Sort It! Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the scheme that is being introduced?
2. Why is the Council introducing wheeled bins?
3. Will every property get the wheeled bins?
4. I live in a flat. Will I be given a bin?
5. I live in a flat and share a large communal bin. Am I expected to push the bin to the gate way?
6. Won't there be problems with smells and flies in my black bin over the two weeks between collections in the summer?   Isn't it a health hazard to leave rubbish uncollected for so long
7.Are there any items I shouldn't put in my wheeled bins?
8.Can I dispose of household waste myself?
9.Can I get a smaller/bigger bin for my household?
10.Does it matter which colour wheelie bin is put out each week?
11.Does my collection day ever change?
12.How do I dispose of garden waste?
13.How do I dispose of syringes and other clinical waste?
14.How much does a wheelie bin cost to buy?
15.How much will a Bulky Refuse collection cost me?
16.How often is litter cleaned from my street?
17.How often will my household rubbish be collected?
18.How often will my green waste bin be collected?
19.My bin is full. What should I do?
20.My wheelie bin is collected on a Bank Holiday. Will it be collected as normal?
21.What can I do if I am unable to move the wheelie bin to the curtilege of my property?
22.What do I do if my bin is stolen?
23.What happens if I have more refuse than I can fit in my bin?
24.What happens if my bin gets damaged?
25.What happens if my bin is not collected or I forget to put it out?
26.Where do I put my bin for collection?
27.Which day of the week is my bin collected?
28.Why do I have to use sacks when all my friends have wheeled bins?
29.Who do I contact in the event of a query?
30.Where is the pilot area and am I in the pilot area?
31.When will the bins be delivered?
32.When is the first collection?
33.What are the benefits of wheeled bins?
34.What about elderly, infirm or disabled people?
35.Can I put garden waste in my refuse bin?
36.Can I put refuse in my green waste bin?
37.Does it matter if the lids will not shut on my bins?
38.Are different sizes of bin available?
39.How early should I put my bin out?
40.If I put out additional rubbish out in black bags will it be collected?
41.How do I clean my bin and how often should it be done?
42.My bin was not emptied but my neighbour's was. Will they come back for mine?
43.My refuse bin is very full and feels quite heavy. Is that a problem?
44.There is rubbish stuck at the bottom of my bin? Why was it not fully emptied?
45.What happens to collections in bad weather?
46.What happens to the wheeled bins if I am moving house?
47.What will happen if I do not want to operate the wheeled bin scheme?
48.What will happen if I am unable to have a wheeled bin?
49.I currently put my rubbish into a dustbin. Can I continue to use this?
50.How can I contact the council regarding my wheeled bins?
51.What right has the council to stipulate that I must use a wheeled bin?
52.How do I get rid of furniture and large objects that won't fit into my bin?
53.What about cat and dog mess?
54.Can I put my grey bin out on a green bin week?
55.Our family produces a lot of disposable nappies? What should we do?
56.Will the contents of my green wheeled bin be decomposing after two weeks?
57.Why can't I put kitchen waste in my green bin?
58.Do you collect furniture etc?
59.Where can I buy liners for my kitchen caddy?

1.What is the scheme that is being introduced?

Where appropriate, properties in Taunton Deane will be given, free of charge, one wheeled bin. This will be coloured grey and is intended for the collection of rubbish that cannot be recycled. The bin will be emptied fortnightly. In addition to the introduction of wheeled bins the council is extending the existing kerbside recycling collection to include glass and food waste. To accommodate the food waste each household will be given a further two containers. A kitchen caddy for collecting the food waste in the kitchen and a second larger container for containing the food waste for collection. To reduce the problem of odours and flies the kerbside collection will be carried out weekly rather than fortnightly. Like the wheeled bin scheme this increased kerbside collection will be phased in. You will be informed by letter when you are due to come onto the scheme. Timber, electrical goods, suitable plastics, cardboard and metal items should be taken to amenity sites for recycling. Therefore, all that should be put into the grey refuse wheeled bin are packaging materials etc. that are not recyclable.

2.Why is the Council introducing wheeled bins?

The council is required by law to increase the percentage of waste that is recycled. By 2005/06 33% of household waste must be recycled and wheeled bins, along with other measures to be introduced at the same time, are intended to help householders achieve this figure by encouraging more recycling. Ultimately any reduction in the use of landfill sites and an increase in recycled materials will have a beneficial effect on the world we live in. In addition the wheeled collection method reduces the injuries sustained by collection crews.

