Bin collections and help putting bins out — Easy Read

Find the right collection calendar

Use GOV.UK’s postcode service to reach your council’s collection information. Check the day for each type of waste, when it must be ready and where it should be placed. Look for changes around bank holidays, severe weather or service disruption. Do not assume a neighbour’s calendar or another council’s bin colours apply to your home.

Make reminders understandable

Choose a paper calendar, phone reminder, spoken reminder or support-worker prompt that works for you. Use the actual bin name and a picture if helpful. Include both putting the bin out and bringing it back when required. Agree who checks changes and what happens if that person is away. Ask for help using the council’s website if needed.

Store and move bins safely

Ask the council to confirm an accessible collection point. Keep the route clear without blocking pavements, doors or fire exits. Do not strain to move a heavy bin, drag it down steps or reach into waste to compress it. Ask for practical support if the route, weight or lid is difficult. An occupational therapist may help with wider access needs at home.

Ask about assisted collections

An assisted collection may allow the crew to collect from an agreed point when you cannot use the usual arrangement. Contact your own council to explain the difficulty and ask about eligibility, evidence, assessment and review dates. Services differ; do not assume crews can enter your home or provide indoor cleaning. Get the agreed location and arrangements confirmed.

Plan for shared bins

In flats or shared housing, ask the landlord, managing agent or housing team which bins serve your home and who manages the area. Explain problems such as heavy lids, inaccessible doors, overflowing bins or confusing labels. Agree a practical way to reach and use the bins. Do not leave bags in corridors or other escape routes while waiting for help.

Extra waste and medical needs

If continence products or another need creates more waste than the bin holds, ask about extra capacity or a suitable collection. Not all healthcare waste is clinical waste. Explain the items to your healthcare professional or council, especially where infection may be involved. Medicines and sharps need their own disposal arrangements; do not mix them into ordinary household bins.

If a collection is missed

Check the correct date, service updates and any note explaining why waste was not taken. Use your council’s missed-collection process within its reporting window. Ask when and where to leave the bin while waiting, and keep the reference number. Report repeated failures, including missed assisted collections, and explain any immediate access or hygiene difficulty.

When ordinary collections are not enough

Ask about replacements for damaged bins, bulky-item collections and local recycling-centre arrangements. Confirm any charges or booking rules. Batteries and electricals need a designated route, even where the council offers a separate collection from home. Do not leave extra bags or large items beside bins unless the council has agreed this. Ask for help arranging lawful disposal.

Getting your bins collected

Check the calendar

Choose a reminder

Label your bins

Check the route

Ask about assistance

Shared bins

Medical waste

Missed collections

Large or unusual items

What you can do next

More useful links

Bin collections: dates, reminders and practical support