please call 01524 848345
- Envirofirst – please call 01524 844334 or email nick@envirofirst.co.uk for more information
- Eurowaste will provide can recycling facilities and empty at no charge – please call 01524 66616
- Furniture Matters recycle office furniture and equipment as well as IT – call 01524 413344
- Lancaster City Council - glass recycling and tins, cans, plastic bottles/bags/film and bubble wrap, office waste paper and cardboard as a mixed collection - please call 01524 582416 or email environmentalservices@lancaster.gov.uk
COMPOST
- For information on making great compost see Guide to Perfect Home Composting
- Piccadilly Garden operates a garden waste collection service and produces compost at the Plant Centre, South Lodge, Lancaster - call 01524 381513
- For composting facilities for garden waste at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
- Garden waste only (not food waste) can be placed in your green kerbside wheelie bin
COMPUTERS & COMPUTER PARTS
Over 3,000 computers a day are thrown away in the UK. Although the average CRT computer monitor contains over 2 kilograms of lead only 100g can usually be recycled.
- Furniture Matters runs Build-IT an IT recycling and reuse project. To donate computer equipment - call 01524 426622 and to your time and get involved call 01524 427300
COMPUTER GAMES
You can trade in your unwanted computer games and buy pre-owned games at most computer game shops.
COMPUTER INK CARTRIDGES see 'INKJET CARTRIDGES'
- Ink ‘n’ Toner Solutions re-fills ink cartridges – 29 Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LP
- Ink Cart Express run a toner recycling scheme, with freepost and free toner recycling bags, in Cumbria see www.inkcartxpress.co.uk - all proceeds go to the RSPCA
- Thumbprint (a registered charity working to support people with learning disabilities to set up and run their own projects) wants ink cartridges and toner cartridges. Telephone Dave Kirsopp - call 015242 382800 or email Thumbprint. There is also a collection box in St Leonards House reception area (opposite the Grand Theatre on St Leonardsgate, Lancaster)
COOKERS
- Furniture Matters collects electric cookers (NOT gas) for reuse - call 01524 426622 for information
- Bulky Matters will collect gas cookers – call 01524 582491
- You can take cookers to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
COTTON BUDS
Buy biodegradable (paper) cotton buds, not plastic. DO NOT put cotton buds or other personal items down your toilet as they can pollute beaches and be harmful to wildlife. Bag them and bin them instead.
- Organic cotton buds are available too. See Single Step Wholefoods, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster - call 01524 63021
CRAFT MATERIALS see ‘FABRICS’
- Louise Taylor (Community Leisure Development Officer) at Lancaster City Council wants craft materials for the Summer Playschemes - call 01524 582826
- Lorna-Ann McCabe - a local artist - wants the glossy backs off greetings cards, beeswax, candles, paperweights, plastic keyrings, unwanted travel irons (not steam), coloured card, crayons, ink stamps and picture frames - call 015242 22444
CROCKERY
You can break up old crockery and use for drainage at the bottom of plant pots or see the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
CURTAINS see ‘CLOTHES, CURTAINS, BLANKETS AND TEXTILES’
CUTLERY see ‘POTS & PANS’
DRUGS see ‘MEDICINES’
- If you know someone who keeps chickens, they may want your empty egg boxes. They can also be used to prop up potatoes to sprout, for seeding incubation and are ideal for sound proofing garages or studios. One enterprising recycling blogger even uses cardboard egg boxes as firelighters - "Fill each cup and the top with dryer lint. Save your candle stubs, melt them in a clean can and pour over the lint. You can get a wood or charcoal fire lit easily!"
- Egg boxes can either be returned to shops and markets (ask first as some no longer take them back) or used for crafts
- Cardboard egg boxes can be screwed up and put in your compost heap or you can put them in your kerbside box for collection
ELASTIC BANDS
Highly reusable so you can keep these! We don’t know who recycles them – do you?