3.Will every property get the wheeled bins?

Not every property, and every householder, is suitable for wheeled bins. For example a terraced house with no access from the rear may front directly onto the pavement. It would be irresponsible to expect the bins to be wheeled through the property or to be stored permanently on the pavement. Other properties may have an excessive number of steps to wheel the bins up and down. In these and other cases the households will stay on black sack collection.

4.I live in a flat. Will I be given a bin?

Yes. Where there is space each household will be given their own bin. In some circumstances where space is at a premium blocks of flats will be given large bins for communal use.

5.I live in a flat and share a large communal bin. Am I expected to push the bin to the gateway?

No. These bins are both large and heavy. The collection crews will move the refuse vehicle as near as possible to the bin store area and then push the bin to the vehicle for unloading. The bin will then be returned to the storage area.

6.Won't there be problems with smells and flies in my black bin over the two weeks between collections in the summer? Isn't it a health hazard to leave rubbish uncollected for so long?

The Council has thought of this potential problem and has taken measures to overcome it. The kerbside collection is to be extended to include not only paper, clean tins & drink cans, vehicle batteries and textiles but also glass and food waste. You will receive two additional containers for collecting food waste from the kitchen and for putting out by the kerbside. This collection will also become weekly rather than fortnightly. With the food taken out of the general refuse there should be no problems with odours and flies.

7.Are there any items I shouldn't put in my wheeled bins?

Yes. You can put any item of household waste into the black refuse bin except Kerbside collection items - paper, textiles, car batteries, tins cans & drink cans, glass & foodstuffs .Hazardous waste - hot ashes, liquids, chemicals, soil & building rubble, gas bottles, bulk items (furniture etc), paint tins, fluorescent or television tubes, motor parts, medicines and asbestos.The green bin should only be used to dispose of garden waste and then of a suitable size to fit easily into the bin. Large tree trunks, for example, should not be put into either of the bins. 

8.Can I dispose of household waste myself?

Yes. If you wish to dispose of the excess waste yourself you should use your local amenity centre.

9.Can I get a smaller/bigger bin for my household?

If you consider that you are generating additional waste because of the extended size of your family you can contact the council with a request for a larger 240l bin. An officer will visit you and assess the situation. In all other cases you will only be entitled to a standard 180l bin.

10.Does it matter which colour wheelie bin is put out each week?

Yes. As the collections are geared up for alternate weekly collections if the wrong coloured bin is put out the crews will not collect the contents. See your leaflet delivered with the bins for details of the relevant collection dates.

11.Does my collection day ever change?

Yes. Although we would like to keep your collection day the same for always there will inevitably be changes. As the scheme progresses it may be necessary to fine-tune the collection rounds by removing roads from one round to another. New developments are being built all around the District, which may alter the routes and therefore the collection days for your waste. In addition bank holidays result in a temporary change of days as the crews catch up with the disrupted collections. You will be informed of all these changes.

12.How do I dispose of garden waste?

If you have a garden then you have the option of hiring a green refuse bin. If you wish to take part in this scheme contact Customer Services on 01823 356346. Once you have your green bin use it only for garden waste. Putting general household waste in the green bin may cause the load on the collection vehicle becoming contaminated so badly that it cannot be composted, therefore if your green bin contains household waste it will not be collected.

13.How do I dispose of syringes and other clinical waste?

We currently offer a weekly clinical waste collection service.  The waste must be contained in a sharps box/yellow clinical waste sack. To request the service please contact Customer Services on (01823) 356356

14.How much does a wheelie bin cost to buy?

Waste fees and charges

 15.How much will a Bulky Refuse collection cost me?

For details please ring Customer Services on (01823) 356356

16.How often is litter cleaned from my street?

Litter is removed from the streets on a regular basis. However, if for some unforeseen reason a large quantity of rubbish should accumulate between cleanings then please inform the Council by ringing Customer Services on (01823) 356356 so that street cleaners can be sent out.

17.How often will my household rubbish be collected?

The new scheme is a fortnightly collection. You will receive a leaflet showing you the dates of your collections and any variations caused by bank holidays.

18.How often will my green waste bin be collected?

The new scheme is a fortnightly collection. When you subscribe to the scheme you will receive a leaflet showing you the dates of your collections and any variations caused by bank holidays.

