Recycling options for types of waste materials

The general public and businesses are increasingly being encouraged or required to recycle waste materials that they produce. If your business recycles and reprocesses waste, this can present opportunities to increase the amount of waste that you handle and to access new markets.

However, you must make sure that your business complies with legislation controlling the environmental impact of waste activities. You may also need to follow standards and protocols if you provide recycled materials for other organisations or consumers.

This guide explains the standards that relate to the recycling of glass, plastic, paper, wood, plastics, tyres, organic matter, aggregates, plasterboard and electrical products. It outlines the opportunities available for recycling different materials, how to maximise income from recycling, ways to successfully market recycling services and provides sources of further information.