Before you throw anything away
Reduce
Where possible, repair cracked or damaged pots so they can be used for longer. Small splits in plastic pots can often be taped or reinforced, and chipped ceramic pots may still be suitable for outdoor use.
Reuse
If the pot is still usable, consider giving it a second life:
- Charity shops – some accept plant pots in good condition. Always check first.
- Reuse networks – websites such as Freecycle and Freegle let you give items away locally.
- Sell or donate – garden centres, allotments, schools and community gardens may welcome spare pots.
- Upcycle – plant pots can be reused as storage, planters for herbs, or creative garden features.
Plastic plant pots
Can they go in my kerbside recycling bin?
No. Plastic plant pots are not accepted in kerbside recycling bins.
How to dispose of plastic plant pots
- Plastic plant pots are classed as hard (rigid) plastics.
- You can recycle them at any Staffordshire Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC).
- Place them in the rigid plastics container at the site.
Please remember
- Remove excess soil before taking pots to the recycling centre.
- Black plastic plant pots should also be taken to an HWRC, as they cannot be sorted through kerbside collections.
Ceramic and terracotta plant pots
Can they be recycled?
Ceramic, terracotta and clay plant pots cannot be recycled.
How to dispose of ceramic plant pots
- If they are in good condition, reuse or donate them where possible.
- Broken or unwanted ceramic pots should be taken to a Staffordshire Household Waste Recycling Centre and placed in the general waste container.
Good to know
- Ceramic and terracotta pots are not charged items at Staffordshire recycling centres.
- Small broken pieces should never be placed in kerbside recycling bins.