19.My bin is full. What should I do?

Please try to slim your bin by recycling as much as you can. Please feel free to take any extra waste that cannot be recycled and will not fit into your bin to the Household Waste Recycling Centre.

20.My wheelie bin is collected on a Bank Holiday. Will it be collected as normal?

All collections following a Bank Holiday will fall one day late that week. Please refer to your leaflet for these changes of dates.

21.What can I do if I am unable to move the wheelie bin to the curtilege of my property?

You can request an assisted collection where the collection crews will take and replace your bin from its normal storage point. You may be asked to produce a doctor's certificate to confirm your difficulty in moving your bins.

22.What do I do if my bin is stolen?

Stolen bins will be replaced by the Council at no cost. Where there are disputes of ownership, bins can be traced to the correct household by serial numbers.

23.What happens if I have more refuse than I can fit in my bin?

You will have to dispose of the excess rubbish by taking it to your nearest amenity centre. Hopefully by recycling as much as is possible you should reduce the size of your general refuse right down so that it will fit into the bin. Most items people throw away can be recycled, they do not need to go to the landfill site.

24.What happens if my bin gets damaged?

Contact the Council Customer Services on (01823) 356356 so that a repair can be carried out.

25.What happens if my bin is not collected or I forget to put it out?

If we fail to collect your bin then ring Customer Services on (01823) 356356 for a special collection. If you fail to put the bin out on the day of collection then you will have to wait a fortnight until the following collection. You will have to take the rubbish to the amenity centre yourself as we will not take the excess on the next collection date unless it can fit into one bin.

26.Where do I put my bin for collection?

The correct bin for collection should be placed at the nearest point on the boundary of your property to the street from which the collection vehicle approaches. This could be the front, side or rear of your property. Please leave the handle facing out towards the road.

27.Which day of the week is my bin collected?

Please see your leaflet for details of the dates of collection. Please note the variations caused by bank holidays.

28.Why do I have to use sacks when all my friends have wheeled bins?

Following the survey of your property it was considered to be unsuitable for wheeled bins. Your may have no access to the rear except through the house which then opens directly onto a pavement. You may have a large number of steps to bump the bins up and down. If despite the circumstances you would like to participate in the scheme by ringing Customer Services on (01823) 356356 the council will ensure bins are delivered to you.

29.Who do I contact in the event of a query?

Ring Customer Services on (01823) 356356.

30.Where is the pilot area and am I in the pilot area?

There is no pilot area. The scheme is to be implemented across the Borough and is being brought in phases.

31.When will the bins be delivered?

As the phases progress over time you will receive a letter giving you a date as well as details of how to use the bins a few weeks before delivery.

32.When is the first collection?

When the bins are delivered you will receive a calendar of collection dates that will contain the start date.

33.What are the benefits of wheeled bins?

Wheeled bins are part of a new initiative to increase the amount of waste items that are recycled. By providing an optional green bin to collect garden waste a considerable quantity of compostable material can be recovered rather than sent to landfill sites where it contributes to environmental problems. Across the whole borough there will be a weekly kerbside collection of paper, tins, textiles & shoes, car batteries, glass and foodstuffs further reducing the types of waste being landfilled. By also introducing a grey wheeled bin for refuse collection and restricting collection to one bin-full a fortnight, people will be encouraged to recycle the maximum possible. A wheeled bin collection system also reduces the number of injuries sustained by collection crews and help prevent litter problems caused by split refuse sacks.

34.What about elderly, infirm or disabled people?

You can request an assisted collection where the collection crews will take and replace your bin from its normal storage point. You may be asked to produce a doctor's certificate to confirm your difficulty in moving your bins.

35.Can I put garden waste in my refuse bin?

No. We do not collect garden waste as part of the normal domestic refuse collection. We offer a separate garden waste collection service whereby you can hire a wheeled bin for an annual fee or purchase paper sacks. The green waste can be used to make compost whilst the waste in the grey bin goes off to the landfill site where it contributes to the harmful greenhouse gases.

36.Can I put refuse in my green waste bin?

No. This will contaminate the load meaning that it cannot be composted down into a useful product.

37.Does it matter if the lids will not shut on my bins?

