Tetra Paks in and batteries out – change coming for council’s recycling service

Two important changes will be made to Torridge District Council recycling services from April 1.

From that date, cartons (Tetra Paks) will now be accepted as part of the council’s kerbside recycling service.

This includes items such as juice cartons, long‑life milk containers, soup cartons and other liquid food packaging.

Residents should place cartons in their brown recycling bag, with caps left on, as they can be recycled together.

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But the council will no longer accept batteries in its weekly recycling collections.

It says this change is essential to address the serious fire risks and environmental hazards posed when batteries are mixed with general recycling materials.

As well as having the potential to ignite, they can also contain chemicals that can leak and contaminate other recyclable materials.

The council says they should still be recycled safely at local collection points, which include Deep Moor and Anvil Corner recycling centres.

Major retailers such as supermarkets, chemists, charity shops and electronics shops often have dedicated battery recycling bins.

The council has also reminded residents to continue ‘washing and squashing’ all plastics before placing them in the green recycling box, which helps to maximise space and increase the amount that can be recycled.

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Councillor Chris Leather, lead member for operational services, said: “Safety and sustainability are at the heart of these changes. Removing batteries from kerbside collections is essential to prevent fires and protect our crews, facilities and residents.

“At the same time, we’re delighted to introduce carton and Tetra Pak recycling, making it easier for households to recycle more of their everyday packaging.

“We encourage everyone to use the brown bag for cartons and to continue taking batteries to the dedicated drop‑off points across Torridge, helping ensure these materials are dealt with safely and responsibly.”

To find your nearest battery recycling locations, go to https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator