View frequently asked questions;
Q. Why do residents need to register?
We now require residents to register to enable us to manage the rounds more efficiently, improve our communications with residents and prevent missed collections.
Q. Does the Green Waste Collection Service change during the Winter and Summer Months?
Yes, Summer collections are automatically collected from registered households during the Summer months (March - November). View more information about Summer Green Waste Collections
Winter collections are currently nopt operating but operate as a bookable service from November - March.
Q. Can I take my green waste to a Community Recycling Centre
Yes ALL Community Recycling Centres accept green waste recycling, no matter how small or big but it MUST NOT be in a clear recycling bag and tipped loose into the available container. Community Recycling Centres will be operating under winter opening times (8am-5.30pm) from Monday 30th October.
Q. I don’t use the service in the Winter, but I will need it in the Spring/Summer?
Summer collections are automatically collected from registered households.
If you haven't already registered, but would like to use this service you can register for green waste collections here.
Q. Why does the Council change from weekly collections in the Winter and only collect bookings?
During the Winter period the Council only collects green waste from around 12% of registered households. The booking system will ensure that collection crews are only collecting from the households that need it, reducing unnecessary journeys, fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Please note:
Q. Will there be any changes to the day my green waste is collected?
Please note: Green waste collections are subject to change and will be paused over the festive period . The Winter Green Waste collection service will be suspended from w/c Monday 25th December with normal services resuming on Monday 15th January 2024.
Q. Can Christmas Trees be recycled using the sacks?
No. Christmas trees will be collected via a separate booking system normally available throughout January. Alternatively real Christmas trees can be taken to your local Community Recycling Centre.
Q. What do the sacks look like / How much waste do they hold?
Green sack of 90 litres (45cm x 45cm x 45cm) - The sacks are equivalent to two and a half clear recycling bags
The sacks have a top handle strap as well as a strap on the side and underneath
They have weighted plastic on the base of the sack.
TOP TIP: You can fold in the sides of the sack and put one handle inside each other (like a criss cross) to make the sacks pull together more closely.
Q. How do I receive my 2 free sacks or additional sacks?
You can register and order your 2 free Green waste sacks online or via Customer Services on 01443 425001.
Similarly, additional sacks can also be ordered online or via Customer Services on the number above. Additional sacks are charged at £3 per sack and the cost covers the price of the sack only. The sack remains the property of RCT Council. Please note that this charge is non-refundable.
Q. What happens if I don’t register?
If you have not registered your property for green waste collections, we will not collect your green waste.
- Register here for the Green Waste Collection Scheme
Q. Is there a limit as to how many green waste sacks I can put out?
We will collect an unlimited amount of green waste sacks that are registered to your individual property. These sacks MUST be presented outside the registered property or they will not be collected. We would however politely ask for 24 hours’ notice if 10 + sacks are presented to ensure enough resources are allocated. This can be done by e-mailing us on recycling@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Q. Can I use one of my neighbour’s sacks?
Please seek permission from your neighbour and ensure their sack is left outside their property for collection. We will only collect the number of sacks registered against individual properties. Crews are advised to only collect what has been registered as some residents have stolen sacks in an attempt to avoid buying extra. The collection crews also have in-cab devices to show how many sacks are registered against properties.
Q. Can I still use clear recycling bags?
No and they will not be accepted and should not be placed inside the green sacks.
Q. Can I dispose of my green waste at the Community Recycling Centres?
Green waste can be disposed of at your Community Recycling Centre, but must be tipped loose (plastic bags, boxes etc will need to be disposed of separately).
Q. What happens if the sacks are accidently damaged by the collection crews?
Residents can report lost, damaged or stolen sacks by using our online form
Q. Will lost sacks be replaced?
The Council cannot accept responsibility for lost sacks. Residents are welcome to mark up their sacks with house numbers etc and we will return the sacks to the bin collection point when empty.
Q. Will wear and tear of sacks be replaced?
The Council cannot accept responsibility for the wear and tear of green waste sacks.
Q. What does the £3 charge for additional/replacement sacks cover?
The one-off £3 covers the cost of the sack only. The sack remains the property of RCT Council. Please note that this charge is non-refundable.
Q. What if my someone takes my sacks?
All sacks are registered to individual households. We will not collect any additional sacks that are not registered with us, and we won't collect from households that have not registered for the scheme.
We advise all residents to label their bags and mark them with their house number/name.
Q. Will my sacks be returned?
All collection crews will, where possible return bags as near to and as securely as they can, to minimise any lost/stolen bags.
Q. What happens if I change address?
Please leave your sacks at your old address as they are registered against the property. If your new address have previously registered, the sacks should be left ready for you to use. If sacks have not been left please report the missing sacks using our online form.
If the new property is not registered for green waste collections please regsiter the property for collections.
Q. How do I notify the Council that I no longer need a green waste service?
Please complete the online Green Waste Cancellation form if you no longer need green waste collections.
Q. Can I overfill the sacks?
No, contents including branches should be contained within the body of the sack.
TOP TIP: You can fold in the sides of the sack and put one handle inside each other (like a criss cross) to make the sacks pull together more closely.
Q. Will you collect hutch waste?
Yes, as long as the waste is not contaminated with non-accepted items.
Q. Will you collect shop bought flowers?
Yes, as long as all plastic, bows etc are removed.
Q. Will you accept clodges (mud blocks)?
No, these will need to be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centres. Green waste sacks will not be collected if they contain clodges.
Q. What materials will not be collected?
The green waste service will not accept items such as kitchen waste, general waste, soil, clodges, rubble, invasive species e.g. knotweed, wood, logs, thick branches (6+ inches in diameter) or garden ornaments/toys etc.
Q. Will you collect from businesses
Yes - Register for Commercial Waste Collections
Q. Will you collect green waste sacks bought from a shop/online store
No. We will only collect green waste sacks that have been issued by the Council.
Q. Will you collect from commercial premises over the Winter?
Please contact the recycling team at Recycling@rctcbc.gov.uk for further information.
Q. What if I'm having difficulties using the service?
If you are having difficulties using or accessing the service please email us at Recycling@rctcbc.gov.uk or call us on 01443 425001.