Recycling is third in the National Waste Hierarchy after Reduction and Reuse.
We do need to first reduce the amount of waste we generate – which often has a harmful impact on the environment, and the climate. We also need to buy goods which can be repurposed, repaired or reused/recycled, and with the minimum of packaging
For an insight into Reuse and Repair opportunities in the Truro area visit Too Good to Waste – Working Towards a Local Circular Economy on the Transition Falmouth website
Recycling is often the next most appropriate and accessible option. It is a key activity for saving natural resources from going to waste, reducing litter, and helping tackle climate change. Recycling reduces carbon emissions, and makes a significant contribution to the circular economy.
The “hard to recycle” list below covers drop-off points in the Truro Area for recycling mostly plastics, but also other hard-to-recycle materials which cannot be currently recycled from the kerbside.
The list includes recycling collection points provided by national chains, some supermarkets for “soft” or “flexible” plastics, services offered by independent providers, TerraCycle drop-off locations, and the local household waste recycling centre (HWRC) which also plays an important role in the provision of local recycling opportunities
A summary of the list by materials is here: click on category or scroll down for the full list
- Contact Lens and Spectacles
- Computers and “Old Tech”
- Cork Wine Stoppers
- Health, Beauty and Wellness Products
- Household Batteries
- Inkjet and other Printer Cartridges
- Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes
- Mattresses
- Medicine Blister Packs
- Oral Care Products (toothpaste tubes/brushes)
- Pet Food Packaging
- Postage Stamps
- Rigid/Bulky Plastic Items
- Soft/Flexible Plastic Packaging
- Textiles, Clothing and Shoes
- Water Filters
Contact Lens and Spectacles
Boots Opticians, River Street, Truro.
All types of used contact lens, blister packs and foil covers accepted. Collection box in store
Specsavers, River Street, Truro
Specsavers will accept all brands of used contact lens and spectacles (with cases). Collection box in store.
https://mygroupltd.com/news/specsavers-launch-glasses-and-contact-lens-recycling-initiative-with-mygroup/
iBuntu Opticians at 66, Lemon Street, Truro
accept used contact lens for recycling. They also take unwanted spectacles, complete and in good condition, for reuse. These are collected and sent to Rotary York Ainstey for cleaning, sorting and grading to support Sight Projects in Africa. Visit https://www.ibuntu.co.uk/ to check opening hours
The National Lions Club HQ also collects unwanted spectacles and hearing aids for reuse and recycling at two of their centres to support Sight Projects across the world. No cases or cleaning cloths are required.
They can be posted in the first instance to Club Headquarters at 257 Alcester Rd South, Kings Heath, Birmingham B14 6DT. For more details email enquiries@lionsclubs.co.uk
And locally there is a Truro Lions collection point for specs and hearing aids in Kenwyn Parish Church, Church Road, Truro TR1 3UY. The Church is open most days.
N.B. Some other High Street Opticians may also be able to accept unwanted glasses and/or contact lenses for recycling. Call in and ask.
Computers and other “Old Tech”
Currys PC World at Unit 1, Treliske Retail Park, Truro TR1 3LN provide a comprehensive recycling service for a wide range of “old tech”. For full details visit
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/techtalk/recycling-electronics-couldnt-be-easier/
https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/techtalk/what-happens-to-your-old-tech-when-you-recycle-it/
The Truro Household Waste Recycling Centre at Tregurra Parc, (nr. Waitrose) TR1 1RH also accepts computers and other small electrical items for recycling along with unwanted fridges/freezers and televisions
For details of opening times and other materials accepted visit https://suezcornwall.co.uk/what-we-do/recycling/truro/
Truro Computer Services at 21, River Street, Truro TR1 2SQ will also accept “old tech” (computers and accessories under the WEEE regulations) Call in and ask or contact them on 01872 264350
For their full range of services and email address visit https://www.trurocomputerservices.co.uk
Cork Wine Stoppers
Majestic Wine, Fairmantle Street, Truro TR1 2EQ (just off the Tesco roundabout) accepts used cork stoppers for collection by the Eden Project for soil enrichment through mulching and composting. Collection bin in store. For opening hours check https://www.visittruro.org.uk/shopping/majestic-wine-truro. Majestic work with the Portuguese Cork Association to host the UK’s first-ever cork harvest.
The Old Chapel Cellars in St.Clement Street, Truro TR1 1EX accepts used cork stoppers in the recycling bin provided instore
The OCC supports the Liga Cork Recycling Scheme https://loveliga.com/blogs/news/launching-our-new-uk-cork-recycling-scheme
Alternatively, you can participate in the Waitrose cork recycling trial – Truro at Tregurra Park TR1 1RH (collection point in store near check-outs)
For more details visit https://winedrinker.co.uk/waitrose-launches-uks-first-major-supermarket-cork-recycling-trial/
Health, Beauty, and Wellness Products
Boots in Pydar Street, Truro
will take all brands of beauty, healthcare and wellness product packaging and containers including these:-
- made of composite materials e.g. make-up palettes, compacts, lipsticks
- made from recyclable materials e.g. toothpaste tubes
- small items e.g. travel minis, samples, mascaras
See also “Medicine Blister Packs” below
Visit boots.com/boots-recycling-scheme for details of their Reward Scheme
N.B. This Take-back Scheme is a Circular Economy Sustainability National Award Finalist for 2021
Household Batteries
There are numerous drop-off locations for spent household batteries across the Truro area mostly in supermarkets and other retailers – too many to list here.
