You are here: Home: Housing: Rubbish, waste and recycling: Future household waste FAQs

Future household waste FAQs

Introduction

We've had a large number of calls about the new and improved recycling service that's currently being introduced.

Here are some of the top questions you've been asking us.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the new scheme start?

The new collection will start week commencing 20th April. The door hanger that you were left should say if you are a week A or a week B collection. You can also find out which collection you receive at Recycle for Calderdale|; just enter your postcode in the 'Collection Day Finder'. Food waste and plastic bottles will be collected every week. Your residual household waste will be collected alternate weeks along with either paper and textiles or glass and tins. All collections will be on the same day each week.

Can I have a small wheelie bin?

Please use the large bin in the first instance. We are not expecting you to fill your bin, especially if you make use of the new and improved recycling that is available, but there are times when the extra capacity will be useful such as at Christmas, spring clear outs and family parties etc. If you want a smaller bin in order to get it past an obstruction, please forward your name, address, postcode and contact number to the Contact Centre by e mail: contactcentre.management@calderdale.gov.uk

Can I have a wheelie bin? I am not down to receive one/I have not received one

Even if you are not down to receive a wheelie bin, we would like to offer as many people as possible the chance to use the new system. Please forward your name, address, postcode and contact number to the Contact Centre by e mail: contactcentre.management@calderdale.gov.uk

Why have I not been left any liners for my new wheelie bin?

You do not need to use a liner in a wheelie bin, therefore we will not be leaving any dustbin liners at properties which will convert to wheeled bins. But we will leave sacks at properties which will remain on sack collections.

I have chosen to opt out of the wheelie bin scheme. Why do I have to buy my own sacks?

If you've chosen to opt out and your property is suitable for a wheelie bin, then you will need to buy sacks yourself and leave them out. However, if we've delivered a wheelie bin and you think your property isn't suitable we can reassess it. Please forward your name, address, postcode and contact number to the Contact Centre by e mail: contactcentre.management@calderdale.gov.uk

Can I have a black box and/or a green bag?

Please forward your name, address, postcode and contact number to the Contact Centre by e mail: contactcentre.management@calderdale.gov.uk

Can I have a white hessian bag for plastic bottles?

Please forward your name, address, postcode and contact number to the Contact Centre by e mail: contactcentre.management@calderdale.gov.uk

You can also contact us on 0845 245 7000. Please be aware that there has been a very high volume of calls and unfortunately, this may delay your call being answered. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your patience.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a wheelie bin?

75% of residents will move to the wheelie bin system, however for 25% of residents it will not be possible because of the terrain and its impact on contractors health and well-being.

To find out whether you will be receiving a wheelie bin, enter your address or postcode in the Wheelie bin provision - search.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the survey, it is possible that a small number of properties may be currently deemed as receiving a wheelie bin where it may not be a suitable property. This will be taken into account as the wheelie bins are delivered.

If you require a wheelie bin and have not yet received one or if you wish to contact someone about your wheelie bin please call the Contact Centre on 0845 245 7000.

Why are we changing the collection system?

We have to significantly increase recycling and reduce the amount of biodegradable waste going to landfill. Sending recyclables to landfill is a waste of our limited resources and biodegradable waste produces gases that contribute to climate change. Our residents will have to fund huge fines if we do not recycle more and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

Please remember that these changes to waste disposal are not driven by money or convenience, but by the pressing environmental need to find an alternative to landfill. If people do not change their habits and life-styles to recycle more, the alternatives are either to adopt a much less popular method of disposal such as incineration or accept that the long-term damage to the environment will be our legacy to generations to come.

This new service is not compulsory - if you do not wish to use the plastics or kitchen waste services, you do not have to, but if you do (and we hope all households will), we can all work together to help the environment, keep council costs down and avoid fines from sending too much to landfill and not achieving our recycling targets.

What containers will I get?

A standard household will be provided free of charge with:

How often will waste be collected?

Recyclables and food waste will be collected weekly. Waste that cannot be recycled will be collected fortnightly; all collections will be on the same day.

Are there any health risks associated to collections made fortnightly?

Published research shows that there is no evidence that fortnightly residual waste collection will cause any significant health impacts for residents, or that any health impacts are likely to be significantly greater than those associated with weekly collections.