Have you noticed all the red rubber bands on our streets? Why not collect them and send them back for the Post Office to reuse - you won't be the only one! If you want to complain about this littering of our streets contact the Post Office on 08457 22 33 44 or by post at POL Customer Care, Freeport NAT18105, Sunderland, SR3 3BR. The Post Office aims to reply to correspondence within 10 working days.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES
- Most electrical waste is covered by the European WEEE (Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive. This directive makes it illegal to dump untreated electrical and electronic equipment in landfill sites and is aimed at increasing reuse and recycling, thus saving valuable resources and stopping contaminants reaching landfill - such as bromide transistors. The WEEE Directive means that retailers must offer either a like-for-like take-back service or another method for householders to dispose of appliances when a new one is purchased and is a great opportunity for us all to help promote the reuse of unwanted electrical item.
- Furniture Matters will collect domestic electrical appliances e.g. cookers, washers, microwaves to pass on to local disadvantaged people - call 01524 426622
- Bulky Matters will collect items such as fridges, freezers and other large items - call 01524 582491, to arrange a collection
- Some Charity Shops take small electrical items. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- If you have an item that cannot be reused take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
EMBROIDERY THREADS
Louise Taylor (Community Leisure Development Officer) at Lancaster City Council wants embroidery threads for the Summer Playschemes - call 01524 582826
ENGINE OIL
DO NOT put old engine oil down the drain as it can pollute the water table and block drains.
- Take oil to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
- Your local garage may take your old oil for safe disposal
ENVELOPES see 'STAMPS'
- Reuse your old envelopes
- You can compost envelopes, minus any plastic window
Louise Taylor (Community Leisure Development Officer) at Lancaster City Council wants fabrics for the Summer Playschemes - call 01524 582826
FILM CANISTERS
- They make handy containers around the home for small DIY items (pins, screws) or cooking supplies (herbs, salt).
- Robertson's Photographic Shop, 15 Brock Street, Lancaster takes back empty film canisters and passes them on to local schools - call 01524 32045
FLUORESCENT LIGHT TUBES
Disposal of fluorescent strip lights and low energy bulbs are included in the WEEE Directive – see 'ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES'.
- There are no free recycling services for these bulbs locally. Take them to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
- C & G Recycling collects fluorescent lights for recycling. There is a charge for this service. Contact Chris Roberts - call 01524 848345
FOOD WASTE see ‘COMPOST’
DO NOT put any food waste into your green kerbside wheelie bin; this is for garden waste only.
FRIDGES & FREEZERS
Bulky Matters will collect fridges and freezers for a small charge, please call Lancaster City Council on 01524 582491
FURNITURE see 'BULKY HOUSEHOLD ITEMS'
Some Charity Shops take small items of furniture, some will collect. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- You could offer these to your local allotment - contact details available at www.lancaster.gov.uk/allotments or on 01524 582061
- Poulton Community Gardens welcomes donated garden tools – call 01524 426911 or email Rita Gerrard
GARDEN WASTE - see ‘COMPOST’
GLASS BOTTLES & JARS
- Buy refillable or returnable glass containers to save waste and always reuse where possible. Please remember to remove lids from bottles and jars before putting in the bottle banks. Milk bottles should always be returned to the milkman or shop where purchased.
- For glass bottle recycling banks in Lancaster district see Recycling Sites or you can put them in your kerbside box for collection
- Recycled glassware is available from RSPB Leighton Moss
- Beekeepers and jam makers appreciate empty jars
GLASS WINDOWS
- There are no facilities to recycle plate glass locally. Plate glass is a different material to bottle glass, so they cannot be recycled together.
