Black Bag Collections are for day-to-day rubbish that cannot be recycled or composted and are collected from your kerbside every three weeks.
On this page:
- How it works
- What can go in your bags
- Heavy bags
- Additional Black Bag Allowance
- Missed collections
How it works
3 standard sized (70 litre) back bags can be placed at your kerbside for collection every three weeks.
Follow these instructions when putting your bags out for collection:
- Check your black bag collection day.
- Put only items that cannot be recycled in your bag.
- Use 3 standard back bags only - maximum 70 litre in capacity.
- Do not overfill your bag.
- Tie the top of your bag tightly.
- Place your bag at your usual collection point anytime between 7.00pm the night before and 7.00am on the morning of your collection day.
- Do not obstruct pavements, drop kerb access points.
What can go in your bags?
Your back bags are for day to day items that cannot be put in your clear bag recycling.
These items include;
- stoma bags and feeding tubes
- Dog, cat, reptiles and other small animal poo and litter
- Coal ashes
These items should be bagged and tied before being placed in your black bag.
Find out how to dispose of clinical waste and other pet and animal waste.
Foil, clear film, clothing and crisp packets can be recycled at our Community Recycling Centres or at most large supermarkets.
Heavy Bags
Disposing of certain items such as coal ash or cat litter can make your back bags heavy. We suggest that you half fill their bags so that they can be carried safely to your collection point.
If you are struggling to lift the bags, have physical difficulties and have no one who can help, you can apply for an assisted collection online.
Additional Black Bag Allowance
You can apply for an additional black bag allowance if your unable to dispose of your non recyclable items in your 3 standard sized (70 litre) back bags.
Awareness Officers will check that your household is recycling as much as possible before an additional allowance is given.
Residents who qualify for the additional black bag allowance will be sent stickers to be placed on the additional black bag/s so that the collection crews are aware that the additional black bag has been authorised.
Apply for an additional Black Bag Allowance
Report a missed collection
Our crews may be delayed and may not collect your bags until later in the day. If your bags have not been collected after 24 hours, you can report your missed collection.
Report a missed Black bag collection