Batteries: Some councils and garages provide facilities for recycling rechargeable batteries and lead acid car batteries.
Rechargeable batteries should be returned to the manufacturer where possible for disposal. There are currently trials in the UK for kerbside collection of domestic batteries.
Advice: buy rechargeable batteries, or appliances which use mains electricity.

Chemicals, paint and oils: For chemicals that are used every day in the home and garden, see the National Household Hazardous Waste Forum (http://www.nhhwf.org.uk/).
Used engine oil can be recycled at most civic amenity sites.
Old or left over paints can be used by community groups such as Community RePaint (check the Bank Locator).
Advice: DO NOT pour chemicals and oil down drains as they can pollute rivers. Use environmentally friendly chemicals, most DIY stores stock them. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging

Electronics: Some retailers will take away old electrical items when delivering a new one. If your old version still works safely, trying selling it. There are now lots of reuse networks where you can offer items for others to reuse. Waste electronics can sometimes be recycled at your Houesehold Waste Recycling Centre.Mobile phones can be recycled through phone retailers and charities, click herefor a list of contacts. If your old ipod is broken and no longer under warranty you can have it repaired or sell it to www.ukipodrepairs.com.
Advice: try to repair broken items rather than throw them away. Buy durable items with long life cycles

Furniture: Local charity shops, schools, and community groups can sometimes use unwanted items, although unwanted sofas and chairs must have the Kite Mark to prove they meet British safety standards. Most organisations will not take old beds for hygiene reasons.
Advice: Donate unwanted items where possible

Tetra-pak cartons: Items made from Tetra Pak include milk cartons, fruit juices, liquid foods such as pasta sauces and some ice cream carton. Carton recycling is still not available in many parts of the UK, although check the Bank Locator.
Advice: Find out from your local council whether there are plans to introduce Tetra Pak recycling in your area

Textiles: Old clothes, bedding, curtains, and blankets can be recycled on any high street at charity shops, but only donate clean usuable items. Check out the bank locator as some charities also have recycling bins for textiles. If you deposit shoes, tie them together so they don't get separated.
Advice: use any unrecyclable textiles as cloths around your home

Timber/wood: The disposal of wood in landfill sites causes problems as it is often bulky and decomposes slowly. Scrap wood is collected at civic amenity sites for recycling. Contact your local council to find out whether they recycle Christmas Trees.
Advice: many retailers now stock products made out of recycled wood or renewable wood sources - look on the FSCwebsite for further information

Tools: Unwanted tools and equipment can be donated to Workaid who refurbish the items and send them to vocational training projects in developing countries. They accept any tools from handtools to typewriters to welding machines. Tools For Self Reliance also refurbish quality second-had tools to a first class standard. Tools With A Mission also collects tools for developing countries.
Advice: If your electric tools are beyond repair, check if your local Tip recycles Waste Electrical Equipment or logon to the Bank Locator

Water filters: All Brita Water Filters can be returned to the company to be recycled, please follow this link for more details and the address: www.brita.net
Advice: If you use a different brand, contact the company direct to find out where to recycle the water filters