It's a common call from managing agents: the recycling bin at a block has been left full, often with a sticker or tag on it, and the next collection doesn't take it either. Meanwhile it overflows, bags pile up beside it and residents start complaining. Here's what's usually going on and how to sort it.
Why the bin was left
Councils and their collection crews won't take a recycling bin if it contains the wrong materials, because one contaminated bin can spoil a whole lorry load of recycling. Common culprits in communal bins include:
- Recycling put in tied black bags, instead of loose
- Food waste, or food left in containers
- Nappies and general rubbish
- Items the local council doesn't recycle from bins, such as certain plastics or textiles
What counts as contamination varies from council to council, so it's worth checking your local council's website for exactly what goes in each bin.
Your options for getting it emptied
- Remove the contamination. If it's a few obvious items near the top, taking them out may be enough for the bin to be collected next time. With a full communal bin, this is rarely practical or pleasant.
- Ask the council. Some councils will arrange a one-off collection of a contaminated bin as general waste, sometimes for a fee. Check with your council.
- Use a registered waste carrier. A registered carrier can empty and clear the bin and take the waste away, so normal collections can restart. Make sure you get a Waste Transfer Note.
Whichever route you take, it's worth cleaning the bin afterwards. Contaminated recycling bins often have food residue and liquid in the bottom, which keeps smelling long after the waste has gone.
Stopping it happening again
- Clear signs on every bin. Simple pictures of what goes in, and what doesn't, work better than long lists.
- Tell residents. A short note or email after a missed collection explains why it happened and what it costs the building.
- Keep the store tidy. A clean, well-kept store is treated better than one that already looks neglected.
- Act quickly. The longer a full bin sits, the more side waste builds up around it.
How we help: our Waste Removal service clears contaminated recycling bins and side waste, and a Bin Store Reset clears the waste, cleans the store and cleans every bin in one visit. We're an upper tier waste carrier (CBDU667287) and every removal job comes with a Waste Transfer Note.
More about waste removal · Get a fixed price · 0800 772 3074