Hazardous

Fire risk

Soak used matches in water before binning.

Matches and matchboxes

Also called: matches, used matches, burnt matches, spent matches, matchbox, match box

General waste

National rules. Choose your council to see its answer.

Your council's answer

The answer can differ by council. Choose your council to see its rules for this item.

How to prepare it

  1. Make sure used matches are out and cold, or soak them in water, before they go in the bin: a spent match can still smoulder
  2. Put the whole matchbox in general waste
  3. Keep unused matches dry and well away from children

National rules

The answer isn't the same in every UK nation. Choose your council to see the one that applies to you.

England, Scotland and Northern Ireland

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste bin.

Wales

General waste

This can't be recycled here. Put it in your general waste bin.

This item can't be recycled at home, so put it in your general waste; check if your council also collects nappies and incontinence pads separately.

Wales-wide guidance, checked 27 Sep 2026. View the source

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