Here is a list of items that we have recycled and what we have used them for. Also some items that can be used.
Glass Jar's - Used for seed storage, jam/chutney/pickle making (with metal lids).
Microwave plastic dishes- under cell drip trays, seed trays and bird trays.
Yoghurt pots- plant pots and bird feeders.
Plastic Bottle's- part of a drip system/watering for green house, bird scarer's (on top of long canes in the ground), self watering plant pots, mini cloches and slug traps.
An old wardrobe someone dumped- raised bed (door's taken off and used on another bed and back taken off).
Bed slats- used to make a raised bed system.
Metal headboard and foot board- used for French and runner bead's to climb.
Marg tubs- plant pot's, seed storage.
Ice cream tubs- indoor compost collection.
Plastic carrier bag's- bird scarer's (tied to the tip of canes and left to blow in the wind.
Pallet's - these have so many different uses, from building a shed to raised beds and even a compost bin.
Old drain pipes- used mainly for leeks, carrots and parsnips.
Old fish tank- used as a mini green house or cold frame.
Ottoman- comfy seat, bit of storage, and if need be, a small raised bed.
Cardboard boxes- can be put on the compost bin, shredded and put in a wormery and burnt along with other garden waste for potash.
Toilet roll tubes- biodegradable plant pots or straight on the compost bin.
Wood- Of course wood comes in handy for just about anything.
Carpet plastic wrap- used for a green house, cloches.
Old carpet- used over winter on the ground as a weed suppressant.
CD's- used to scare birds when put on cotton or string and strung between 2 canes or posts.
Old kids clothes- used to make scare crows.
Old Tight's or stockings- used to string onions.
Always keep an eye out for skips. We pass by them every day without a second thought, but there is so much stuff that could be useful that people just chuck away. If at all possible, ask before taking (some people can be a bit funny).
Builders usually have a load of left over stuff that by law has to be thrown away, so if you see any, always stop and ask, you never know your luck.
We all know that fly tipping is illegal, but if you do see anything on the side of the road that has just been dumped, have a look through it, you might come home with some good stuff, and that's not illegal, but be safe, watch out for sharp object's and in particular, needles.
Industrial site's is another good place to look, especially for pallet's and old bits of wood, also behind carpet store's (as that's where you will find the plastic wrap most of the time).