Residents urged to ‘Rescue Your Recyclables’ during Recycle Week

Residents are being encouraged to take a second look at the items they throw away as part of Recycle Week 2026.

This year's campaign, Rescue Your Recyclables, shines a spotlight on everyday household items that can be recycled but too often end up in the rubbish bin.

Throughout the week, residents will meet a cast of recyclable characters including Ally the Kitchen Foil, Deo the Aerosol Can, Minty the Toothpaste Tube, Rolly the Toilet Roll Tube and Yogi the Yoghurt Pot, all asking for a second chance at life through recycling.

The campaign aims to highlight how simple items from around the home can be transformed into new products when recycled correctly, helping to conserve resources and reduce waste.

Cllr Brandon Clayton, Redditch Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment and Local Services, said: "Recycle Week is all about encouraging everyone to take a second look before they throw something away. Whether it's a toothpaste tube, an aerosol can, or a ball of clean foil, these items could be given a new life if recycled correctly.

“Toothpaste tubes can become new toothpaste tubes. Aerosols can become tomorrow’s bikes. Those balls of foil can be re-used for car parts. By rescuing these recyclables from the black bin, residents can make a real difference and help waste less."

Residents are encouraged to check what can be recycled at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/bins where there’s also a handy recycling locator tool to explore the range of recycling options.

Look out for tips, facts, and advice during Recycle Week from the council's social media channels.