Do you provide a cleaning
service for the wheeled bins?
The Council does not provide a cleaning service for wheeled
bins. If householders wish to seek this service then companies are
available through the local business listings.
What happens if I have extra
non-recyclable household waste that will not fit in my brown
bin?
We will only accept waste that is contained within the closed
wheelie bin. No additional waste will be collected. Household Waste
Recycling Centres are available throughout the borough to help you
to dispose of any additional waste you may have.
Do I have a choice of bin
size?
There are a standard set of bins provided for recycling, garden
and non-recyclable waste. If you are having difficlulties please
contact us on tel: 0300 123 7026 and we will assess your situation
and discuss possible options.
What happens if my bin is
damaged/stolen?
Arrangements are in place for replacement if damaged or stolen
bins. Please tel: 0300 123 7026 to report it as soon as
possible.
Do you provide black
bags?
Where we provide residents with wheelie bins we do not provide
black bags. We will continue to provide bags via the bag
on a roll scheme for residents receiving the bag
collection service.
Do you accept
additional recycling?
To make space for additional recycling in the blue bin you may
remove the caddy and place it out for collection alongside the blue
bin.
Excess glass should only be placed out in residents’ old white
glass recycling bags.
Additional recycling will only be accepted by the side of the
blue bins in a sturdy waterproof, semi-transparent container such
as a carrier bag. The bag needs to be semi transparent so that the
collection crews can verify that it contains only recycling.
Recycling placed in black bags will not be collected.
Please do not place recycling in cardboard boxes or open
containers as these become too heavy to lift when wet. To maximise
room for recycling in the blue wheelie bin, residents are
encouraged to flatten cardboard boxes and squash tins and cans.
Can I place
shredded paper in the blue bin?
Shredded paper can be recycled in the blue bin only if it is
bagged separately. This is because shredded paper can jam the new
mechanical separation equipment at the materials recycling
facility. If it is bagged, operatives can remove it before it goes
into the equipment. They can then empty the bags into the final
paper collection bay. The plastic bags will also be recycled.
What type of plastic
containers can I put in the blue bin?
Please place plastic bottles and lids only in the blue bin.
These form a large part of the plastic waste stream and there are
well established sustainable markets for them. We will continue to
explore options for recycling more types of plastic.
Why do I need to
place glass bottles and batteries in the caddy in the top of the
bin?
This is to prevent glass from contaminating the rest of the
recyclable materials. The materials recovery facility is not able
to separate out glass from other materials without breaking the
glass, causing damage to the machinery and contaminating the other
recyclables
Should I clean
out tins, cans and bottles first?
Please ensure all plastic and glass bottles and all tins and
cans are empty, clean and dry. Simply rinse out containers in the
last of your washing up water and leave them to drain before
putting in the bin. You do not need to remove the labels on cans or
bottles.
Cleaning and drying cans and bottles will prevent the other
recyclables in the blue bin from becoming contaminated. If your
recycling is badly contaminated we will not be able to send it for
recycling.
Why do I need to
place textiles in plastic bags?
This allows the staff at the materials recovery facility to
remove the textiles before they go through the automated part of
the plant where they would be damaged and where they would also
cause damage to the machinery.
Is it ok to put
bagged non-recyclable waste in the brown bin?
Non-recyclable waste can be bagged before putting it in the
brown bin. We will not, however, collect any bags of non-recyclable
waste which are not contained within the brown bin.
Recyclable waste should be put loose into the blue bin with the
exception of textiles, shredded paper and batteries which should be
bagged and then placed in the blue bin.
My bin has not been not
emptied. What should I do?
Before reporting a missed collection please be aware of the
following:
- Your bins or bags may be collected any time between 7am and 9pm
on your collection day.
- The different coloured bins or bags are collected by two
separate vehicles, at different times but on the same day.
- You must have your bins or bags at the edge of your property or
the agreed collection point to ensure they are collected.
- If your refuse/recycling was not collected on your collection
day and you had put the bins or bags in the correct place then
please tel: 0300 123 7026 or complete the Waste
Collection Service Report Form.
Why have the
refuse collectors emptied one bin but not the other?
The two different coloured bins or bags are collected by two
separate vehicles. They may come at different times on your
collection day. The refuse and recycling crews may collect your
bins or bags any time between 7am and 9pm.