Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What if I haven't got room for a second bin?

Most people will have space for a second bin. Please try your new bin for six weeks, and if you then feel an alternative size would be more appropriate, contact the Council to arrange this. It may also be possible to share a green bin, if appropriate.

What if I can't fit my waste in my bin?

The average household produces more than one tonne of waste per year, but if you separate your waste and use the green bin and green box correctly, you should not have any problems. More than 60% of your black bin waste can be recycled using this scheme. However, if you do struggle, families with five or more people can apply for a larger bin. Please try your bin for six weeks. A member of the Waste Management Team will visit you after receiving your request to ensure that you are fully using the services available to you. Those households receiving a larger bin must continue to recycle, and this will be monitored.

I would like a larger green-lidded bin

We only provide a 240-litre green-lidded bin, which is the maximum bin size. Any bin larger than this would end up too heavy, if completely filled with compostable waste. May we suggest composting some of your green waste?

If you are still experiencing difficulties, please contact our Customer Services team, or call 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.

What if my bin smells?

Experts from the Health Protection Agency have stated that an alternate week collection poses no increased risk to health, and currently one in three local authorities operate similar schemes. In order to minimize odours, please be aware of these good housekeeping measures:

  1. Keep bins out of direct sunlight wherever possible;
  2. Keep bin lids closed at all times;
  3. Double wrap food scraps before putting in your black bin;
  4. Regularly swill out your bin with disinfectant;
  5. Try carbon filters that fit on the inside of the bin lid to absorb smells - contact the Council for more information;
  6. Line the bottom of your green-lidded bin with cardboard (It helps to clean the bin as it is emptied!)

Will side waste be collected?

No, not from black or green-lidded bins - please make sure bin lids are closed. If you have excess waste, please email Customer Services or call 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.

What if I have extra material for recycling?

If you have extra recycling that will not fit in your green kerbside box or blue bag, leave it in a cardboard box and this will be emptied. You can have a second green box, if you continually have this problem.

I have forgotten to put my bin out - will I have to wait two weeks for the next collection?

If you miss your collection, contact Customer Services and your bin will be emptied within five working days. No side waste will be taken, so please make sure that you only leave your bin out for collection.

I want to take part in the scheme, but I am having difficulties and need to talk to someone...

Contact Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400 - someone will be happy to discuss any problems you may be having.

Green-lidded bin collections (cardboard and garden waste)

What happens to the compostable waste?

The compostable material is made into compost and is currently used for landscape reclamation work, including old landfill, quarry and colliery sites. Unfortunately, compost is not available for the public at the moment.

Can I put kitchen waste in my green bin?

No, food cannot be included at this time - this is due to the composting process currently used. In the future, food waste may be included, but you will be informed when this is the case.

What type of cardboard can I put in? Does this include coloured cardboard, such as cereal boxes?

You can put in any type of cardboard packaging, such as corrugated boxes and glossy boxes. There will be more space in your green bin if you flatten or tear the cardboard. Please remove any clear plastic window panels.

Please do not put drink cartons - ‘tetra-paks’ - in the green bin. Drink cartons are waxed, or have plastic and aluminium layers and will not compost. They can however, be taken to some recycling centres across the Borough - Follow this link to find out where.

If in doubt, perform the “TEAR TEST” - if the cardboard container tears easily, it can be put in the green bin.

What happens if I contaminate my bin?

A sticker will be placed on the bin to tell you what the contaminants are and the actions needed to get the bin collected. The procedure is as follows:

  1. Yellow sticker placed on unemptied bin and householder advised how to prevent contamination;
  2. If there is further contamination within three months, another yellow sticker and advice will be issued from the Waste Management Team;
  3. If there is a third incident of contamination, a red sticker will be issued and the bin may be removed, following a second visit from the Waste Management Team.

What happens if I don't want to take part?

Although we would prefer you to recycle as much as possible, if you do not want a green-lidded bin this is fine. Please try the green-lidded bin for three collections first, and if you still don't require it, the bin will be removed and you will only receive fortnightly collections of your black bin.

My bin has been missed. When will it be emptied?

