Draft
Household Recycling and Waste Collection Guidance
Version: VO.1
December 2024
4 Background to our collection services
10 Placement of Bins for Collection and Collection Times
15 Servicing of rural properties
17 Responsibility and ownership of Bins
18 General Rubbish Collection – Excess Waste
21 Bring Sites / Mini Recycling Centres
The North Yorkshire Council (North Yorkshire Council) collects almost 300,000 tonnes of household waste per year from kerbside collections and household waste recycling centres (HWRC’s). Wherever possible we apply the waste hierarchy when it comes to waste which means we will prioritise waste reduction, reuse and recycling, and recovering energy from waste that can’t be recycled.
Waste which isn’t collected for recycling at the kerbside or at the HWRC’s is taken to Allerton Waste Recovery Park (AWRP). This is an energy from waste plant which includes three key processes which help reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill: -
· a mechanical treatment plant receives general rubbish mainly originating from household rubbish bins (not recycling) and removes any remaining metal and plastics for recycling,
· an anaerobic digestion plant treats the organic waste part and produces a biogas which generates renewable electricity.
· an energy from waste plant burns the waste which remains after separation of the recyclables and treatment of organic waste, producing steam to feed an electricity generating turbine that is capable of producing enough electricity to supply about 40,000 homes.
For more information on AWRP including how you can arrange to visit the facility please see our website.
North Yorkshire Council aims to become net zero in its operational emissions by 2030. Large quantities of greenhouse gases are generated during the manufacture and transport of goods, food production and waste disposal. Preventing waste, reusing products and recycling materials saves resources and reduces emissions.
Our Climate Change Strategy details all the measures we will take to try to reach our climate goal. This includes: -
1. Taking the waste hierarchy approach to our waste management. We need to encourage behaviour change to reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimise waste. We will focus on reducing the need for unnecessary single use plastics and reducing food waste. We will not replace products until the end of their effective life and will consider eco-design and longevity when purchasing products.
2. Investigating the options to decarbonise the waste collection and disposal systems in North Yorkshire including at AWRP.
3. Supporting delivery of the York and North Yorkshire Circular Economy Strategy in policy development and supporting businesses and communities to deploy ‘circular’ projects to create a competitive circular economy. Policies such as the Economic Development Strategy and Procurement will influence this area.
3. The North Yorkshire Rotters
The North Yorkshire Rotters, known as the Rotters, promote home composting, reduce, reuse and recycling and the 'love food hate waste' campaigns at events, talks and school workshops across North Yorkshire. These campaigns are promoted to highlight the practical ways that residents can reduce waste, save money and help the environment.
To help tackle these issues and to inspire people to change their waste habits, we coordinate a series of free talks and activities across North Yorkshire supported by the Rotters. For more information of see https://nyrotters.co.uk/
4. Background to our collection services
In 2023 North Yorkshire Council formed as a single unitary authority replacing the original two-tier system of seven district and borough collection authorities and the former county council disposal authority.
This document sets out the Council’s agreed collection arrangements and policies, it replaces any previous policies and guidance drawn up by the following councils: -
Craven District Council
Hambleton District Council
Harrogate Borough Council
Richmondshire District Council.
Ryedale District Council
Scarborough Borough Council
Selby District Council
This document aims to provide clear guidance for all residents using our waste and recycling collection services across North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Council as a Unitary Authority has a duty under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA) to arrange for the collection and disposal of household waste, and to comply with the waste provisions contained within the Environment Act 2021 and future secondary legislation and statutory guidance.
Under Section 46 (4) of the EPA, the Council has specific powers to stipulate: -
- The size and type of the collection container(s)
- Where the containers must be placed for collection and emptying
- The materials or items which may or may not be placed in the container(s).
6. Bins and Containers
Residents are responsible for the storage, safe keeping and cleaning of rubbish, recycling and garden waste containers provided by the council.
All bins remain the property of the Council. When residents move property, they must leave all containers at the property ready for the new occupant to use.
If wheeled bins are damaged or fail, except in the case of deliberate misuse, they will be repaired or replaced free of charge. If while emptying a bin it becomes lost in the vehicle the crews will record this, and the bin will be replaced at no charge. If a bin is lost or stolen, then we will encourage households to try and locate it prior to requesting a replacement and paying the administration fee.
