Allotment Recycling Made Simple

1. Plastic Bottles: Multi-Purpose Magic

Plastic bottles are among the most versatile items for allotment recycling:

Direct watering: Remove the lid, cut off the bottom, and insert the top down into the soil to deliver water straight to the roots.

Bird deterrents: Place bottles upside down on canes; they rattle in the breeze and cover sharp ends to prevent injury.

Mini cloches: Protect young plants from frost or pests.

Creative structures: Some growers have even built greenhouses entirely from recycled bottles!

2. Coffee, Tea, and Used Filters

Coffee grounds and tea leaves are rich in nitrogen and other nutrients that benefit soil and plants. Monitor soil pH, as it can add acidity.

Used coffee filters
It can be reused for collecting and drying seeds. When worn out, they work well for sprouting seeds in plastic bags.

3. Old Socks and Ties

Cut old socks into strips to tie plants gently, supporting stems without damage.

Other soft fabrics, string, or garden ties can be reused to support climbing crops.

4. Bird Deterrents: Traditional and Modern

Scarecrows: Still effective when made from old clothing and straw.

Hanging CDs: Reflect sunlight and chime in the breeze, deterring birds.

Bunting and flags: Decorative and practical, flapping in the wind.

5. Recycled Containers for Planting

Many household items can be reused as containers:

• Egg boxes for seedlings or chitting potatoes.
• Yoghurt pots, jars, Tupperware, takeaway tubs.
• Toilet rolls, which biodegrade naturally when planted.
• Old tyres, colanders, welly boots, and even bathtubs (if permitted by society rules).

Tip:
Sealable plastic bags, such as those from Covid testing kits, are excellent for seed storage — remember to label them!

6. Wood, Pallets, and Scrap Materials

Used pallets: Ideal for compost bins, raised beds, or vertical growing structures.

Scrap timber, drainpipes, and poles:
Often available from local tips, builders’ yards, or neighbours.

Old tents:
Poles and pegs can support netting, cages, or climbing plants.

Drainpipes cut in half and laid flat make effective containers for peas or other small crops.

8. Water-Saving and Irrigation

Old watering cans, milk bottles, or leftover plant saucers can be repurposed for slow-release watering.

Broken gutters or drainpipes can help direct rainwater efficiently to your beds.

9. Protective and Supportive Items

Netting, fleece, and old sheets protect crops from frost, pests, or birds.

Bamboo canes, tent poles, and string support climbing plants.

Plastic bottles or milk cartons act as mini-greenhouses for seedlings.

10. Pest and Wildlife Management

Tin cans, bottle tops, and CDs scare birds.

Old hoses or terracotta pots create shelters for beneficial insects like earwigs.

Egg shells or coffee grounds around plants help deter slugs.

11. Storage and Organisation

Old jars, Tupperware, and takeaway containers store seeds, tools, and feeds.

Shoe boxes, OXO boxes, or small tins are perfect for seed storage and labelling.

Pegboards or old crates help organise tools vertically.

Society Rules and Tenancy Considerations

Allotment sites operate under tenancy agreements and society rules.
Key points to remember:

Only use items that can be removed at the end of your tenancy.

Avoid heavy, permanent, or hazardous items (bathtubs, car tyres, treated wood).

Ensure containers are clean and chemical-free before planting.

Label reused items to keep your plot organised and avoid confusion.

Following these rules ensures your plot remains safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone in the community.

Join The National Allotment Society

Become a National Allotment Society member and help to preserve and protect allotments for future generations. 

You'll also gain a range of benefits, including free liability insurance, initial legal support, expert advice and much more.