Data from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs was used to calculate the recycling rejection rates for local authorities across England.

Oldham ranked 28 out of 42 local authorities in the North West and saw 3.61 per cent of its recycling rejected. 

The borough also had the lowest proportion of household waste sent for recycling of any Greater Manchester borough outside of the city centre in 2023, which is the most recent data available, with 45.5 per cent recycled.

Manchester City Council saw just 39.6 per cent.

The same situation arose in 2022, with Oldham at a slightly higher 46.5 per cent and Manchester City at 39.7 per cent.

Graham Matthews, Oldham waste management expert at Business Waste, which sourced the data, said: “There is a certain onus on households to ensure they are recycling correctly to reduce contamination.

“However, we’d encourage local councils to dedicate resources to educating the public on how best they can avoid recycling rejection with guidance on what can and can’t be recycled, alongside tips for cleaning materials.

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“Local councils could also consider imposing fines more frequently for those who regularly disregard recycling rules as a deterrent.” 

In Oldham, the blue bin is for paper waste, and the following items can be put in: 

Paper and card
Food and drinks cartons (tetra packs)
Egg boxes
Cardboard
Card packaging
Newspapers, magazines, brochures, envelopes, and junk mail

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The brown bin in the borough is for plastic and metal items, including: 

Plastic pots 
Plastic tubs 
Plastic trays, including black plastic trays 
Plastic bottles 
Glass bottles and jars  
Food tins and drink cans 
Aerosols 
Foil 

However, plastic film, carrier bags, crisp packets, or pet food pouches can be placed in the brown bin and all items must be clean and empty of food and drink.

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Oldham’s green bin should be used for organic waste, which Oldham Council said includes: 

Food and garden waste (no soil, gravel, stones or wood)
Tea bags and coffee grounds
Fruit and vegetables
Grass, flowers, hedge and plant cuttings
Out of date food, not including packaging
Meat and bones (cooked and uncooked)
Breads and pastries
Dairy (e.g. cheese) and egg shells
All cooked and uncooked food

The council suggested using a compostable bag to line indoor food caddies, which are available from over 100 stockists, including major supermarkets and public libraries across the borough.

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Finally, the grey bin should be used for non-recyclable rubbish, such as: 

Nappies
Polystyrene
Plastic bags and film
Other household plastics, such as plant pots
Lids from glass jars and bottles
Wrapped broken crockery and glassware 
Other broken non-electrical household items

Oldham Council has been contacted for comment.