Cotton Buds
Recycle at home
No, cotton buds cannot currently be recycled at home.
Are cotton buds recyclable?
Cotton buds are not recyclable, even those with paper stems, and should be placed in your bag or bin for non-recyclable waste;
Never flush them down the toilet as they can block systems and pollute the environment.
Good to know
An EU Plastics Directive means that cotton buds will be phased out, including in the UK in due course. Find out more about the EU Plastics Directive.