In all other cases an administration fee will be charged for a new or replacement wheeled bin.
General rubbish / refuse
The existing standard wheeled bin size will continue in each locality until recycling services are harmonised and recycling capacity is increased. Two localities, Malton and Selby, issue 180 litre wheeled bins as standard, the remaining localities issue 240 litre wheeled bins. Following service harmonisation, the majority of residents will receive one grey 180 litre wheeled bin for general rubbish which can’t be recycled or composted. Only properties where the council considers it impractical to use them will get alternative containers. This will primarily be assessed on health and safety or access / external storage grounds. Alternatives may include smaller bins, sack collections, communal / shared bins or alternate collection points.
The standard colour wheeled bin will have a grey body and a grey lid.
Rubbish bins are for the disposal of household rubbish which can’t be recycled or composted.
They should not be used for: -
- Commercial / industrial waste*
- Building material including asbestos*
- Vapes, batteries or anything containing a battery*
- Electrical equipment*
- Needles / sharps and other hazardous clinical waste
- Recyclable waste
*These items can all be disposed of at one of the household waste recycling centres.
Recycling
The council currently collects recycling in a number of different ways across North Yorkshire. This includes a mix of wheeled bin, kerbside box and reusable bag collections.
The new harmonised kerbside recycling service will provide residents with two 240 litre wheeled bins for recycling. One bin will be for the collection of cardboard and paper and the other will be for dry mixed recycling (DMR).
The following material are currently collected across the county for recycling: -
- Glass jars and bottles
- Newspapers and magazines
- Paper and card
- Plastic bottles
- Metal food and drinks cans
- Aerosol cans
- Foil food trays
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays (currently accepted everywhere apart from the Malton area)
From 31 March 2026 cartons will also be collected for recycling along with plastic film and wrapping from 31 March 2027.
The standard colour wheeled bin will be a grey body. The lid colour will be blue for cardboard and paper and red for DMR.
Garden waste
The majority of residents that sign up to the paid for garden waste will have their garden waste collected in one 240 litre wheeled bin. Where the council considers it impractical to use a wheeled bin, sacks may be offered.
The standard colour wheeled bin will have a grey body and a green lid.
Garden waste collection is a chargeable opt-in service.
1. The garden waste service offers fortnightly garden waste collections between March and November
2. A licence covers one 240-litre wheelie bin to be emptied fortnightly
3. Bins must be presented at the kerbside or collection point (with the licence clearly visible) from the night before, as collections can take place from 6am
What counts as garden waste?
Only the following garden waste will be accepted in a garden waste wheelie bin:
· Cut flowers, plants and weeds
· Grass cuttings
· Hay and straw (no animal bedding)
· Hedge clippings
· Leaves and bark
· Small branches or pruning’s up to 5cm thick
· Christmas trees (chopped up small and placed in the bin)
· Windfall fruit from your garden
We can’t accept:
· Ash
· Cardboard or paper
· Disposable nappies or sanitary waste
· Food waste including fruit and vegetable peelings
· General household rubbish
· Pet waste
· Plant pots
· Plastic bags including compostable or biodegradable bags
· Rubble, soil, stones and turf including soil from hanging baskets
· Wood
Alternative options
There are alternatives options for residents that do not wish to use the garden waste service. These include:
· home composting. Low-cost compost bins are available. Details can be found on the council’s website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/bins-recycling-and-waste/reduce-and-reuse/composting
· garden waste can be disposed of at no cost at one of the household waste recycling centres
Individual Properties
We operate a three-step approach to contaminated recycling or garden waste bins.
Contaminating a bin once
- If a bin is identified as contaminated, the crew will log a contamination report.
- The crew will leave the contaminated bin and put a tag on it to explain why it hasn’t been emptied.
- The bin will not be emptied, and the householder will need to clear the contamination from the recycling bin / garden waste bin in order for the bin to be collected on the next scheduled collection.
- We will not return to empty a recycling bin / garden waste bin that has been recorded as being contaminated before the next scheduled collection.
Contaminating a bin twice (in rolling three-month period)
- If a bin is identified as contaminated, the crew will log a contamination report.
- The crew will leave the contaminated bin and put a tag on it to explain why it hasn’t been emptied.
