If you regularly find you can't fit all your non-recyclable waste in your black bin then support is available from a waste minimisation officer.
The majority of households manage fine. During the changeover to three weekly collections we are asking households to give it a go, you may be surprised.
If the extra waste isn't a regular problem, for example if it's a result of a party or seasonal event such as Christmas, excess waste can be taken to a recycling centre.
Food waste
If you do have extra waste, the first step is to check you are recycling everything possible, including food waste. Food waste makes up on average 27% of the black bin, so recycling this frees up lots of room in your bin.
Extra boxes
You can order additional recycling boxes too. As part of the changes to collections from 9 June 2025, this includes being able to recycle all your plastic bags and soft plastic wrapping. Extra recycling frees up more space in the bin for non-recyclable items.
Qualifying for extra capacity
If you find you struggle with a three-weekly black bin collection due to medical needs, children in disposable nappies or a larger household, you may qualify for additional waste capacity for your non-recyclable waste.
An application form to request this will be available from the end of June. An officer will then contact you. If approved, additional waste capacity may be a bigger bin or sacks to put out an extra sack per collection.