Tea bags
Can I put this in my recycling bin?
But you can still recycle it…
Tea leaves can be composted but often the tea bag contains plastic or staples that can’t be composted. Check online to see if your tea brand uses compostable bags.
Some councils collect food waste for composting so tea leaves can be recycled by putting them in the correct bin. To see if this happens in your area check the waste and recycling advice for your local council area.
Or you can put them in a home compost, bokashi bin or worm farm. Some councils also offer discounted home compost bins and worm farms. Find out more about how to compost food waste.
Make it recycle ready
- Remove any plastic labels or metal staples.
- Check if your tea brand uses compostable bags.
- If the bag isn’t compostable, open the bag to empty the leaves into the compost and then dispose of the bag in your rubbish bin.
Waste and recycling during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Household waste and recycling collections will continue as normal. However, council waste and recycling facilities are not open to the public. These facilities include collection, treatment, disposal and transfer stations. They will remain open for commercial contractors only.
If you have unwanted items at home, hold onto them until these facilities re-open. For other options, check the waste and recycling advice for your local council area.
Want to recycle something else?
Search for another item to find out if it can go in your home recycling bin or if it needs to be dropped off somewhere else.