Your bin may contain contamination. Please contact the Customer Services Department on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400. Any bins that are missed will be emptied within five working days.

General Questions

My bin has gone missing, or it is damaged and needs repairing, what can I do?

Please contact the Council and we will replace or repair your bin within 14 days.

I pay my council tax to have my bin emptied every week, I want a tax rebate!

Every household still gets a weekly collection - the waste types have simply been split up into different collections. It costs an average price of £29 in council tax per household per year (that's 56p per week) to take away all your refuse and recycling. This represents excellent value for money - an equivalent private collection of household waste would be far more expensive.

I've moved into a new property and want to buy a new bin, do I have to pay for two bins? And if so, how much will it be?

Any new properties will have to pay £20 for the black bin. During the rollout, the green bin will be delivered free of charge to new properties at the same time as the black bin.

I currently receive a bag collection. What do I need to do on the new scheme?

Residents who currently have a bag collection, have the option of moving towards a wheeled bin collection. In some circumstances, the sack collection will be kept and a special bio-degradable bag will be provided for the garden waste and cardboard.

I do not agree with the new method of collection, how do I comment on it?

The Council is always grateful to receive comments on the services that we provide. If you wish to complain, please complete a "let us know" form. Alternatively, you can telephone Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400, and someone will take details of your complaint.

Are business premises included in the twin bin pilot scheme?

Businesses are not currently included on the twin bin scheme and there will be no impact on their emptying frequency, as a result of the new services. Recycling for businesses is a service that the Council is investigating, but at the moment, there is no capacity to collect this waste on the existing vehicles.

How can I find out my collection day or date?

You should have received a calendar with your collection dates. If this has been misplaced, please contact Customer Services.

Alternatively, you can find your collection dates calendar here.

If you have any queries, please email Customer Services or call 0845 129 77 77 / 01298 28400.

I have a home composter. Can I still use it?

Yes, you can continue to put material in your home compost bin. Just use your green bin for cardboard and when you produce excess garden waste. If you would like to start composting at home, High Peak Borough Council offers reduced price home composting bins, which can be delivered free of charge. Call 0845 077 0757 to order your bin or, for free advice on all home composting issues, phone 0845 600 0323.

Old furniture, clothing, appliances and other bulky goods

Glossopdale Furniture Project

Unwanted furniture can be donated to the Glossopdale Furniture Project, where it is restored and passed to people in social need. Donations will be collected free of charge. For more information, please contact the project on 01457 857 505.

Real nappies

For advice and support on switching to real nappies, please contact Derbyshire’s Real Nappy Campaign: Time for Change, on 01629 580 000 ext 7051

Freecycle in the UK

This is a grassroots network of people (External website**) who have things to get rid of, and people who can use them. Freecycle tries to keep usable items out of landfills, to reduce consumerism, with fewer goods manufactured, and lessen the impact on the earth. Everything posted must be free, legal and appropriate for all ages - whether it's a chair, fax machine, piano or an old door, simply email your local group.

Charity shops

There are a number of charity shops across the High Peak that accept unwanted clothes and textiles. For more information contact Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.

Bulky collections

We operate a service for the removal of bulky items such as furniture and old appliances at a minimum cost of £10 and offers a 50% discount for those in receipt of benefit. The removal of waste such as DIY waste will be assessed. Charges will be levied based on the time and resources needed. The Council does not undertake house clearances.

Fridges, freezers and other electrical items

The Council provides a separate collection service for fridges, dehumidifiers and freezers from domestic households at £10 per item, and offers a 50% discount for those in receipt of benefit. Fridges and freezers are recycled. Other electrical items can be collected by the council. Please call the Council or check our website. Alternatively items can be taken to the Civic Amenity site (address below).

The Waste Tip

Everything else

Furniture • electrical appliances • fridges • freezers • carpets • cardboard • vehicle oil • bricks • soil and rubble • material from small DIY jobs, such as wood and chipboard, can be taken to Derbyshire County Council's Civic Amenity Site (the tip) at Melandra Road Transfer Station, Brookfield, Glossop.

For information on the above collection services, email Customer Services or call 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.

**Please note: High Peak Borough Council is not responsible for the content of any external websites.