- Viridor Richardson in St Helens provides skips for recycling plate glass including from allotment sites. There is a charge for this - call 01744 454444
GLASSES see 'SPECTACLES'
GREEN BOX COLLECTION see 'KERBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEME'
GREENHOUSES
- You could offer these to your local allotment - see www.lancaster.gov.uk/allotments or call 01524 582061 for contact details
- West End & Heysham (North) Allotment Association collects greenhouses from West End, Heysham or Middleton - call 01524 421270
Donate your items to charity - Furniture Matters, Charity Shops or jumble sales - or use a house clearance company that recycles.
HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRE see Recycling Sites
- The British Red Cross receive £1 for every inkjet cartridge returned for recycling. They provide freepost envelopes (free of charge) to return the used inkjet cartridges - call 01638 552082. All details are on the Red Cross website www.redcross.org.uk
- The RSPB would like your inkjet cartridges. Please donate to their Recycling Appeal, Freepost NAT 22768, Falkirk, FK2 9EG (clearly mark your envelop with the RSPB's Charity Number: 207076) - call 08451 302010 for more information
Keep an eye out for local jumble sales to donate unwanted clothes and bric-a-brac to. These are often run by local groups to raise funds for their organisation.
JUNK MAIL
To reduce direct junk mail in the UK, register with the Mail Preference Service by sending off the postcard in the back cover of the Little Book of Sustainable Living. To reduce junk faxes, register with the Facsimile Preference Service at www.fpsonliine.org.uk or call 0845 0700702 and to reduce junk phone calls, register with the Telephone Preference Service at www.tpsonline.org.uk or call 0845 0700707.
Lancaster City Council currently offers a kerbside recycling services to 98% of residents in the district; this allows them to recycle cardboard, glass, textiles, plastic bottles, paper, cans, foil and garden waste. Contact Lancaster City Council on 0800 0929705 or 01524 582491 to find out if you are part of the kerbside collection area
LOW ENERGY LIGHT BULBS & POWERDOWNS
- Low energy light bulbs save money and energy and are available from most DIY and electrical retailers. Check if your electricity company will supply any free or reduced cost low energy bulbs.
- Furniture Matters also supply free low energy bulbs and PowerDowns at their shops and showroom – St Nicolas Arcade, Lancaster; Market Street, Morecambe; and Alice Street, Morecambe
Check with local schools, doctors or dentists as they may want them for their waiting rooms.
MANURE
- You could offer this to your local allotment - see www.lancaster.gov.uk/allotments or call 01524 582061 for contact details
- West End & Heysham (North) Allotment Association wants manure. Contact 01524 421270
- Piccadilly Garden sells local (well rotted) horse manure at the Plant Centre, South Lodge, Lancaster - call 01524 381513
MAPS
You can borrow Ordinance Survey maps from your local library – visit www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries for details
MEDICINES
- Any unfinished bottles of tablets or medicines should be returned to your local chemist.
- Lancaster City Council operates a free special collection service for domestic clinical waste including hypodermic needles - call 01524 582491
METAL
- International Aid Trust, 7 Albert Road, Morecambe wants scrap metal - call 01524 413345
- You can recycle scrap metal at the district's Household Waste Recycling Centres see Recycling Sites
- Animal Care in Scotforth, will collect bulky scrap metal on a Thursday - call 01524 65495
MICROWAVES
Furniture Matters will collect microwaves - call 01524 426622
MILK BOTTLES
- Choose to have doorstep milk deliveries as this supports the local economy and is better for the environment as glass bottles can be reused.
- See the Yellow Pages under ‘DAIRIES’ and contact them to find your local milk delivery person. Remember to check whether they deliver in glass bottles
MILK BOTTLE LIDS see 'ALUMINIUM’
You can put these in the metal foil recycling banks see Recycling Sites or put them in your kerbside box for collection.