- We will issue a letter and information leaflet to the address. The information leaflet reiterates what materials can be put in each bin and includes graphics as well as text.
- We will not return to empty a recycling bin / garden waste bin that has been recorded as being contaminated before the next scheduled collection.
Contaminating a bin three times (in rolling three-month period)
- If a bin is identified as contaminated, the crew will log a contamination report.
- The crew will leave the contaminated bin and put a tag on it to explain why it hasn’t been emptied.
- A further letter will be issues explaining that further action may now take place. This could include a site visit to discuss the issues with the household and if there is no change, the recycling / garden waste bin will be removed from the property.
If at any stage the bin is not reported as contaminated, then the process ends. However, any future report of contamination within a three-month period will lead to further action.
Where a bin has been removed and we are notified of a change of occupier bins will be returned to the property.
Communal Properties
Where the information is available, we hold a database of management companies who have responsibility for communal properties.
1. If a bin is identified as contaminated, the crew will log a contamination report.
2. The crew will leave the contaminated bin and put a tag on it to explain why it hasn’t been emptied.
3. We will notify the management company of the contamination.
4. The bin will not be emptied, and the management company will need to arrange to clear the contamination from the recycling bin in order for it to be collected on the next scheduled collection.
5. If the management company are unable to arrange for the contamination to be removed, we may arrange for the bin to be emptied for a charge.
If details of the management company aren’t readily available, we will notify all residents directly via letter.
The existing collection frequency of general rubbish, garden waste and recycling will continue in each locality. Implementation of the proposed harmonised service will see general rubbish and garden containers emptied fortnightly, and the two recycling containers emptied on an alternate fortnightly basis.
Where collection changes need to take place due to bank holidays or the Christmas period, householders will be notified via social media and the website.
Details of collection days are available on the Councils website.
The collection day will normally be the same day of the week for rubbish and recycling. Garden waste collection may be on a different day of the week.
10. Placement of Bins for Collection and Collection Times
All containers must be presented at the boundary of the property nearest the kerbside, or at the designated collection point, by 6am on the day of collection and taken back within the property boundary as soon as possible on the same day.
Residents must put their containers out for collection no earlier than the evening before collection day. Wheeled bin lids should be closed flat to prevent littering and the contents becoming wet.
Containers should be put out for collection every fortnight and residents should not stockpile material.
An assisted collection service is available for residents who are unable to present their containers for collection at the kerbside. See section 16.
All waste containers should be presented by 6am on the scheduled day.
All crews will make a record of any properties where containers: -
· were not presented for collection or
· in the case of recycling and / or garden waste bins, which were contaminated or
· in the case of rubbish bins, are too heavy or contain unsuitable items
We will not return to properties where containers were not presented at the time of collection or, in the case of recycling and / or garden waste bins, which the crew have recorded the container as contaminated. Where containers are contaminated, the contamination will need to be removed by the resident before the next scheduled collection. See section 8.
Where collections have not been undertaken either because the containers were not presented in time or because they were reported as contaminated, residents can either take their waste to a household waste recycling centre or store their waste until the next scheduled collection.
Missed collections must be reported by 5pm two working days after the scheduled collection day e.g., collections missed on a Tuesday must be reported by 5pm on the Thursday. We will not return for collections reported as missed after this time.
We aim to return to any missed collections within five working days. Six out of seven localities work to this standard. The seventh, Richmondshire, will adopt the same service level when the kerbside service is harmonised.
Where a street or larger area has been missed due to roadworks, blocked access, vehicle breakdown or adverse weather conditions we will return as soon as feasibly possible. We will share the information via our social media channels and website where appropriate.
Extra waste as a result of missed collection
General rubbish / refuse
We will not take any extra waste when a scheduled collection has been missed and the bin is emptied the next day. When a collection is between 2-3 days late, one extra bag may be taken.
Where a collection is missed due to access problems and we are unable to return to empty the bins until the next scheduled collection, a maximum of four extra bags will be taken.
Garden waste
The council is unable to take extra garden waste from properties on a wheeled bin collection as any bags or containers would be contamination. This does not include dedicated garden waste bags issued by the council for those properties on a sack collection.
Extra garden waste can either be composted at home or can be taken to one of the council’s HWRC’s at no cost.
