Plastics Recycling

What You Can Recycle


We can't avoid single use plastic altogether so we need to dispose of it responsibly. On this page we've listed out some of the items that you don't have to consign to landfill. 


As a starting point, check the Surrey Environment Partnership page and download the Surrey Recycles app to see what can be recycled in your green bin, or at the Community Recycling Centre at Randalls Road in Leatherhead. We've also noted how to find out about local recycling schemes in Bookham and listed schemes run by national retailers below.


Kerbside Recycling


Things change regularly in the recycling world so always check the Mole Valley District Council Plastics Recycling page for the latest advice.



To ensure as much of your plastic waste gets recycled as possible, rinse or wash containers where possible. 

Tops, lids and labels may be left on bottles and jars


 


Additional Local Recycling

    • A comprehensive search facility for additional recycling schemes in Bookham and surrounding areas is now available on the Bookham Residents' Association website.  This is updated at intervals so do let us know if you're aware of any new schemes or changes. 
    • Again things do change from time to time: takeaway cups can no longer be taken to the Tetra Pak bank at Lower Shott and as from mid-August 2024 pens can no longer be recycled at the library but can be recycled at branches of Rymans (nearest store is Epsom).

     

    National Recycling Schemes

     
    Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on local high street recycling.
     
    If you know of any other retailers offering plastic-related recycling schemes, please let us know.

    • Many supermarkets have recycling bins for plastic bags and other soft plastics. The Bookham Co-op now accepts a wider range of soft plastics, as does Sainsbury's in Cobham, Dorking and Leatherhead. Tescos is rolling this out - the bin at Leatherhead is near Customer Services. Other supermarkets such as Waitrose accept plastic bags such as mailing wrappers, bread wrappers, the plastic bag from cereals sold in cartons, some frozen food bags etc - look for the 'Recycle with bags at larger supermarkets' logo on the wrappers.
    • The Body Shop has a recycling box in most stores to take back plastic packaging from toiletries and cosmetics (all brands, not just their own). They also offer a refill service. Nearest shops are Guildford, Kingston and Sutton.
    • Lush Cosmetics takes back its own packaging and offers money off your bill for doing so. Nearest shops are Guildford and Kingston
    • Boots has a recycling scheme that accepts make-up, toiletries, dental and other items and blister packs - there is a collection point in the Leatherhead branch. Advantage card holders who sign up for their Recycle at Boots scheme can earn points for recycling items.
    • Maybelline has a recycling scheme for all brands of make-up, with collection points in selected Superdrug branches (nearest is Guildford)
    • Origins Skincare also takes back cosmetics and skincare packaging from any brand (nearest outlet is John Lewis in Kingston). You can receive a stamp for each time you recycle items and receive a free sample when the card is full.
    • SpaceNK also takes beauty products back for recycling, including other brands (nearest locations Cobham, Guildford, Kingston and Reigate)
    • Beauty Kitchen containers bought at Holland & Barrett can be returned to the shop and will be returned to be cleaned and reused.
    • Rawlings opticians in Bookham collects unwanted spectacles, including broken ones.

    Other national collections for non-plastic items

    • Gilette runs a postal recycling scheme for razor blades.  
    • Recorked UK runs a scheme to recycle bottle corks. The nearest drop-off point is at Denbies. St Nicolas Church also collects them.
    • The Perfume Shop runs a recycling scheme for perfume bottles. The nearest outlets are Kingston (within Superdrug) or Sutton.You receive 15% off a purchase
    • Hunters Boots runs a wellington boot recycling scheme via Yodel. The nearest drop-off point is at Bungalow Stores.