There has been an increase of calls about wheeled bins / black sacks and clear sacks being left out other than on the relevant day of collection.

Wheeled bins and refuse or recycling sacks should be stored inside your property boundary as ‘ lost or damaged bins’ cannot always be replaced.  If a resident is found to be ignoring the guidelines, a charge may be applied for a replacement.  It could also lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Recent reports of vandalism, fly tipping and difficulty of access of other residents have been caused by bins, black and clear sacks being left out on days other that the correct collection day.  It may also cause obstructions to emergency services.  So in the interest of a ‘cleaner and greener community’, please remember our bin etiquette guidelines.

 

-        Ensure your wheeled bin / clear sacks are stored within the boundary of your property.

-         On the day of collection, please place your bin at your collection point with the handle pointing out to the road.

-         Put your bin / black sacks / clear sacks out ONLY on the morning (before 7.30am) or the night before collection day.

-         Be aware of where you place your bin / clear sacks on collection day.  Please try not to cause an obstruction.

-         Return your bin to the inside of your boundary as soon as possible after collection

-         If you are concerned that you may be causing an obstruction on collection day, please call 01376 552525 and ask for a Recycling Officer who will be able to advise you.

Make way on Collection day

One of the most common things that happen on collection day is ‘difficulty of access’ for the large refuse and recycling vehicles.  If the collection vehicle is unable to reach you due to parked cars or other obstructions, we will not be able to collect your waste or recycling at the normal time.  The vehicle has to return again and again until it can get through safely.  This increases costs and causes delays.

On you collection day, please remember that a large vehicle will want to enter and drive down your road, so please leave as much room as you can.  This also applies to emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances.  Remember, if we cannot get to you, we will not be able to help – so please help us and make way on collection day.

Saying No to Side Waste 

It is important to remember that Braintree District Council has a ‘No Side Waste Policy’.  This means all your waste must be contained within your wheeled bin.

This policy also includes bins that are ‘overloaded’ with waste and additional sacks that are placed either on the top of the bin or at the side.

Recycling Officers will be monitoring waste being left out for collection and if necessary will write to, and visit those households who consistently have side waste.

Top Tips

-         Recycle as much as you can before placing anything in your grey bin

-         Keep your bin lid shut

-         Wrap food and pet waste well, especially meat and fish

-         Use small bags e.g. kitchen bin liners.  You will fit more in your bin.