Recycling
All glass bottles and jars must be placed in the collection container provided to avoid broken glass being left on the road / footpath. Extra cans and plastic recycling can be placed in clear bags at the side of the relevant collection container.
Large cardboard boxes must be flattened and left neatly at the side of the relevant container on the scheduled collection day. Extra cardboard must be kept dry and so should not be presented when it is raining or left overnight.
Bulky waste is household waste that either exceeds 25kg in weight or does not fit in the general waste or recycling containers provided by the council. This includes items such as mattresses, sofas, and fridges.
The council operates a collection service for items not suitable for reuse.
What we can collect
Bulky waste can include:
· household furniture such as sofas, beds, and tables
· mattresses
· fridges and freezers
· washing machines and tumble dryers
· cookers and ovens
· carpets
· other furniture or electrical items that won't fit in your wheeled bin
What we cannot collect
· asbestos
· chemicals and other hazardous waste
· builder's waste, soil, garden waste, or rubble
· fixtures and fittings including bathroom and kitchen fittings, doors and windows
· radiators and central heating boilers
· car parts including tyres
· pianos
· commercial waste
Cost of the Service
Charges are reviewed every year and are available on the council’s website.
There is a minimum charge for up to two items. A concessionary rate may be available to residents in receipt of a means tested council tax reduction.
Terms and Conditions
· We will only collect items we were told about at the time of booking
· We will only collect items from outside the customers property. They must not be stored in a garage, shed, or other out-building, or be obstructed by vehicles or other barriers. They must be easily accessible for collection and at the closest point to the main road. Customers will be asked to tell us where the items will be left at the time of booking.
· We will inform customers of the day your items will be collected (this is usually within three weeks of a booking being made)
· Collections can start from 6am
Cancellations and Refunds
We will refund a bulky waste payment if:
· A booking has been cancelled with at least two clear working days' notice.
· We were unable to collect items due to operational issues
· We rescheduled a collection to a date which isn't acceptable
Refunds will be made using the original payment method used to make a booking. We can't offer a refund if we attempted to make a collection and couldn't because of:
· locked gates
· blocked access / items were obstructed by vehicles or other barriers
· loose dogs
· items being too heavy
· item description at the time of booking didn't match the item left out for collection
· items being removed by a third party
Communal / shared bins will usually be provided for flats or apartments where each occupier pays their own council tax as it is not always practical to provide each flat with their own wheeled bins.
We will provide the same capacity for rubbish and recycling as for a standard domestic property. The size and number of bins will depend on the number of flats in each development.
It will be the responsibility of the management company / landlord to ensure recycling bins are only used for recycling and are not contaminated by general rubbish. Should they become contaminated the usual procedure will apply, and the bins would not be collected until decontaminated.
The Council will assess the servicing of flats on an individual basis and cases will be considered on their merits.
Houses of multiple occupation (HMO’s) will usually only pay a single council tax for the whole building. In these cases, the council will provide the same capacity as a single standard domestic property (see section 6). Where further capacity is required, it is the responsibility of the proprietor / manager of the HMO to arrange a commercial contract with a supplier, or with the council to collect and dispose of the extra waste.
15. Servicing of rural properties
Where there are one, two or three properties, collection vehicles will not travel on un-adopted roads and so collections will be at the ‘lane end’. The exact location will be confirmed with the household.
Where there are four or more properties, a site visit will be conducted to ensure that the road / lane is suitable for access by a refuse collection wagon.
Where un-adopted roads are not found to be suitable, we will agree alternative collection arrangements. This may include provision of sacks.
The council will not accept any liability for damage to un-adopted lanes by collection vehicles.
This approach is consistent with many other councils and supports the council to: -
· Reduce the environmental impact of its waste and recycling fleet by reducing vehicle miles,
· Deliver a cost-effective waste and recycling service,
· Reduce the potential to cause damage to private roads,
· Reduce the risk of damage to collection vehicles.
Five out of seven localities provide land end collections to up to three properties accessed by un-adopted roads. The remaining two localities, Skipton and Harrogate, operate lane end collections for up to two and up to six properties respectively, and will adopt this service standard following adoption of the guidance document. This will be implemented over time as a degree of consultation will be required with affected residents before working practices can be changed.
