Household collections

Prior to becoming a unitary authority, each district council had responsibility for delivering waste collection services. There remains some inconsistency in the size and colour of containers in use across the county due to this. Bins previously issued will remain in use until a replacement is required due to loss or damage. All new containers delivered will be the standard size used by the council. 

Many supermarkets have collection points for carrier bags and plastic films, you can find these using the Recycle Now: Local Recycling (opens new window) page. 

You only need to rinse recycling before disposing in your household recycling bins. If recycling is dirty, it can compromise the quality of recycling already in the recycling bin. Recyclables will be cleaned thoroughly during the recycling process.

Cardboard heavily contaminated with food such as takeaway pizza boxes should be placed in your household waste bin. These items can compromise the quality of recycling already in the recycling bin. A small amount of grease will not prevent a pizza box from being recycled.  

Unfortunately, as medicinal blister packs are made of mixed materials (plastic and foil) we are unable to accept these items in with our kerbside recycling collections. You can Boots: Recycle your medicine & vitamin blister packets (opens new window) at some Boots stores.

You can also check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer a take-back recycling service. If you are unable to find a recycling service nearby, these items can be put into their general household waste bins. Non-recyclable waste that is collected at the kerbside is diverted for energy recovery, with very little waste being sent to landfill.

All small rechargeable items presented should be removed by the crew unless incorrect items are presented, or if items have leaked. If this is the case, a sticker will be placed on the bag, advising why the item was not collected. 

Small electrical items can also be taken to your local Household Recycling Centre, and to many local retailers. See Recycle Now: Local Recycling (opens new window).for more information.