A recent waste study found that 26 per cent of household waste in black bins is food waste. Putting food waste in the brown bin is better for the environment because it is made in to compost. This frees up space in the black bin for items that cannot currently be recycled like hygiene products such as nappies or wipes. If you do not have a brown bin you can order one free of charge.
For more information about brown bins access the brown bin page.
What goes in your black bin
The black bin is used for household waste we do not recycle such as -
- Covid-19 PPE (Face masks and gloves)
- bagged waste
- nappies and hygiene products
- bagged cat and dog waste
- polystyrene
- hard plastics-toys, coat hangers and CDs
- empty plastic plant pots and plant baskets
- bubble wrap and cling film
- bread bags and freezer bags
- crisp and sweet packets
- toothpaste tubes
- wallpaper
- kitchen cloths, sponges and used kitchen roll
- cigarette butts
- vacuum cleaner waste
Remember
If you are unsure if something can be recycled, put it in the black bin.
Use the picture guide below for information about waste that goes in black bin.
The following items should not be placed in the black bin -
- garden and food waste
- glass bottles and jars
- paper and cardboard
- plastic bottles and tubs
- commercial waste
- garden waste including soil, stones, green waste or similar materials*
- building materials*
- liquids including paint and oil*
- asbestos**
- hazardous, toxic or flammable substances
- clinical waste and sharps
- fluorescent tubes*
- hot ashes
- car batteries*
- gas bottles* (contact 01482 300 300 for a list of gas suppliers)
- televisions*
- other waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)*
(*) may be taken to any Household Waste Recycling Centre.
(**) Asbestos may be taken to Wiltshire Road Household Waste Recycling Centre only. This list is not fully exhaustive.
Collections
- the black bin is emptied every two weeks
- we empty bins between 7 am and 4.30 pm
- bins need to be at the boundary of your property with the handle facing towards the road from 7am
- number all of your bins so they are not mistaken for your neighbours’ bins
- make sure all bin lids are fully closed
- return your bin to your property as soon as you can after it has been emptied
- if your bin is missed, please contact us within 48 hours of your collection day
- no side waste with the black bin
- Your bin should not be overfilled with heavy items, heavy bins cannot be emptied
Request a new bin
Use the online form below to request a -
- replacement bin
- additional bin
- removal of a bin
What happens to my black bin waste?
It is taken to an Energy from Waste (EfW) plant where it is processed. Steel and aluminium cans are removed using magnets and eddy currents. Plastic bottles are removed using optical sorters. The remaining waste is then burnt to generate electricity.
Assisted collections
If you need help to move your bin we may be able to offer you an assisted collection.
Assisted bin collections are available for residents who -
- have a medical condition or disability which prevents them from moving a wheeled bin to their collection point
- have no one living at the property over the age of 16 who can assist
- have short term medical conditions e.g. pregnancy - temporary assistance may be provided