Assistance is available to residents who cannot present their waste containers. We will offer assistance where there is no one at the property that is capable of presenting waste for collection. We recognise that not all disabilities are visible.
Permanent and Temporary Assisted Collections
To apply for a permanent or temporary assisted collection the following criteria must first be met:
· the resident must permanently reside at the address where the application is being made,
· there must be no other able-bodied people in the property over the age of 16 who could reasonably be expected to present waste containers at the kerbside for collection.
Temporary assistance may be due to illness (including pregnancy-related illnesses), or recovery from an operation or injury.
· Criteria will be developed to enable the applicant to demonstrate that assistance is needed.
The collection point for the waste must be from a safe, convenient, and easily accessible location for our collection crews. This should be the closest point to the main road. We may need to assess private roads and tracks to properties to ensure vehicles can travel on them and will take into consideration whether they are maintained to a suitable standard. We can refuse to collect from a location if it does not meet these criteria.
Waste containers must be stored on the premises in an accessible position. Wheeled bins must be stored on a hard flat surface suitable for wheeled passage, free from steps and protrusions with sufficient access for bins to pass through. A site visit may be required to confirm this and where the access does not meet these criteria, the resident may be required to leave their waste containers permanently at their entrance and place their household waste in small quantities into the containers as they leave the premises.
Applications will be processed within 10 working days and if successful, the property will be added to the assisted collection round. Containers will then be collected from and returned to the agreed presentation point.
Successful applications will be reviewed every two years as a minimum.
17. Responsibility and ownership of Bins
All bins and containers remain the property of the council.
Responsibility for the cleaning of bins and containers remains with the resident.
18. General Rubbish Collection – Excess Waste
We operate a flat lid, no side waste policy.
Where a wheeled bin is provided, all waste must be contained within the bin with the lid closed flat. Waste not contained within the bin with the lid closed flat will be classed as excess waste.
Where a sack collection is provided, a maximum of four sacks per collection will be removed. Any additional sacks will be classed as excess waste.
Collection crews will not take any extra waste from beside or on top of a bin without prior arrangement (e.g., we may take extra waste where collections have been delayed), or wheeled bins which are over-loaded.
The presentation of ‘side’ waste (extra waste which is placed next to the rubbish bin) does not support waste minimisation principles or encourage residents to maximise recycling.
Where excess waste has been presented at the side of a bin, collection crews will make a record of this and will place the excess bag/s back in the bin once the bin has been emptied. The bin will also be tagged by the collection crew so that residents are aware why the waste has not been removed. Of the seven localities, none accept excess waste and Scarborough place excess waste back in the bin to prevent windblown litter and access by vermin and birds. Following the adoption of the guidance document, all localities will place excess waste back in the container.
If the lid is raised (known as a crocodile lid), crews will try to close the lid. If the lid will close fully then the bin will be emptied. If the lid will not close, additional bags will be removed from the top of the bin. Collection crews will make a record of this and will place the excess bag/s back in the bin once the bin has been emptied. The bin will also be tagged by the collection crew so that residents are aware why the waste has not been removed.
Where excess waste has not been taken or an overfilled bin has not been emptied, a tag / sticker will be attached to the bin to tell the resident why.
We will not return to properties where bins were not emptied because of excess waste.
Where excess waste has not been collected, residents can either take their waste to a HWRC or store their waste until the next scheduled collection.
Excess Waste due to Missed Collections
See section 11.
Extra recycling can be placed in clear or light-coloured bags at the side of the relevant collection container. Extra recycling must not be placed out in black bags.
Large cardboard boxes must be flattened and left neatly at the side of the relevant container on the scheduled collection day. Extra cardboard must be kept dry and so should not be presented when it is raining.
If households are regularly producing more recycling than will fit into their wheeled bin or container, then residents should request an additional container.
Excess Waste due to Missed Collections
See section 11.
The existing standard wheeled bin size will continue in each locality until recycling services are harmonised and recycling capacity is increased.
Where a 180-litre bin is the standard, residents can request a larger bin if they meet the following criteria:
· The household is recycling as much as possible and presenting all recycling bins on every collection. A site visit may be undertaken to discuss this to help advise residents.