MOBILE PHONES
- Greensource Solutions recycle mobile phones, contact them on 0845 3 100 200 or visit www.greensource.co.uk
- Oxfam wants your unwanted handsets and their accessories
- The RSPB would like your old mobile phone. Please donate to their Recycling Appeal, Freepost NAT 22768, Falkirk, FK2 9EG (clearly mark your envelop with the RSPB's Charity Number: 207076) – Visit www.rspb.org.uk or call 08451 302010 for more information
- ShP Solutions is a second hand mobile phone buyer to the business market. A donation is made to charity. Based at 4–6 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP - call 0845 6070171 or visit www.shpsolutions.com
- Tesco runs a mobile phone recycling service at local branches, including Carnforth – call 0845 6779837 for details
- Some Charity Shops recycle mobile phones to raise money. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
OIL see 'ENGINE OIL'
OFFICE FURNITURE
Furniture Matters collects unwanted office items and redistributes to local charities and community groups for a nominal charge. They need filing cabinets, lockers, metal storage cupboards and good quality office chairs - call 01524 413344 for details
ORGANIC WASTE see ‘COMPOST’
PACKAGING see 'CARDBOARD' & 'CARRIER BAGS'
Try to avoid buying products that come with excessive packaging and reuse any packaging that you receive. The cost of excess packaging costs the average UK family £470 per year so talk to shop managers to ask them to reduce their packaging
PAINT
On average, every household in Britain has more than 17 tins of paint and other decorative coverings hidden away. If paint ends up in landfill sites, the toxic substances it contains, including lead, can leak out and pollute waterways and nearby land.
- Furniture Matters run a Community Re-Paint project for Lancaster district call 01524 426622 for details
- Environmentally friendly paints are better for your health and the environment. You can get low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints from most DIY shops or try these:
- ECOS Paints contain no white spirit, VOCs, animal products, heavy metals or formaldehyde. Available locally from Unit 19, Heysham Business Park, Middleton Road, Heysham - call 01524 852371
- AURO make eco friendly paint and wood finishes which are breathable and utilise natural materials from environmentally managed sources. They are manufactured using a sustainable ecological cycle, with no petrochemicals or VOCs. Available from Alian Energy Shop, Unit 16B Lune Business Park, Lancaster – call 01524 68333
PAPER
It is important to buy recycled paper as well as to recycle it. Ask local shops if they stock it and remember to ask for it when you are having documents printed.
- For paper recycling banks in Lancaster district see Recycling Sites or you can put them in your kerbside box for collection
- Various stationery suppliers in Lancaster district stock recycled office paper and note pads. Many shops also sell recycled toilet, kitchen and tissue papers. The following also offer next day delivery of recycled office paper (phone to order):
- Mains Business Equipment, 33 Lake Enterprise Park, Caton Road, Lancaster - call 01524 66666
- BSS,16/17 Moor St off Mary St, Lancaster - call 01524 63529
Newspapers
These can be used as packaging materials, wrapping paper or add a little vinegar to three day old newspaper and clean metal and glass surfaces with it
Office or Confidential waste paper see ‘COMMERCIAL RECYCLING’
PALLETS
These are good for making compost bins and are usually free from garden centres and building suppliers.
- Lancaster Craft Works wants pallets for making into quality handmade wooden products for sale locally. Call 01524 383733 to find out more
PHONES see under 'MOBILE PHONES'
PHONE BOOKS see ‘YELLOW PAGES’
Leave these behind when you move house. Look out in your local newspaper for information about recycling schemes.
PICTURE FRAMES
Small picture frames wanted by Lorna-Ann McCabe, a local artist - call 015242 22444
PLANT POTS
- You could offer pots to your local allotment – see www.lancaster.gov.uk/allotments or call 01524 582061 for contact information
- Poulton Community Gardens welcomes donated plant pots –call 01524 426911 or email Rita Gerrard
- You can recycle plant pots in the 'hard plastics' container at your local Household Waste Recycling Centre - see Recycling Sites
- Alternatively, you can reuse your plastic plant pots for germinating seeds or follow the steps below to use them as border edging:
- Cut the bottom out
- Cut up side
- Roll out flat
- Bury into garden border
PLANTS
Poulton Community Gardens welcomes plants for their garden allotments – call 01524 426911 or email Rita Gerrard
PLASTIC
The PASS on Plastics campaign, run by the Sustainability Partnership, aims to reduce plastic pollution in Lancaster district by advising residents on how to easily reduce their plastic consumption and help to clean local beaches.
