Waste Where I Live Frequently Asked Questions

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.