Frequently asked questions

  1. What if I have extra material for recycling?
    At the moment we are only able to collect waste that is conatined within your recycling bin or box. Once the new system and round changes have become established we may look at the possibility of offering a larger brown bin. To ensure best use is made of the space within your brown bin please crush all tins/plastics and fold or crush cardboard. Excess recycling can be taken to your nearest neighbourhood recycling centre.
  2. I don’t have a box or it has gone missing - how can I get one?
    Request it online, or call the Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400. We aim to deliver all containers requested within two weeks.
  3. 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 to use the green-lidded bin, brown bin and kerbside box this is fine. If you choose not to recycle you will still only receive a fortnightly collection of your black bin (or sacks).
  4. What happens if I contaminate my green lidded bin?
    If non compostable waste eg. plastic, is found in your bin it may not be emptied. A sticker will be placed on the bin to tell you what the contaminants are and the actions needed to get the bin collected.
  5. Can I put cardboard in my green bin?
    NO. You cannot put any type of cardboard in the green lidded bin. Cardboard must be placed in your brown bin.
  6. Can I put food waste in my green bin?
    Yes, the green bin is for food waste and garden waste. :
  7. What happens to the compostable waste?
    The compostable material is made into compost at a new facility in Buxton.
  8. I want to take part in the Bins and Recycling scheme, but I am having difficulties can I 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. If Customer Services are unable to assist you over the telephone we have a Recycling Promoter who can visit your home to help with any problems.
  9. I have forgotten to put my bin out - will I have to wait two weeks for the next collection?
    Missed collections should be reported within 48 hours of the scheduled collection day. We will return within 5 working days of the request being received. We are unable to return to any missed collections reported after 48 hours.
  10. Will side waste be collected?
    No, we are unable to take waste that is presented outside the bin. Excess waste can be taken to the local tip or neighbourhood recycling centres. For those residents who recieved their brown bins more than a fortnight before collections commenced we will take excess on the first collection only. Please ensure that any waste is presented either in an open topped box or carrier bags with untied handles.
  11. What if my bin smells?
    Experts from the Health Protection Agency have stated that an alternate week collection poses no increased risk to health. In order to minimize odours, please be aware of these good housekeeping measures: Keep bins out of direct sunlight wherever possible; Keep bin lids closed at all times; Try carbon filters that fit on the inside of the bin lid to absorb smells;
  12. Can I have 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 be too heavy for our vehicles to lift, if completely filled with compostable waste. Additional green bins can be purchased for an initial cost of £48.43 plus an ongoing annual charge. The 2013/14 annual charge is £21.75. Please note cardboard should now be presented in your new brown recycling bin. May we suggest composting some of your green waste? To purchase an additional bin please call Customer Services on 0845 129 77 77 or 01298 28400.
  13. I can not fit all my waste into my bin - can you help?
    The average household produces more than one tonne of waste per year, but if you separate your waste and use the green bin, brown 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.
  14. Why have you changed the way cardboard is collected?
    National changes to organic waste regulations mean that we will not be able to collect cardboard alongside leaves, grass and prunings and food waste from Friday, October 28 2011. Cardboard should now be placed in your new brown bin The change has been forced on the council by a tightening of regulations imposed by the Association for Organic Recycling (AfOR) to improve the quality of compost. Research by AfOR has found that collections of garden waste, food waste and cardboard are often heavily contaminated with other items and that some of the inks used on cardboard packaging take too long to break down.

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Last updated: 9th May 2012

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