Plastic Bottles
- Avoid buying plastic bottles, glass is much more sustainable, but reuse any plastics you do buy e.g. as garden cloches, wasp or slug traps, or for drinks.
- For local recycling sites see Recycling Sites or you can put them in your red and black kerbside recycling bin – remember to remove the tops as this uses 10x less energy when the machine crushes them (the tops can still be recycled)
- Single Step Wholefoods, re-fills various bottles of household cleaning products including Ecover, BioD and Clearspring - 78a Penny Street, Lancaster - call 01524 63021
- Body Shop takes its containers back for recycling - Market Street, Lancaster
- Plastic rings off drinks cans are dangerous for pets and wildlife. Please cut the rings before placing in the bin
Carrier Bags
Refuse new bags and reuse old bags as much as possible. Better still, use a ‘bag for life’ from supermarkets and shops, there is a great choice around.
- Sustainability Partnership sells jute bag (donation of your choice, recommended £2) please contact 01524 582061 or email sustainability@lancaster.gov.uk
- Many supermarkets now have plastic bag recycling facilities some also offer loyalty points for using your own bags, ask at your local supermarket for further information
- Single Step Wholefoods, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster re-uses clean plastic & paper bags - call 01524 63021
- RSPB Leighton Moss accepts and reuses clean plastic carrier bags
- Some Charity Shops accept clean, used carrier bags. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
POTS & PANS
Furniture Matters wants pots, pans, plates, mugs, bowls, knives, forks, spoons and kitchen utensils. If you have a box full we will collect or call 01524 426622to arrange a drop off at the Morecambe premises
Check out local swapping and recycling websites – you can recycle all sorts of items to a good home this way. For example, visit Freegle to find your local Freegle Network.
DO NOT flush these down your toilet! 2,000,000,000 such items are flushed down the toilet each year causing serious pollution and damage to marine life. Make sure bag and bin them instead.
- For advice on alternative sanitary protection products contact the Women's Environmental Network on info@wen.org.uk or 0207 481 9004
- Why not try a Mooncup? Available from Single Step Wholefoods, 78a Penny Street, Lancaster - call 01524 63021. For more information on this alternative to disposable female sanitary wear please visit www.mooncup.co.uk
SEEDS
Poulton Community Gardens welcomes donated seeds - call 01524 426911 or email Rita Gerrard
SHEDS
SHOES, BOOTS & WELLINGTONS
- Repair your footwear where possible
- Some Charity Shops accept shoes in good condition. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- -ou can also use a 'Shoe Bank' - see Recycling Sites
SOAP & SHAMPOO
- Buy shampoo and soap in large, re-fillable bottles or buy sold soap or shampoo bars which use little or no packaging.
