1. Why has Ealing Council changed the way my rubbish is collected?
- We want to increase the amount of waste we recycle. We currently recycle 46% of all our waste and we aim to reach 50% by 2018.
- Last year we spent £8 million throwing rubbish away. By recycling more we can reduce this bill and spend your money on better things.
- We want to make recycling as easy as possible.
- Wheelie bins stop foxes and rats ripping open rubbish sacks and prevent recycling being blown away from open containers. This reduces the amount of litter and waste on our streets.
- We want to reduce traffic congestion and help to improve air quality by reducing the number of trucks used to collect your waste.
2. How does it work?
- Food waste is collected weekly from small green food waste bins.
- Mixed recycling is collected from a blue wheelie bin.
- Household rubbish is collected from a black wheelie bin.
- Recycling and food waste is collected one week and rubbish and food waste the next week.
- Check your collection schedule online
3. Why is the recycling mixed together? Is it all just going to landfill?
No - recycling is a valuable commodity and is expensive to throw away so why would we put it in landfill? All of the mixed recycling is taken to a materials recycling facility (MRF) where it is mechanically sorted using magnets, gravity, puffs of air and other processes. Sorted recycling will then be reprocessed and used to make new materials.
4. What can I put in my black rubbish bin?
Anything which cannot be recycled including:
- Clingfilm
- Cellophane
- Sanitary products
- Pet waste
- Plastic bags
- Crisp packets
- Polystyrene
- Nappies
- Your bin will not be collected if it contains DIY waste.
All waste that cannot be recycled must be placed inside the black wheelie bin with the lid kept shut. If households recycle their food waste and other materials there is very little that should be left to put in your rubbish.
5. What can I put in my blue recycling bin?
The following items can be placed loose inside your blue recycling bin:
- Paper - newspaper, telephone directories, envelopes and office paper
- Plastic - pots, tubs, trays and bottles only
- Metal - tins, cans, foil and aerosols
- Cardboard - plain, corrugated and cereal boxes
- Cartons - tetra packs, food and drink carton
- Glass
The following items can also be recycled but should be placed on top of or next to your recycling bin on collection day:
- Textiles such as clothes, bags, belts, curtains, blankets, shoes tied in pairs, odd socks and lingerie - please put these items in a bag
- Household batteries - please put these in a tied up bag
We want to collect as much recycling as possible, so we will collect additional recycling.
Your bin will not be collected if it contains DIY or garden waste.
6. What if I can't fit all my recycling or rubbish in the bin?
We will collect extra recycling, placed neatly next to the blue bin. Recycling tied in black rubbish sacks will not be collected.
We will not collect rubbish left next to or on top of the black wheelie bin. If you think your bin is not adequate for your household's needs then you can request a different sized bin, but please recycle more first.
7. Can I decorate my wheelie bin?
Yes, you can decorate your wheelie bin, but we recommend your property name or number is clearly displayed to help crews to return your bin. We have collated some different ideas on how to decorate or screen your bin on our Pinterest page.
8. Where will my bin be collected from?
Wheelie bins should be presented at the front boundary of your property as close to the pavement as possible (but not on it) by 7am on your collection day.
9. How will I know which containers to put out each week?
You can also check your collection schedule online. To help you remember which bins to put out each week you can also download the free Ealing @home recycling app.
10. I am physically unable to manage the bin, can I get help?
Yes, if no one within the household is able to present the bins we can offer you a free assisted collection service. To request this, call 020 8825 6000 or complete the online form.
If you already receive an assisted collection, this will automatically continue under the new service and you do not need to contact us.
11. What if my bin is broken or goes missing?
Wheelie bins remain the property of the council and each householder is responsible for keeping their bin safe. However, bins do get damaged or stolen from time to time. If the bin is damaged in such a way that it is no longer functional or if the bin goes missing or is stolen, get in touch and we will deliver a replacement. Although this service is free, the council reserves the right to charge residents who do not take proper care of the bin.
12. How do I keep my bin clean?
It is your responsibility to clean your bin. The frequency and way you clean your bin is up to you.
If you bag your rubbish before you put it in the black bin and rinse and dry your recycling before you place it in the blue bin, it will help to keep your bins clean. Please do not use plastic or paper liners in the blue wheelie bins.
12. Has the garden waste service changed?
No. The garden waste collection service has not changed. Residents that subscribe to this service can continue to use green sacks or green wheelies to present their garden waste. Their collection schedule remains the same as before.