· There are 5 or more people living permanently in the property to apply for an exchange to a 240-litre wheeled bin.
· There are 6 or more people living permanently in the property to apply for a 360-litre wheeled bin.
Where a 240-litre bin is the standard, residents can request a larger bin if they meet the following criteria:
· The household is recycling as much as possible and presenting all recycling bins on every collection. A site visit may be undertaken to discuss this to help advise residents.
· There are 6 or more people living permanently in the property to apply for a 360-litre wheeled bin.
The council will consider larger bins to households that do not meet the eligibility criteria providing the resident confirms they are recycling as much as possible and are setting out their recycling bins. Proof of residency of all residents must be provided.
If households request, and meet the eligibility criteria for additional capacity, payment of the administration fee, will be required prior to delivery of the bigger / additional bins.
Or
There are less than 5 people living permanently in the property but they are producing large quantities of offensive waste. This does not include small children using disposable nappies. There is no charge for the exchange or delivery of bins in these circumstances.
Charges
Any household requesting a larger bin must complete the application form and a decision will be made on the basis of the information supplied. We will keep a list of households with larger bins, which is reviewed on a rolling two-year basis to ensure that residents still qualify for the larger bin.
We will not charge for the delivery of boxes or sacks and charges will not apply as part of any wholesale roll-out of new containers to an area/round.
21. Bring Sites / Mini Recycling Centres
There are a number of bring sites / mini recycling centres around North Yorkshire. These are unsupervised containers where the types of material collected is dependent on the kerbside scheme currently provided.
The effectiveness of these sites will be reviewed with a view to providing residents with capacity to recycle materials that are not collected at the kerbside, such as textiles, wastes electronic and electrical equipment etc. Simpler Recycling material streams collected at the kerbside include paper, carboard, glass bottles and jars, fibre / plastic composite cartons, steel and aluminium cans, tins, lids, foil, trays and tubes, plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays and tubes and plastic film from 2027.
Clinical waste is healthcare waste or similar that can cause disease, is/or contains a biologically active medicine, is a sharp, or a body fluid/biological material that contains a dangerous substance.
Residents will be advised by their doctor or healthcare professional if they have clinical waste.
There is no obligation for councils to provide containers for clinical waste, they should be provided by health care providers. Five out of seven localities do not provide clinical waste containers (sacks and sharps boxes) which is the approach to be rolled out in the two remaining localities of Selby and Scarborough following the adoption of the waste collection guidance document.
Hypodermic needles and syringes should never be disposed of in a general rubbish bin, they should put them in a sharps box. These can be prescribed by a GP or healthcare provider.
The way clinical waste is collected from households currently varies across the county and is being reviewed as part of a separate project.
We will not collect pharmaceuticals or drugs; these should be taken to a chemist or pharmacy for disposal.
We do not collect clinical waste from businesses or commercial organisations.
Offensive waste is not clinical waste which can have an offensive odour or appearance but is not infectious and so doesn’t need separate collection. Offensive waste must be bagged and put into the general rubbish bin for collection.
Offensive waste includes:
- incontinence pads
- catheter and stoma bags (drained)
- wound dressings (non-infectious)
- soiled bedding (vomit, human waste)
- nappies
- sanitary waste
- plasters
- nasal and respiratory secretions
- condoms
- PEG tubes and stomach-feeding equipment
Residents producing large quantities of offensive waste may be eligible for a larger bin (section 20).
This document sets out a consistent approach to providing a number of waste services. Implementation of a uniform approach is in four distinct phases; those that have already been implemented, services that have been partially harmonised, services that are delivered through adoption of a single waste system expected to be 2025 to 2026, and those that are dependent on harmonisation of the kerbside service projected from 2027 to 2029:
|
Service Area |
Implemented |
Partially Implemented |
Single Waste System |
Kerbside harmonisation |
|
Garden waste, placement of bins and collection times, bulky waste, responsibility and ownership of bins, offensive waste and servicing of flats & HMOs |
ü |
|
|
|
|
Missed collections, rural properties, excess waste and recycling, clinical waste |
|
ü |
|
|
|
Assisted collections, reporting/ addressing contamination, clinical waste |
|
|
ü |
|
|
Bring sites, larger bins, missed recycling collections, frequency of collection |
|
|
|
ü |