A good starting point is to use the Recycle Now Locator – just click on the item in question, enter your postcode and check the listings: https://www.recyclenow.com/recycling-locator
It is recommended you check out your preferred location first to ensure the collection point is still operating.
There may also be collection containers/tubes available not on the locator, for example: the local community library in Truro. Collection point on the left – inside the library entrance
Note: car batteries as well as household batteries can also be taken to the Truro HWRC (nr. Waitrose). Check this link for opening times and details of all materials accepted
http://suezcornwall.co.uk/what-we-do/recycling/truro/
Inkjet and other Printer Cartridges
Currys PC World at Unit 1, Treliske Retail Park, Truro
accepts all makes of Toner and Inkjet Cartridges and offers a post-back service
Recycle4Charity
Used Ink cartridges collected to raise funds for charities can be taken to local public collection points listed at:
https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/CollectionPointFinder.aspx?postcode=TR1
or they can be sent by post: check https://www.recycle4charity.co.uk website for postal details.
Note: several commercial companies will accept ink cartridges by post including https://www.printercartridgerecycling.co.uk. Search the web for alternatives.
Light Bulbs and Fluorescent Tubes
The Household Waste and Recycling Centre at Tregurra Parc, Truro (nr. Waitrose) accept used energy-saving light bulbs along with fluorescent tubes for recycling.
For details of these and other materials accepted at the HWRC plus their opening times and directions visit http://suezcornwall.co.uk/what-we-do/recycling/truro/
Mattresses
Hard-to-recycle used mattresses and bedframes can now be collected for recycling by upcountry-based Keen & Able
For full details of their comprehensive recycling service, including collection charges, visit https://themattressrecyclingpeople.co.uk
Note: a lower charge for removal may be made if companies delivering new mattresses agree to take away the used one(s)
The local alternative for disposal is to use the Cornwall Council Bulky Waste kerbside collection service. Used mattresses are not recycled, but shredded and incinerated.
For details of their service visit https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/. Note that for the fee charged, 3 additional bulky items can also be removed.
Note that used mattresses can also be taken to the Truro Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) for disposal free of charge as a bulky item. See http://suezcornwall.co.uk/what-we-do/recycling/truro/ for opening times and directions
Other options include using Freegle if mattresses are in a reusable condition https://www.ilovefreegle.org/
Charitable organisations may well be interested in clean, reusable mattresses e.g. British Heart Foundation, Cornwall Hospice Care, or Hidden Help
Medicine Blister Packs
Visit Superdrug in Boscawen Street, Truro. All types of used medicine blister packs are accepted in support of Marie Curie Nursing
Boots at 94 Pydar St, Truro TR1 2BD also now accept empty medicine and vitamin packets for recycling.
Visit https://www.boots.com/shopping/boots-recycling-scheme/blister-pack-recycling for full details of this service and their Reward Incentive Scheme
Note: there is an additional collection point in the Devoran Community Library (TR3 6QA). Empty blister packs are taken by a volunteer to Superdrug in Falmouth for recycling
N.B. Any medicines you have that are past their expiry date, or that you no longer use or require, can be taken to any pharmacy to be disposed of safely.
Oral Care Products (toothpaste tubes/brushes)
Visit Oak House Dental Practice, 13 St George’s Rd, Truro TR1 3JE
There is a Terracycle collection box in the waiting room for any plastic toothbrushes, spent toothpaste tubes and caps, plus electric and battery toothbrush heads and cartons.
Make sure to check opening hours by visiting https://www.the-oak-house.com or call 01872 222922
N.B. spent toothpaste tubes can now be accepted in the Cornwall Council Household Kerbside Recycling Service as a recyclable plastic item (put in red bag- with plastic bottles,pots,tubs and trays)
Also nylon bristle heads of wooden toothbrushes can be cut off, put in an envelope, and posted to Freepost Georganics. 5 heads minimum or 1 sonic toothbrush handle.
