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Bins and recycling [TEST]

Why wasn’t my bin emptied? [Long]

Find out why we may not empty a bin on a scheduled collection day.

[Note: I have not included the additional page on side waste that is on the live site in an attempt to keep all messages on this topic are in one place.]

The main reasons we refuse to empty a bin

The main reasons we do not empty a bin on a scheduled collection day are as follows.

    • We found the wrong items in your bin — this is referred to as a 'contaminated' bin
    • Your bin was too full
    • Your bin was too heavy
    • Your bin was not out in time or in the right place
    • Your green bin subscription has expired — pay for or renew your green bin subscription
    • You left side waste — we do not collect extra bags of household waste or recycling left next to your bin on collection day

If you think we have missed your bin by mistake, you can report a missed collection online. When you report a missed bin, we will check our records and, if we have refused to collect it for one of the reasons outlined on this page, we will tell you why.

Contaminated blue bins we will not collect

All refuse for your blue recycling bins must be loose and not placed in any type of bag.

If the crew sees any of the items below in a blue bin, they may place a yellow sticker on it and refuse to empty it.

  • Do not put nappies, food waste, batteries, electrical items, textiles or black bags in your recycling bin unless your council specifically allows them.
  • Do not overfill the bin.
  • Do not leave extra waste beside the bin.

Find out more about what goes in each bein

Contaminated green garden bins we will not collect

If the crew sees any of the the items listed below in a green bin, they may place a yellow [?] sticker on it and refuse to empty it.

    • Stone, concrete, timber or builder's waste
    • Glass, plastic, metal, paper or cardboard
    • Plant pots, soil or turf
    • Household rubbish and food waste - food such as vegetable peelings can make good compost

Contaminated grey food waste bins we will not collect

If the crew sees any of the the items listed below in a grey food bin, they may place a yellow [?] sticker on it and refuse to empty it.

    • Packaging of any kind
    • Liquids such as milk
    • Oil or any fat
    • Any material that is not food waste
    • Household waste

Contaminated purple household waste bins

If the crew sees any of the the items listed below in a purple household waste bin, they may place a yellow sticker on it [?] and refuse to empty it.

What to do if your bin is contaminated