Dry mixed recycling means several clean, dry recyclable materials are collected together in one bin, bag or container and separated later at a sorting facility.
Quick answer: place only the dry materials listed by your council into the mixed-recycling container. Food waste, liquids, nappies and bagged rubbish can contaminate the whole load.
What it may include
Typical streams include paper, card, cans, tins, plastic containers and sometimes glass or cartons. The actual list depends on the collection and sorting system.
Why materials must be dry
Wet or food-soiled packaging can damage paper and card and reduce the value of recovered material. Empty containers and keep loose recycling protected from rain where possible.
How it is sorted
At a materials recovery facility, screens, magnets, optical equipment and people separate the mixture into material grades for further processing.
Do not guess
A recyclable material is not automatically accepted in every mixed system. Check local guidance for glass, foil, cartons, aerosols and plastic film.
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Official sources
Sources checked: July 2026. Local services and national requirements can change.