Other brands’ wooden heads and electric bodies are also accepted for recycling by Georganics. For more details visit https://uk.georganics.com/pages/zero-to-landfill
Note: toothpaste tubes are also accepted under the Boots High Street Recycling Scheme – see Health, Beauty and Wellness entry above
Pet Food Packaging
Pets at Home have a recycling station for any flexible pet food plastic packaging in their Truro store at Treliske Retail Park, Truro TR1 3LN
Note: most local supermarkets also accept this packaging in their flexible plastics recycling bins – please check their websites for details – see “soft/flexible plastic packaging” below
Postage Stamps (Used)
There are various options for collecting used postage stamps to raise much-needed funds for iSight Cornwall which includes:-
Calling into The Sight Centre on Newham Road, Truro to deposit used stamps, or by posting them to the Centre – see www.isightcornwall.org.uk/fundraising/stamps-appeal/ for details
There is also a collection box is in the eye clinic of Treliske Hospital (Ophthalmology Department)
Kenwyn Parish Church, Church Road, Truro TR1 3UY hosts a collection box – accessible most days of the week
iSight Cornwall welcomes enquiries from organisations/individuals wishing to host a collection box – contact them on the above website for a poster to attach to any suitable collection box
Rigid/Bulky Plastic Items
Bulky/Rigid plastic items can now be recycled at most Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) including Tregurras Parc, nr.Waitrose,Truro. These items include clean buckets, garden furniture, water butts, plastic bins, collapsible crates, pale brown or beige plant pots (not black)
There are a range of other items which can only be recycled at local HWRCs – to check out what else can be recycled visit https://suezcornwall.co.uk/what-we-do/recycling/truro/
Soft or Flexible Plastic Packaging
The Co-op Store, Boscawen Street, Truro
Accepts “soft” plastics including “crisp packets; sweet wrappers; plastic film; pet food pouches; and plastic bags” www.coop.co.uk/environment/soft-plastics
Collection point is just inside the door from St.Mary’s Street entrance
Sainsbury’s , Treyew Road, Truro (opposite County Hall)
A collection point can be located in store which accepts a wide range of “flexible” plastic packaging. For full details visit www.about.sainsburys.co.uk/sustainability/plan-for-better/our-stories/2021/flexible-plastics
Tesco, Garras Wharf, Truro
Their collection point is located inside main entrance which accepts “soft” plastic packaging including any “plastic bag; crisp packets; food and pet pouches; plastic wrappers; and any plastic film” More detail at www.tescoplc.com/news/2021/tesco-to-launch-uk-s-biggest-network-of-recycling-points-for-soft-plastic/
Tesco also provide an instore collection point for spent household batteries
Textiles, Clothing and Shoes
Textiles are usually defined as products made of silk, cotton, linen, wool or synthetic material.
Clean and undamaged textiles, including shoes, can often be taken to local charity shops for sale and reuse – for a full list go to Too Good to Waste – Working Towards a Local Circular Economy and click on Textiles/Clothes
Clothing and Shoe Banks are also an option for both reuse and recycling of textiles – check out the Salvation Army and other banks listed in Too Good to Waste – see link above
Household textiles can be taken to national retailers for either reuse or recycling. Most items can only be accepted if they are clean and undamaged.
Here are three notable examples:
Dunelm, Newquay Road Retail Park, Truro TR1 1RH
Accepts a wide range of clean textiles under their Textile Take-back Scheme including clothes, towels, duvets, pillows, table cloths, cushions and curtains and many others
Visit https://www.dunelm.com/info/about/take-back-scheme
Dunelm works in partnership with the Salvation Army assisting them to provide a wide range of reusable textiles to raise funds for their valuable work – see link above for details
Primark, Lemon Quay, Truro TR1 2LW
Accept any brand of clothing, textiles. bags and footware in any condition as part of their instore recycling scheme – see collection point below or visit https://www.primark.com/en-gb/a/inspiration/sustainable-fashion/let-your-pre-loved-be-re-loved
Marks & Spencer Lemon Quay, Truro TR1 2LW
Supports Oxfam by providing three collection boxes for reusable clothes, shoes, and accessories (handbags)
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/donate-to-our-shops/marks-and-spencer-and-oxfam-another-life/
Note: Cornwall Council (Biffa) will collect clean and dry clothing as part of their household kerbside recycling service (put in a tied bag and into the black box)
Shoes
Shoes which are deemed to be beyond reuse or not easily repaired – see Too Good to Waste – Working Towards a Local Circular Economy for local shoe repairers – can be returned to some companies for recycling
Schuh, King street, Truro offer a “Sell Your Soles scheme” whereby you can bring in old, worn shoes and they will give you £5 off a brand new pair
Note: Paired shoes are also accepted as part of the household kerbside recycling collection. They must be fit for re-use and in a clean, dry condition (put in tied bag into the black box)
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-and-waste/recycling/recycling-items/shoes/
Water Filters
Brita Water Filters can be recycled at the local Sainsbury’s Store at Treyew Road, Truro (box inside store entrance to the left)
Please note: The above list is a selection of some of the most popular hard-to-recycle items. Anyone wanting to check out all the Recycling Programmes offered by TerraCycle, nationally and locally, can visit their website www.terracycle.com/en-GB/brigades
All entries were correct at the time of publishing – but things can change as providers change. Always check with individual locations before setting out for the first visit
Suggestions for additional entries or to report any changes contact us
Revised Jan 2026