What about the smell of the rubbish outside people's houses?

If people use their bins sensibly this will not be a problem. There will always be occasions when rubbish smells, whether the container is a wheelie bin or black sack. If you are throwing away something potentially smelly it should be wrapped up first.

If your bin becomes generally dirty or smelly it can also be rinsed out with soapy water. Some people like to do this themselves while others prefer to pay for the service. Wheelie bin liners and deodorisers are also available.

In the summer will the rubbish not collected for two weeks ferment whatever way it is wrapped?

Close fitting lids will prevent flies and vermin. People will be provided with a food waste service to remove the biodegradable (rotting, decaying) waste, so there should be nothing to attract them. The bins are vermin proof.

Will it be unhygienic?

No - wheelie bins are a much safer and more secure means of storing residual waste than sacks.

Where will I store my bins?

Most people store their wheelie bin where they would otherwise store full black sacks before collection such as in rear gardens, sideways, or front gardens. Some people have small wooden bin stores. New houses are often built with an integrated bin store. People who do not like the look of their wheelie bin can disguise it with trellis and climbing plants. You can also buy vinyl printed sheets to alter the appearance of your bin.

Where will my waste be collected from?

Wheelie bins should be taken to the edge of your property at the roadside. Properties remaining on a sack collection will continue with the existing collection arrangements.

Will I get help if I am physically unable to move my wheelie bin?

Yes, contact us and request an "Assisted Collection". If you cannot move the bin and there is no-one else in your household who can place it out for collection, a refuse collector will move your wheelie bin to and from an agreed location to the collection vehicle. This is called an Assisted Collection.

No elderly or disabled person should find the new refuse collection arrangements more difficult than the old black sack system.

Are the large bins difficult to handle?

Wheelie bins are designed to be easy to handle unlike sacks that need to be lifted and carried. Residents who have difficulty moving the regular sized bin can apply for a smaller one. Residents can also apply for the bin to be collected from inside the boundary of their property if they are unable to move it see Assisted Collection information above.

What if I have a large household? Can I have an extra bin?

Households that have a large number of occupants can apply for an assessment to receive an additional bin.

What happens when the bins are full up several days or even a week before collection day?

If people recycle everything they can, they will more than halve the amount left over - residual waste. Wheelie bins (which have the capacity of five sacks) should last for 14 days between collections.

Will the wheelie bins be chipped?

No. There are no plans to micro chip our bins.

If I live in a flat or house with difficult access, what will happen to me?

Alternative arrangements will be introduced for blocks of flats or houses with access difficulties. More information will be provided when we have it.

How much will the new collection system increase recycling rates?

We believe a combined recycling / composting rate will improve from 20% to over 40% following the introduction of the new service. A 50% increase on the current rate should meet the Government and European targets set for 2010.

What is the collection facility for the recycling of plastics?

Plastic bottles will be collected from the kerbside in the white bag provided, although plastic bottle lids are not suitable for recycling and should go in your wheelie bin.

Aren't wheelie bins an eyesore?

This is somewhat subjective, since sacks littering the streets days ahead of collection are both an eyesore and a hazard. It could also be argued that by increasing the amount of recycling we do, huge landfill sites that cause eyesores visible from great distances will become a thing of the past.

There are many ways to disguise and improve the appearance of your wheelie bin so that it fits into your environment. See above for details.

Won't this encourage fly-tipping and prove very unhygienic if rubbish is dumped?

The introduction of these arrangements should not encourage fly-tipping. The Council will still remove the refuse it collected under the old system, just in a different way. We hope that responsible residents understand the reasons for the change and will take up the new services.

If domestic rubbish is dumped, and evidence of the owner determined, the Council will prosecute.

Is Calderdale the first council to introduce this collection system?

No - more than 200 authorities have introduced this type of system and all have seen dramatic increases in their recycling rates. The nearest to us are Kirklees, Wakefield, Barnsley, Rotherham and Doncaster Councils and Lancashire Councils.

Won't the new collection system be more expensive?

No, the operating costs after introduction will be similar to now. There will be a significant saving in avoided landfill waste disposal costs amounting to millions of pounds each year.

back to top