Waste replacement and bin/box FAQs
Why does Cheshire West and Chester Council charge for replacement bins/replacement parts?
The charge has been introduced to cover the administration and delivery of bins and is intended to encourage residents to take responsibility for the wheeled bins provided and to reduce demand for replacement containers. This enables us to create a sustainable service.
I have moved house and there is no bin at my address, do I have to pay for my containers?
If you are moving to a New Build house, the developer would have been invoiced for your containers and if payment has been received, your bins will be delivered once you have registered for Council Tax. If you are moving to another property that is not a new build and there are no containers, you will have to pay for them to be delivered.
How long will it take for my containers to be delivered/replacement parts?
Your bin will normally be delivered/repaired within ten working days from the date of request.
If my container is damaged, can it be repaired instead of replaced?
We can only repair wheeled bins. If you require a replacement lid or wheels and axels, you can pay for replacement parts instead of a replacement bin.
Why doesn’t my Council Tax cover the cost of containers?
Part of your Council Tax goes towards the cost of waste collection and disposal, not for the container from which it is collected.
Does the Council have the right to charge us for containers?
Under the Environmental Protection Act (Section 46) 1990, the Council has a right to levy a charge for the provision of all waste containers
What does the charge cover?
The charge is for the delivery of a replacement container or for replacement parts to your existing bin and administration costs, including procurement and storage. The bin remains the property of the Council and must remain at the house it is delivered to if you move home.
Does the charge apply to all replacement container requests whether the container has been lost, stolen or damaged?
- 23 litre and 7 litre food bins will remain free of charge
- Garden bins will be replaced free of charge
- This new charge does not apply to new or replacement garden waste containers as residents already pay for the supply of bins through their subscription charge.
- The charge does not apply if the bin is damaged or falls into the waste collection vehicle during the emptying process. Crews will automatically order a free replacement through their in-cab system and leave a postcard informing a new bin has been ordered
- Homes qualifying for additional residual waste capacity because they meet larger family criteria or have a medical condition that requires a larger or extra bin will be provided with additional containers free of charge on a temporary basis. However, replacements will be subject to charges if lost, damaged or stolen.
Please make sure your containers have your house number or name on them or we may not know who it belongs to.
My container keeps going missing, what can I do?
We want to encourage residents to take care of their containers. Labelling containers with the house number so they are easy to identify will reduce the chance of them being stolen, lost or accidently taken by another resident. Use a permanent marker or number stickers to clearly identify the container as belonging to your property. You can decorate your container to help prevent people taking it by mistake. Residents can request stickers for containers free of charge by contacting the Council.
Storing containers securely within the grounds of the resident’s property will also protect them, also taking them in promptly after they have been emptied.
Do not place containers out for collection the night before, if possible, as this means more time for them to go missing. Containers should be outside for collection before 7am on the scheduled collection day. Neighbours may be able to help with finding containers if they have disappeared, look for them in the immediate area or ask neighbours if they have taken it by mistake. Often, they turn up after a day or two, or on the next collection day. It the container can still not be found; residents will need to pay for a replacement.
Is there any help provided to residents who are on benefits?
If you are in receipt of full council tax reduction when making a payment, you will be entitled to a £10 discount on all charges for replacement bins (£5 discount on charges for boxes if you have a box for your recycling) and £5 discount for replacement parts. You must provide your council tax reference number or upload a copy of your council tax bill as evidence.
How can I pay for a container?
Payment will be accepted by card only and is payable prior to delivery. Payment by card can be done so online.
What happens if I do not pay for the container, will bags of waste be collected?
Bags of waste will not be collected as all waste should be presented in a container unless you are on a specified sack collection round (offered to some flats and rural locations). However, if you do not wish to pay the administration and delivery charge for a replacement container, you can dispose of your waste at one of the household waste recycling centres free of charge.
Can I avoid the ‘admin’ charge by collecting my new container from the depot?
Containers are available by delivery only. Residents are not permitted to collect containers for operational and health and safety issues. There is still an administrative process involved and the cost includes an amount to cover the administration of this service.
Can I buy my container from somewhere else?
No. We require you to present Cheshire West and Chester Council branded containers, as they meet the safety standards required. It is especially important the Council have control over the number, size and type of waste container presented so that we can enforce our waste collection policies.
Will the crews return the containers to the collection point after collection because that is when they go missing?
All collection crews must return bins after emptying to the place the container was collected from. Please ensure that you clearly number your containers to help you and the crews identify which address the container ‘belongs’ to. If your container goes missing on collection day and you believe it is because the crews did not return it, this will be investigated as CCTV is not appropriate in every case. Please ensure you report any missing bins as soon as possible after collection.
What am I supposed to do with the waste whilst I wait for the delivery of a container?
We ask that you store your waste on your property and once you receive your replacement, place the waste in the container ready to be collected. We will not take bags on collection day so do not leave them out. Alternatively, you can dispose of your waste at one of our household waste recycling centres. If the council experience any delays in delivering your new bin, we will send you a small supply of authorised bags that you can present until your container arrives.
I have paid the charge for a container, however my old one has now turned up; can I have a refund?
You can cancel your order and request a refund within 14 days from the date payment was made. Refunds will not be made after that date. We would advise that before paying for a replacement that you have had a good look around to see if you can find your bin. If you already have a black domestic bin at your property when we come to deliver the new bin, we will not leave the new bin and you will not receive a refund of your delivery and administration charge.
Do I have to pay for all recycling bins?
Yes, the charge is for all new and replacement bins apart from garden and food bins or sacks.
I need a larger or additional black bin for domestic waste. Do I need to pay for this?
If you have additional waste due to a medical condition you may be entitled to a larger bin. You must apply for additional capacity and will receive an additional bin or a replacement larger bin only if you qualify. There is no charge when we exchange your bin for a larger one or provide additional capacity; however, if the bin becomes lost or is stolen, or is damaged, then you will have to pay for the replacement. You can apply for additional domestic capacity.
Won’t this discourage recycling?
By taking care of your bin, this will reduce the demand for replacements.