J&B Recycling Knowledge

Every summer, we see a sharp rise in garden hosepipes being placed in household recycling bins. It’s easy to understand why - they look like plastic, they feel like plastic, and many people assume they can be recycled just like bottles or tubs. But once a hosepipe enters the recycling stream, it becomes one of the most disruptive items our Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) has to deal with.

When a hosepipe reaches the MRF, it behaves very differently from normal recyclable materials. Instead of moving through the machinery as intended, it wraps itself tightly around rotating parts, gears and shafts. This forces our team to stop the entire line, locate the hosepipe, and manually remove it. Not only is this time‑consuming, it pulls staff away from the work they should be doing - sorting and processing genuine recyclable materials.

During summer, our shift manager checks the machinery every hour for items like hosepipes and washing lines, which can easily get tangled and cause damage. Despite these regular inspections, it’s common to find several hosepipes wrapped around equipment between checks. These stoppages slow down the whole operation and reduce efficiency. One hosepipe can disrupt recycling for thousands of households.

Garden hoses simply aren’t suitable for household recycling systems. They’re made from mixed materials - reinforced plastics, rubber and metal fittings - and their long, flexible shape makes them perfect “tanglers.”

So, what should you do with an old garden hose?

Fortunately, there are several responsible ways to dispose of or reuse a hosepipe without sending it through your recycling bin.

One option is to take it to your local recycling centre or household waste facility. Many sites accept hosepipes, ensuring they’re handled properly and in an environmentally responsible way.

Another possibility is donating the hose to a charity or community garden. Some organisations accept used garden items and may even offer collection services if you’re unable to transport them yourself.

If you prefer to get creative, old hosepipes can be repurposed in useful ways. Sections of hose can be turned into plant ties, used as protective sleeves for sharp tools, or cut into scoops for potting soil. You can even make a simple bird feeder by cutting off one end and filling the hose with seed.

Whatever you choose, please remember one thing: a garden hose should never go in your household recycling bin. Keeping tanglers out of the recycling stream helps us keep the MRF running smoothly and ensures that the materials which can be recycled are processed efficiently. Thankyou for your continued support!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a garden hosepipe in my household recycling bin?
No. Hosepipes should never be placed in your household recycling bin as they can wrap around machinery and cause costly breakdowns.

Why can't hosepipes be recycled?
Hosepipes are made from a mix of materials, including reinforced plastics, rubber and metal fittings. Their long, flexible shape also makes them a "tangler" in recycling machinery.

How should I dispose of an old hosepipe?
Take it to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), donate it to a community group or charity, or repurpose it around your home or garden.

What other items can cause problems at the MRF?
Other common tanglers include washing lines, cables, ropes, chains and electrical wires. These should never be placed in your household recycling bin.

What happens if a hosepipe ends up at the MRF?
It can wrap around moving parts of the machinery, forcing the recycling line to stop while staff safely remove it, delaying the recycling process for everyone.