Many households think glass can be recycled, but five common items actually can't10:24, 21 May 2026Households have been urged not to get caught out by recycling rules, as common items many would think can be recycled actually can't. There has been a major change to recycling across England this year, with homes and businesses told not to get caught out by the new rules.‌If you ignore the latest guidelines, your bin might not be collected. The UK's Simpler Recycling reforms, under the Environment Act 2021, have enforced mandatory and consistent recycling for businesses and households in England.‌There are now separate collections for food waste, paper and card, glass, metal and plastic. Local authorities need to provide clear information about what can and can't be recycled, with some councils exempt until at least 2040.‌Recycle Now, which offers recycling advice for England and Northern Ireland, has a list of items that can and can't be recycled. Many councils collect glass bottles and jars for recycling.Yet, some common glass items can't be recycled at home. If you put these in your glass recycling bin, it might not be collected.Bottles of any colour, jars and non-food bottles such as perfume and aftershave can be recycled at home. These should be emptied and rinsed.‌Put the lids and caps back on, and place them in your home recycling bin or take them to a recycling point.Glass items you can't recycleCeramics‌Crockery and earthenware that is broken should be placed in a waste bin, rather than being recycled. If they are still in a good, usable condition, take them to charity shops.Drinking glassesDrinking glasses are made from a different material than common glass bottles and jars, which means they can't be recycled in your home collection.‌Recycle Now said: "Place broken drinking glasses inside your bag or bin for non-recyclable waste, remembering first to wrap them safely. You can use old newspaper or kitchen roll, or double-bag them, to ensure collection crews aren’t harmed when collecting them."You can also take broken drinking glasses to local recycling centres, and if they are in good condition, take them to a local charity shop.Glass cookware‌Cookware such as Pyrex can't be recycled, despite it being made of glass. Recycle Now explained: "While Pyrex ovenware is a type of glass, it has been specially treated in the manufacturing process to withstand high temperatures, which makes it non-recyclable. Broken or chipped Pyrex should be disposed of carefully in the waste bin."Light bulbsEnergy-efficient light bulbs can be recycled at larger recycling centres and some stores. Older style incandescent bulbs are not recyclable and should be put in the waste bin.Article continues belowVasesVases cannot be recycled at home either. If they are still in good condition, take them to a charity shop, or dispose of them in the waste bin.