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Refuse Collection FAQs

How often will I receive a collection?

Once every 2 weeks.

What size is the bin?

The bin measures - W 50cm, D 74cm, H 109cm, has a capacity of 180L

What can I put in my bin?

General household waste BUT none of the items you can recycle.

Can I collect my waste in a black sack and then move the sack to the grey lidded bin?

Yes

What should I NOT put in my bin?

All the items you can recycle:

  • food and drink pots, tubs and trays, bottles and jars, cans, aerosols and cartons.
    These should be placed in your recycling bin
  • Newspaper, pamphlets, cardboard, paper, magazines, brochures, junk mail, office paper, yellow pages.
    These should be placed in your black box
  • All foodstuffs: Meat and fish (raw and cooked including bones), fruit and vegetables (raw and cooked), all dairy products (such as eggs and cheese, breads, cakes, pastries, rice pasta and beans), uneaten food from your plates and dishes, tea bags and coffee grounds.
    These should be placed in your food container

Where do I put my bin for collection?

Your bin needs to be placed at the boundary of your property. On your property at the nearest point to the highway (just inside your gate) that allows the collectors to move the bin freely out to the vehicles.

What happens if my bin is not collected?

If your bin is not collected you will need to report it at https://collections.dover.gov.uk/property 

What happens if I forget to put my bin out?

Unfortunately you will be asked to present your bin at the next scheduled date for collection.

What happens if my bin goes missing?

If your bin goes missing on the day of collection then please report this at https://collections.dover.gov.uk/property  

What Happens if my bin gets damaged?

If your bin is damaged on the day of collection then please report this at https://collections.dover.gov.uk/property 

What happens if I cannot accommodate a bin on my property?

Alternative containers are available for the properties in the district that cannot accommodate a bin. If you can store bins in a back garden you may be issued with a bin for storage and you will be required to present your waste on your scheduled collection day.

What happens if I have more than I can get in my bin?

The standard wheeled bins used within the district have a capacity of 180 litres and the recycling and food waste accounts for up to 70% of the volume of your waste. If you recycle you should have sufficient capacity. For most households the bin should be adequate to hold fortnightly refuse and only the contents of your bin will be removed. Any additional waste left beside your bin will not be collected.

What happens if I cannot get my bin to the boundary?

If you are unable to present your bin at the boundary of your property due to an inury or medical issue we may be able to offer you support via our assisted collection service.

How do I dispose of an item that is too big for my bin?

 We offer a 'Bulky Collection Service' to residents wanting to dispose of large items for a one off fee. Please visit https://www.dover.gov.uk/Recycling--Waste/Collection-Service/Bulky-Item-Service.aspx for more details. Alternatively you can take any large items to your local Household Waste Recycling Centre. Please see locations on the web site.

Can I put garden waste into my bin?

No, if there is garden waste in the refuse bin it will not be collected. You will required to remove the garden waste before the bin will be collected.

Can the Council clean my bin?

No unfortunately the Council cannot provide this service. There may be private companies offering this service.

How do I dispose of syringes and clinical waste?

Please visit our clinical waste page for more details on how to dispose of syringes and clinical waste. 

How do I dispose of any dangerous items of waste?

Please call the Contact Centre and they will advise you on the correct course of action.

Who does the bin belong to?

The wheeled bins belong to the Council.

Do I need to put my waste in bags before I put it in the bin?

No you can put your waste directly into the bin.

How can I get rid of nappy waste?

You can place your used nappies directly into your waste bin with your refuse.

What if I live in a flat?

Communal recycle bins will be provided, the size is dependant on the number of units.

Recycle for Dover District