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 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.
There's also information below about local recycling schemes in Bookham and lists of schemes run by national retailers.
Kerbside Recycling
Things change regularly in the recycling world, so always check the Mole Valley District Council Plastics Recycling page for the latest advice. If you can't put an item in your green bin, read on for other options.
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.
- Things do change from time to time: Tetra Pak no longer accepts takeaway cups; as at January 2025 the Rymans scheme for taking pens is on hold.
National Recycling Schemes
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates on local high street recycling.
We're aware of the following retailers offering plastics recycling scheme (please note these are not endorsements of any particular company or brand):
Other national collections for non-plastic items
- Generally supermarkets will accept the following for recycling: 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 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 as well as blister packs - there is a collection point in the Leatherhead branch. Advantage card holders who sign up for the 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 takes back cosmetics and skincare packaging from any brand (nearest outlet is in John Lewis in Kingston).
- SpaceNK 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 H&B shops
- Rawlings opticians in Bookham collects unwanted spectacles, including broken pairs.
- Rymans has been collecting pens for recycling (nearest stores Epsom or Guildford) but as at Jan 2025 this is on hold.
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. Nearest drop-off points are at St Nicolas Church and Denbies.
- The Perfume Shop runs a recycling scheme for perfume bottles. The nearest outlets are Kingston (within Superdrug) and 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.
- The Recycled Candle Company collects candle wax. St Nicolas Church is now including this in their recycling scheme.