We’re introducing a new tag system for recycling containers from 7 July 2025. The new tags are designed to ensure that our customers present all of their recyclable materials in a way that enables us to easily collect and recycle them.
A tag will be attached to any container presented for collection which:
- Is overfilled and left open
- Is too tightly packed
- Contains items unsuitable for collection
Amber tags for warnings
If any of these issues is identified for the first time, the recycling will still be collected, but an amber tag (see images1 & 2 below) will be attached to the container in order to alert the customer of the need to rectify the problem ahead of the next collection.
Image 1: The front of the amber tag which sets out which mistake you have made, reading: "Oops! Thanks for recycling but there was something wrong with your container today: The recycling container was overfilled and left open; It was too tightly packed; Your recycling contained items unsuitable for collection. We emptied your recycling container today, but we won’t in future if this happens again."
Image 2: The back of the amber tag which reads: "Please never ever put these in your recycling: Plastic film; Crisp packets; Drinks cartons; Food waste; Small electrical items; Tissues; Pet poop; Pyrex. Not sure what to put in which recycling container? Email us at zerowaste@scilly.gov.uk."
Red tags for non-collection
If the customer fails to address the same issue ahead of the next collection, a red tag (see images 3 & 4 below) will be attached to the container and the recycling will not be collected.
Image 3: The front of the red tag which sets out which mistake you have made, reading: "Sorry! We didn’t empty your recycling container today because: The recycling container was overfilled and left open; It was too tightly packed; Your recycling contained items unsuitable for collection. Please put this right and we’ll empty your recycling container next time."
Image 4: The back of the red tag which reads: "Please never ever put these in your recycling: Plastic film; Crisp packets; Tetra cartons; Food waste; Small electrical items; Tissues; Pet poop; Pyrex. Not sure what to put in which recycling container? Email us at zerowaste@scilly.gov.uk."
Why we think this system will help
By helping our customers to correct the more common recycling mistakes which lead to contaminated recycling and collection round delays, we aim to increase the amount of material we are able to recycle and increase the efficiency of our recycling service over time.
Further information
If you have any questions about the tag system or wider waste and recycling service provided by the Council, please contact zerowaste@scilly.gov.uk or call 01720 424450.