Waste changes FAQs

Why are we making changes?

We are improving bin / container collection routes and changing collection days to make them more efficient and environmentally friendly.

These changes are necessary to ensure the smooth-running of the service both now and in the future. The changes will reduce the distances our bin trucks are travelling - reducing the carbon footprint - and will accommodate new homes in the area. The efficiency of individual routes will be improved by optimising the sequence of collections, with work more evenly distributed between crews, rebalancing workloads.

Will my collections change?

Approx. 90% of residents will experience a change to their waste collection day, or week for all bins / containers. Even if your collection day stays the same, it could be collected at a different time.

We will be sending a leaflet out to all residents w/c 4 September to explain these changes.

When will my bins / containers be collected?

We will write to everyone with this information, so look out for a leaflet in the post from 4 September.

Collections happen any time during the day from 7.00am. All bins / containers must be out for collection by 7.00am on your scheduled collection day.

Will my garden waste collections change?

If your collection day for household waste and recycling changes, your garden waste collection date will also change. Your garden waste collection will still take place on the same day and week as your recycling collection.

What does the leaflet look like?

serco sample leaflet

I haven’t received a leaflet, when will I receive one?

All leaflets will be sent out by second class post on Wednesday 30 August. If you have not received a leaflet by 8 September, please let us know by emailing your full address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 01629 761122.

You have said that some initial leaflets sent out to garden waste subscribers were incorrect, when will I receive the updated leaflet?

All updated leaflets will be sent out by first class post at the start of w/c 11 September. If you have not received the updated leaflet by 15 September, please let us know by emailing your full address to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 01629 761122.

When are the collection day changes happening?

From the week commencing Monday 18 September 2023.

My household waste will not be collected for more than 14 days, including weekends. What do I do with the waste I cannot fit into my grey bin/black sacks?

If there are more than 14 days, including weekends, between your old and new collection day, we will collect up to two additional standard sized black sacks.

*If you have a larger 240Ltr bin / larger sack allowance, we will collect up to three additional sacks.

My recycling will not be collected for more than 14 days, including weekends. What do I do with the recycling I cannot fit into my blue lid bin / blue box / blue bag?

We will take excess recycling if placed at the side of your recycling containers, providing it is easily identifiable as recycling material and is suitably contained. Use clear bags or transparent containers (such as stacker boxes) rather than black sacks so that the content can be easily identified.

Please ensure any excess card, paper, magazines etc are separated from other excess recycling, i.e., glass, plastics, cans, beverage cartons, aerosols, and foil trays.

Large cardboard boxes should be flattened and broken down into smaller pieces no wider than 0.5m to fit the recycling compartment of our trucks.

My food waste will not be collected for more than 7 days including weekends.

Food waste will continue to be collected weekly - please take note of your new collection day.

My garden waste will not be collected for more than 14 days, including weekends.

If your garden waste collection is going to be delayed by more than 14 days, including weekends, we will be providing you with an extra garden waste collection between 18th and 22nd September. Please read your leaflet carefully as it will tell you when your additional collection takes place.

My collection day hasn’t changed - why do I have to put my bins / containers out by 7.00am?

Our collections can start as early as 7.00am. Whilst your collection day may not have changed, others on your collection round may have. This will affect the time your bins / containers are collected. Don’t miss a collection, always put your bins / containers out by 7.00am on your collection day. Also please note that even though your collection day hasn't changed the sequencing of collections may have. So you may, for example, get a recycling collection on your last "old" collection day and recycling again on your first "new" collection day. Your leaflet informs you what type of collection applies on your first day from 18 September.

If my collection day has changed, when will I be notified?

All leaflets will be delivered by 8 September.

I haven’t been notified of a change, but my neighbour has. Am I affected?

We will be writing to all properties by 8 September. You will also be able to find your new calendar online and check your new collection date from 18 September.

If my collection is missed, will you come back?

Please check that it is the right day for your bins / containers to be collected. If it is the right day for your collection and we haven’t taken your bin by 6.00pm then please report a missed collection and we will come back for it within two working days.

A missed collection must be reported within two working days of your new scheduled collection day.

Please remember to place your bin / containers out by 7.00am on the morning of your collection.

I cannot move my bin / container to put it out for collection due to disability or ill health and have an assisted collection - will this be affected if my day changes?

If you receive an assisted collection service, our teams will continue to collect your bin / container on your new collection day from its normal storage space, take it to the bin lorry for emptying and then return it back to its storage space.

Please note that your collection may take place at a different time of day than you are used to. However, if we have not taken your bin by 6.00 pm on your new collection day please report a missed collection.

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