In our most recent how to dispose of… article, we looked at clothes and textiles. In this article, we’re going to look specifically at bedding.
This is because bedding encompasses a number of items, some that can and some that can’t be recycled.
What items are we talking about when we talk about bedding?
The key distinction here is between items that are stuffed and items that are not stuffed. For stuffed bedding items, think duvets, pillows and cushions. For everything else, think sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases, blankets and cushion covers.
The reason for distinguishing between the two is that stuffed items cannot be recycled anywhere in Surrey whereas non-stuffed items can be.
How do I dispose of stuffed items of bedding where I live in Surrey?
It’s possible some pet charities may take stuffed items that can be reused as animal bedding so if you know of one, check with them to see if they do.
If not, items like duvets, pillows and cushions need to go in the rubbish. If there’s room you can put them in your rubbish bin at home and if not, you can take them to your local community recycling centre (CRC).
How do I dispose of non-stuffed items of bedding where I live in Surrey?
Elmbridge, Epsom and Ewell and Runnymede
Pass on or recycle non-stuffed items of bedding by putting them out for collection in a sealed, clearly labelled bag next to your bins on collection day, booking a free collection from Anglo Doorstep collections, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Guildford, Mole Valley, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath and Woking
Pass on or recycle non-stuffed items of bedding by putting them out for collection in a sealed, clearly labelled bag next to your bins on collection day, booking a free collection from Anglo Doorstep collections, taking them to a local recycling bank, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
To find your nearest recycling bank, visit your local council’s website:
Reigate and Banstead and Tandridge
Pass on or recycle non-stuffed items of bedding by booking a free collection from Anglo Doorstep collections, taking them to a local recycling bank (see details below), using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
To find your nearest recycling bank, visit your local council’s website:
Waverley
Pass on or recycle non-stuffed items of bedding by booking a collection from Biffa, booking a free collection from Anglo Doorstep collections, using our zero waste map to find a local charity shop to take them to or taking them to any CRC in Surrey.
Which CRCs recycle non-stuffed items of bedding?
All CRCs in Surrey accept non-stuffed items of bedding for recycling. More information on what CRCs accept can be found on Surrey County Council’s website.
What happens to non-stuffed items of bedding when my council collects them?
After being collected, non-stuffed items of bedding that can be used again are separated from the rest of the material and are passed on to be re-used in the UK or across the world. What’s left is then turned into products like insulation, felt and stuffing. Find out more about what happens to clothes and textiles.
To find out what to do with other types of waste where you live in Surrey, use the Surrey Recycles search tool (or download it as an app).