Frequently asked questions about waste and recycling

What day is my collection?

To check your collection days refer to your calendar, ring 0345 678 9007 or email customer.service@shropshire.gov.uk. We are working on providing an on-line system for checking collection days.

What time should I put my refuse or recyclable materials out?

To ensure collection refuse and recyclable waste must be available for collection by 7am on the scheduled day, at the normal collection point. It should not be put out any earlier than the previous evening.

How do I report a missed collection?

If your waste hasn't been collected on your usual collection day, please call us on 0345 678 9007 to let us know. When you call you will need to tell us the following: your name; your postcode; the type of waste that hasn't been collected (e.g. garden waste, general refuse, cans, newspapers etc); and the day/date that it should have been collected.

Where should the refuse and recyclable waste be put out for collection?

Containers should be left at the edge of the property where it meets the adopted highway. If you live on an 'unadopted road' then the normal collection point is at the nearest accessible adopted highway, unless agreed otherwise.

Does waste have to be in the containers supplied?

Yes. This applies to both the residual waste and recycling service. ‘Side waste’ (extra rubbish outside the bin) and overloaded or contaminated bins – such as recycling boxes and garden waste bins containing the wrong materials - will not be collected. Wheeled bin lids must be closed.

When is a bin too heavy to be collected?

There is no exact weight for a bin to be classed as too heavy. The crews will reserve the right to reject bins which may present a risk to their health and safety. This includes bins which are too heavy to pull or could cause an accident when lifted on the vehicles bin lift.

Am I eligible for an assisted collection?

Assisted (‘backdoor’) household waste and recycling collections can be offered to residents unable to take their bin, recycling box or bag to the kerbside collection point provided that the following rules apply:

(1) reasons of ill health or disability.
(2) there is no able-bodied person over the age of 18 permanently resident at the property.
(3) The containers must be available for collection from 7.00 am at the agreed safe location and will be emptied and returned to this point.
(4) Collection staff are not authorised to enter the residents house.
(5) Wheeled bin lids must be closed and ‘side waste’ (waste outside the collection container) will not be collected.
(6) Shropshire Council reserves the right to make further enquiries as to residents entitlement to the service and to withdraw the service if found to be unnecessary.

What materials can’t be put out for collection in the household waste bin or bag?

• Any items too large or too heavy to go in the wheeled bin or sacks provided.
• Hazardous materials – e.g. chemicals, asbestos, car batteries, vehicle oil, gas bottles.
• Fluorescent tubes.
• Household fixtures and fittings.
• Building rubble.
• Car parts.
• Hot ashes.
• Garden waste.
• Waste from any business.

How can I get rid of large items, furniture etc that won’t go in the bin?

There are several possible options:

(1) Contact the local charity furniture scheme, which collect usable furniture, electrical items etc for donation to the needy.
(2) Advertise or join a waste exchange scheme such as ‘Freecycle’ – someone else might want the item.
(3) Take the waste to the nearest Household Recycling Centre (entry permits are required for commercial type vehicles and trailers). Note that if someone is paid to transport waste of any type then it is defined as trade waste and cannot be taken to a HRC.
(4) A supervised amenity skip or refuse collection vehicle is provided at some locations in the South Shropshire and North Shropshire districts, periodically. Please refer to the schedules for more information.
(5) A bulky household waste collection service is available on payment. For more information about this service, including details of charges and application procedure please follow the link or ring 0345 678 9007.

How can I get rid of hazardous household waste?

Facilities are provided at the household recycling centres for the disposal of hazardous materials such as household and garden chemicals, paints, gas bottles, batteries, low energy lighting, TV's, monitors and vehicle oil. If you wish to dispose of household asbestos waste (e.g. corrugated asbestos roofing sheets) please telephone 01743 255989.

Do you collect plastic for recycling?

We plan to introduce kerbside collections of plastic bottles throughout the Shropshire Council area during 2010. We have already introduced collections in Oswestry and the rest of Shropshire will be coming soon. You will be notified by leaflet before collections begin in your area. In the interim please continue to make use of the plastic bottle recycling banks at supermarkets and household recycling centres. Unfortunately other types of plastic, such as food trays, yoghurt pots and cling film cannot currently be recycled.

Do you provide services to get rid of garden waste?

Most Shropshire residents have a fortnightly wheeled bin service to collect compostable garden waste – grass cuttings, prunings, leaves, weeds and flowers etc. Garden waste can also be taken to a household recycling centres.
We also promote home composting – follow the link for more information and details of the subsidised compost bin scheme.

How do I get a permit for the Household Recycling Centre?

The best way is to apply online by completing the online application form - please follow the link to find and complete the form. You can also print and complete the PDF form that is attached to this page - then post it to us. Once your application has been received, we will post the permits to you.

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