- LUSH sell shampoo bars, the majority of which are suitable for vegans - see www.lush.co.uk or visit your nearest LUSH shop in Preston
SOIL see 'TOPSOIL'
SPECTACLES
- Thurnham Glasson C of E Primary School, Marsh Lane, Glasson Dock have a public collection box for spectacles in their reception area. Collections go to ‘Fight for Sight’. Call the school on 01524 751425 for more information
- Dolland and Aitchison Opticians recycle spectacles for 'Fight for Sight' at their Lancaster and Morecambe branches – call 01524 32938 or 410496
- Specsavers, Market Street, Lancaster recycles spectacles for 'Vision Aid'
STAMPS
- RSPB Leighton Moss accepts used and unused, UK and foreign (or even first day cover) stamps or you can post them to RSPB Stamps, PO Box 6198, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 9XT (please do not include any other correspondence to this address). If possible, please separate UK and foreign stamps. Proceeds go to the Save the Albratross campaign - every year 1000,000 albatrosses are killed by longline fishing. This carnage is having a devastating impact on albatross populations across the world. The RSPB can raise money from all types of stamps to help save albatrosses. Campaign posters are available, send a request to albatross@rspb.org.uk
- Dolland and Aitchison Opticians collects stamps for recycling and supporting Guide Dogs for the Blind - call 01524 32938 or 410496
- The Children’s Library on New Street, Lancaster collects used postage stamps
- Oxfam Shops take used stamps - Please leave about half an inch of paper around stamps
STEEL CANS see ‘KERBSIDE COLLECTION SCHEME’ and Recycling Sites
TELESCOPES see ‘BINOCULARS & OTHER OPTICAL EQUIPMENT’
TEXTILES see 'CLOTHES, CURTAINS, BLANKETS AND TEXTILES'
TOILET ROLL TUBES
These tubes can be used for growing plants, such as runner beans and sweet peas. When the seedlings are established and hardened off, plant the whole tubes directly into the soil - this avoids root disturbance and the pot biodegrades.
TOILETRIES
- Basic toiletries which we take for granted in our every day lives, are often those items which families in other countries cannot afford. Any donation you can give will make a real difference to a child's life.
- International Aid Trust, 21-23 Albert Road wants toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrushes and soap are always needed) - call 01524 413345
TOPSOIL
- Piccadilly Garden sells reclaimed topsoil at the Plant Centre, South Lodge, Lancaster LA1 5AA - call 01524 381513
TOYS
Charity shops, jumble sales and car boot stalls take and sell toys. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
TREES see 'CHRISTMAS TREES'
TYRES
Do NOT burn tyres - they give off poisonous dioxins. Scrap tyres can be used for boat fenders, children's play equipment or stacked as soil or compost containers.
- Householders can take up to 6 domestic tyres at a time to the Household Waste Recycling Centres see Recycling Sites
Donate to local charity shops. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
VIDEOS, DVDs, CDs, CD-ROMS
- Rent rather than buy these to save money and resources. You can join your local video shop or rent from local libraries.
- Donate to local charity shops. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- Furniture Matters Community Re-Paint scheme will re-distribute rolls of wallpaper (if you have enough matching rolls to paper a room) - call 01524 426622
- Louise Taylor (Community Leisure Development Officer) at Lancaster City Council wants wallpaper for Summer Playschemes - call 01524 582826
WASHING MACHINES
Furniture Matters will collect your unwanted washing machines for redistribution to local disadvantaged people - call 01524 426622
WATER FILTERS
Some can be sent back to the manufacturer for recycling so check the packet
WOOD
- Ask your friends and neighbours - anyone with an open fire or wood burning stove will gladly take it off you (but not treated/painted wood, chipboard or MDF).
- Wood recycling skips are available at the Household Waste Recycling Centres see Recycling Sites
WOOL
- Donate to local charity shops. See the Yellow Pages under ‘CHARITY SHOPS’ - please call first to see which shops accept these items
- Louise Taylor (Community Leisure Development Officer) at Lancaster City Council wants wool for the Summer Playschemes - call 01524 582826
- St John's Hospice wants wool in any quantity, to make articles for sale. Call Janet Thompson on 01524 382538
- The Yellow Woods Challenge is run by Yellow Pages, working with the Woodland Trust and local authorities across the UK. Residents are encouraged to give their old edition of Yellow Pages to a participating school - see www.yellow-woods.co.uk for more information
- Special Yellow Pages recycling banks can be found at; Morrisons, Morecambe; Booths, Carnforth; Asda, Lancaster; and Thurnham Street Car Park, Lancaster
Although the publishers have made every effort to ensure that the information in this Directory is as up to date as possible, neither they nor their sponsors can accept any liability arising out of any errors herein.