Welcome To Wirral

What can I put in my new grey bin?

Yes please to:

All types of plastic bottles including drinks bottles, washing up liquid bottles and shampoo bottles

Glass bottles of all colours, or glass jars

Magazines, junk mail, newspapers, office paper, windowless envelopes, paper bags, wrapping paper (not foil)

Cardboard boxes, cardboard food packaging (not soiled), egg cartons, loo/kitchen rolls or greeting cards

Aluminium food or drink cans, steel lids from jars and bottles

Telephone directories including yellow pages

Catalogues

No thanks to:

Plastic bags

Foil

Textiles

Any food or liquids

Tetra packs (milk and juice cartons)

Plastic film / cling film

Broken drinking glasses / sheet glass

Plastic bottle tops

Polystyrene

Plastic containers including yogurt pots, margarine tubs, ice cream tubs

I have no information with my bin what is this new grey bin for?

We apologise if you didn't receive the recycling pack with your bin please email streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or call us on 606 2004. Or click on this link for a copy of the booklet. We can send you out a calendar in the mail please contact us.

Why can I not have a weekly green bin collection?

It is so important for you to get recycling - the environmental and financial drawbacks are far too big to ignore. If everyone gets involved in this new recycling service the amount of waste we put in our wheelie bins and ultimately in a big hole in the ground will reduce massively. This is why we are not going to collect your green wheelie bin every week anymore. For us to provide a weekly collection we’d need to find a large amount of money to pay for this additional service alongside your new recycling bin – which would be unnecessary. This type of collection system is in operation in lots of areas around the country and is very successful. If you are recycling everything listed in this booklet, you should not be filling your green bin every week.

Will I be fined if I put the wrong items in my recycling?

We understand that sometimes the odd wrong item can slip into a recycling bin - don't worry just try your best to recycle correctly. However, if we find that certain homes are consistently using their recycling bin for other rubbish we will take action. It is possible to prosecute, under new legislation, those people who are persistently ignoring the very real need to recycle and using the new services incorrectly. We are always available if you are not sure about what and how to recycle. To avoid other people using your recycling bin for their rubbish, we recommend you try to keep your bin on your own property, except on collection day.

What if I forget to put my bin out or put the wrong one out?

You will have to wait for your next scheduled collection.

What time do I put my bin out?

Please make sure your bin is out before 7am on the morning of your collection day.

I do not have any space for another wheelie bin.

We understand it is difficult to find space for a further wheelie bin however, we are told repeatedly that people want a kerbside recycling collection. This is the only feasible way of collecting your waste within our resources. If you genuinely are unable to fit another wheelie bin we will come out and talk to you to see what could be done. Please email Streetscene on streetscene@wirral.gov.uk or call 606 2004.

Do I need to wash, crush or sort the recycling?

All we are asking is for you the rinse out any food or drinks containers and throw them in your grey bin. You do not need to crush or sort them – they will actually go through the recycling system better if you don’t crush them. We’ll do all the sorting at the recycling plant. Do tear up large pieces of cardboard – you’ll fit more in your bin that way. By droping the can lids into the can and squeezing gently this will help us avoid the lid being lost in the recyling process.

I live in a flat – what do I do?

We have large metal/plastic communal bins

If your apartment block has a large metal communal bin for general rubbish, your waste collection services will not change at this time. An audit of all flats is being carried out to work out which type of recycling bin will be best for you. We welcome your suggestions at this time, to help us provide facilities that will work best.

We have green wheelie bins

If your apartment block currently uses green wheelie bins, you will receive the same number of grey bins. You may start using the new paper and packaging service as soon as your bins arrive. We strongly recommend you put your flat number on both your green bin and grey bin. If you find other flats are using your bin, and in so doing, your bin has the wrong waste in it, please report it to us by calling Streetscene on 606 2004.

There are some apartment blocks using green wheelie bins which are stored in purpose built bin stores that are not large enough to fit any more grey bins in. If there is no other suitable place to store the additional bins your waste collection service will not change at this time. An audit of all flats is being carried out to work out which type of recycling bin will be best for you. We welcome your suggestions at this time, to help us provide facilities that will work best.

In the mean time, you can continue to use the many recycling sites we have across Wirral, to recycle you cans, glass and paper.

I do not have a wheelie bin – my waste is collected in sacks. What do I do?

You will remain on a weekly refuse collection service at the moment. An audit is being conducted to work out the best solution for you. We welcome your suggestions at this time, to help us provide facilities that will work best.

What happens next when my recycling is emptied?

A MRF is a Materials Recovery Facility. It automatically sorts mixed recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, cans and glass. It does this through a complex set of screens, conveyors and sorting mechanisms including some sorting by hand. It enables residents to place their recyclable materials together in one container instead of using separate boxes or bins.

I live alone and am unable to manoeuvre a big wheelie bin. How can you help?

If the bin is too big or too heavy to manage, you may apply for a smaller one by contacting Streetscene 606 2004.

If you are already registered on the Council’s help list for the collection of your green bin, you will automatically receive assistance for your grey bin. You do not need to fill in any more forms.

If you are not registered, but feel you qualify for assistance, please contact Streetscene to request an application form.

I am recycling as much as possible, but my green bin is always overflowing. What else can I do?

Compact your waste by squashing items up.

Compost your green waste, fruit and vegetables

Use the bulky waste Eric service for electrical household items, such as TV’s and vacuum cleaner.

Drop off unwanted clothes, toys, books and re-usable household items to a charity shop or textile bank (not items in bad condition).

Make sure you keep your bin on your own property, to stop others using it.

If you have children using disposable nappies, why not consider re-usable ones?

If you have more than six people in one household you are eligible for a further bin, contact us on 0151 606 2004 or streetscene@wirral.gov.uk.

I am worried the waste in my green wheelie bin will start to smell, or attract pests. How can I prevent this?

Wrapping your food waste in a worn out carrier bag will contain smells. You can also minimise smells by ensuring your bin lid is always closed. Keep your bin in the shade, away from hot sun and wash out your bin on a regular basis to prevent waste liquids from building up in the base. If you are still experiencing problems please contact us on 0151 606 2004 or streetscene@wirral.gov.uk.