Yes. Lids that are not closed tightly on collection have been known to swing open prematurely whilst being hoisted up at the rear of the vehicle for emptying. This has resulted in the machinery becoming jammed or the bin falling into the hopper. Health and Safety issues prevent the bin being recovered and it is crushed along with the rest of the load requiring the bin to be replaced.

38.Are different sizes of bin available?

Yes. Properties with several occupiers or large families will be issued with a larger bin if they need one. Flats may be issued with larger communal bins where appropriate.

39.How early should I put my bin out?

Your bin should be available for collection by 7.00am on the correct day. The earliest the bin should be put is 7.00pm the night before your collection. You should return your emptied bin to its normal storage point as soon as practicable after emptying.

40.If I put out additional rubbish out in black bags will it be collected?

No. Accepting additional refuse to that in the wheeled bin defeats the objective of encouraging people to recover all recyclable materials possible. Try to keep the grey refuse bin for only those items that cannot be recycled at present. 

41.How do I clean my bin and how often should it be done?

The bin can be cleaned by turning it on its side and using a long handled brush and soapy water. Alternatively companies exist that for a reasonable cost will clean your bin for you. As to periodic cleaning this will depend on how long it takes to become dirty. By putting your refuse in bags before placing them in the black bin the bin will both empty easier and remain cleaner for longer.

42.My bin was not emptied but my neighbour's was. Will they come back for mine?

We have obviously forgotten your bin. If this happens please contact Customer Services on (01823) 356356 for a special collection. In order to avoid a missed collection please ensure your bin is clearly visible to the collection crews.

43.My refuse bin is very full and feels quite heavy. Is that a problem?

Yes. The bin is designed to hold 80kg. Above this weight it becomes progressively difficult to push. This is an indication that you have overloaded the bin, probably because you are disposing of items that can be recycled and therefore should not be in the bin in the first place.

44.There is rubbish stuck at the bottom of my bin? Why was it not fully emptied?

The bin is emptied mechanically by lifting and shaking. If waste is packed tightly into the bin it may not shake loose. It is not the responsibility of the collection crews to prise this waste loose.

45.What happens to collections in bad weather?

Collections of waste in bad weather will only be affected by weather that prevents the vehicle reaching your property, no different to the situation with black sack collections. Special collections will be made to catch up with the backlog.

 46.What happens to the wheeled bins if I am moving house?

The bins are intended to stay with the property and should not be taken away when you move.

47.What will happen if I do not want to operate the wheeled bin scheme?

Should you not wish to operate the wheeled bin scheme even though you are not exempt you will be expected to remove your own waste to the tip.

48.What will happen if I am unable to have a wheeled bin?

You will remain on the existing black sack collection.

49.I currently put my rubbish into a dustbin. Can I continue to use this?

No. The old fashioned bins cannot be loaded using the automated equipment on the rear of the collection vehicles.

50.How can I contact the council regarding my wheeled bins?

Please contact Customer Services on (01823) 356356.

51.What right has the council to stipulate that I must use a wheeled bin?

Section 46 of The Environmental Protection Act 1990 gives the Council the right to stipulate both the waste container to be used and what goes into it.

52.How do I get rid of furniture and large objects that won't fit into my bin?

Please contact customer services on (01823) 356356. to arrange a special collection.

53.What about cat and dog mess?

This should be doubled bagged and placed in the grey refuse bin.

54.Can I put my grey bin out on a green bin week?

No. The collection crews will only take the correctly coloured bin for that week.

55.Our family produces a lot of disposable nappies? What should we do?

Please make sure they are double wrapped and placed in the grey refuse bin.

56.Will the contents of my green wheeled bin be decomposing after two weeks?

No. It takes considerably longer for the decomposition process to be effective than two weeks.

57.Why can't I put kitchen waste in my green bin?

At present the technology to compost food and garden waste in the same process is too expensive to use. At some time in the future if the machinery becomes affordable food and garden waste may be taken together.

58.Do you collect furniture etc?

Not on the fortnightly collection service. Furniture, if in good condition and complying with current safety regulations, can be collected by The Home Furniture Services Trust for reuse. They can be contacted on (01823) 253053. All other large goods can be removed by special collection Please phone Cleanaway on (01823) 662885 for details and prices.

59. Where can I buy liners for my kitchen caddy?

Kitchen caddy liners can be bought at a number of local shops and post offices.

For further information contact the helpline 01823 356346 or email enquiries@tauntondeane.gov.uk.