Collection Service - Frequently Asked Questions

You may have some enquiries regarding the new collection service , here are some questions with answers that are regularly asked.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I know when to start using my silver bin?

You will receive a calendar which will show your specific collection dates or you can download a calendar online.

When can I have an additional silver bin?

If you consistently have extra recycling and you squash and flatten your cardboard, you may need an additional recycling bin. Please recycle for a few months and should you still need extra capacity, we will arrange a visit to discuss an additional recycling bin.

If my recycling bin is full, can I put out extra recycling next to my bin?

We will only collect recycling from the bin, with the lid closed, so please make sure you flatten or squash recycling where possible. If, over the next few months, you regularly have large amounts of extra recycling, you may need an additional silver bin.

Why can't I put textiles into my recycling collection?

As your recyclables are mixed together, we cannot collect textiles as they would be damaged. Please take them to a local charity shop, textile bank or Household Waste Recycling Centre.

Are we still recycling textiles

Yes, please take them to a local charity shop, textile bank or Household Waste Recycling Centre

Now I have a silver recycling bin, what shall I do with my old recycling boxes and bags?

Please feel free to use them for storage in your home or garden, or take them to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre.

What happens if I put the wrong items in my silver recycling bin?

We cannot empty the silver bin if it contains the wrong items. This will affect all of the contents of the recycling vehicle, which may then be rejected. You will then need to make your own arrangements for taking the material to the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

How clean does the recycling have to be?

Please rinse using water that you have washed your dishes in and make sure leftovers are removed.

I have a shared yard, how will I be able to store a recycling wheeled bin?

The silver bin has the same 'footprint' as the recycling box, so will not take up anymore space.

I have assistance with my current collections, will this be the same for the new collection service?

If, on the new service, you have a new collection day, you will have new crews collecting your recycling, garden and other waste. You should still be listed for an assisted collection and need to take no further action.

We have always had black sacks collected on a weekly basis, will this change?

Yes, as part of the new service, black sacks will be collected fortnightly.

I live in a flat and put refuse in a shared container. Will we have silver bins?

If you use a communal container your service will continue unchanged.

Why has my silver bin not been emptied and are you going to return and tip it?

If your bin contains items that are not recyclable it will not be emptied and these items must be removed before your next collection. If your bin was presented by 7.00am and we have missed you, we apologise. Please contact us to organise a return visit, as soon as we are able.

If we have to wait a for another recycling bin, what shall we do with the excess recycling?

Please take your additional recycling to the local Household Waste Recycling Centre or supermarket recycling centre.

I currently have a small black bin (140L), can I have a small silver bin?

We supply the standard size silver bins (240L), as we are aiming to encourage maximum recycling.

I currently have a large black bin (360L), can I have a large silver bin?

If, over the next few months, you regularly have large amounts of extra recycling, you may need an additional or larger silver bin, so please contact us and we will arrange a visit to discuss.

We can't present our bins on the same day without causing an obstruction, what can we do?

Please place the bins as close as possible to the collection point, at the end of your property, adjacent to the public highway.

I take my recycling to the supermarket, do I have to use a silver recycling bin?

You can recycle more items i.e cartons, foil, mixed plastics in the silver bin, than you can at the aupermarket and the collection is from your home. We would ask that you give it a try for a few months.

Can I put food waste into my garden waste bin?

We cannot accept kitchen organic waste because of Foot and Mouth regulations. All waste collected from the Garden Waste Service goes back on to farmland, and we have to ensure that there is a break in the food chain to prevent any future outbreaks. However, if you do wish to dispose of kitchen organic waste, you can do so by home composting.

Are we really recycling everything?

Yes, all recycling is taken to UPM Shotton. All paper is recycled on site at UPM and the other materials are separated and recycled by UPM approved end users. Priority is given to local recyclers, many are within a 30 mile radius of Shotton.This process is rigorously 'policed' by the Environment Agency. For more information watch the processes used at UPM's site in Shotton (PDF, 3.6MB).

For further information on the collections service, please visit the problems with collection page.