UK bin colours explained
There is no single UK colour code for bins. These are the meanings most councils use, and the places where the same colour means something different.
| Colour | Usually for | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Black bin | General waste (rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted) | In a few areas a black box is used for glass or mixed recycling. |
| Grey bin | General waste in many areas, mixed recycling in some | Some councils use a grey bin with a coloured lid to mark recycling. |
| Blue bin | Mixed recycling, or paper and card only | Some councils use a blue bin or bag just for paper and cardboard. |
| Green bin | Garden waste in many areas, mixed recycling in others | Green is the most mixed-up bin colour in the UK, so check your council. |
| Brown bin | Garden waste, or food and garden waste together | Brown caddies are a common colour for food waste. |
| Purple bin | Glass in many areas, or plastic and cans | A purple lid or box is also used for glass in some councils. |
| Red bin or box | Paper and card, glass, or textiles in some areas | Red is less common, so its use varies most. |
Why colours vary between councils
Councils buy bins on long contracts and choose colours to match their own sorting systems. A council that collects paper separately needs one more container than a council that mixes everything, and one that collects glass in a box needs one fewer bin. When councils merge, as North Yorkshire, Somerset and Cumbria did in 2023, residents can find neighbours on the old district borders with different colours for years.
The lid often tells you more than the body. Many councils use the same grey or black bin for everything and mark recycling with a blue, green or purple lid and a printed sticker.
Find out what your bins are for
Bin colour questions
Is there a national bin colour scheme in the UK?
No. Each council chooses its own bins and colours. The government has looked at standard colours before, but under Simpler Recycling councils in England still choose their own containers. That is why a green bin means garden waste in one town and recycling in the next.
Which bin is general waste?
Usually the black or grey bin. If you have two grey bins, the one with a coloured lid is normally recycling.
Which colour is the garden waste bin?
Most often green or brown. Garden waste is usually an optional paid service, so if you pay a yearly fee for a bin, that is your garden bin.