A Maximum of Three Black Bags per Household - FAQs

When did the three black bag limit start? 

The limit started on the 20th of June 2017.  

I need a collection of more than three black bags as I need to dispose of hygiene waste, e.g. nappies. What can be done?  

We understand there will be a small number of households who produce large quantities of non-recyclable rubbish, such as house with multiple occupants (HMOs) and large families, who will need to apply for an exemption to the three black bag limit. 

Please note that applications for an exemption for excess pet waste will not be granted. If you produce over the three bag limit for this reason you can take excess bags to your local recycling centre. 

To apply for an exemption, please read our Exemptions Policy, and if you feel you qualify, follow the steps to apply. The process will include a visit from a Recycling Zone Warden to ensure we go through each application on an individual basis. 

I need to dispose of pet bedding/waste. What can I do? 

Most pet waste should be disposed of in your normal black bag (or black wheelie bin in selected areas). However, please recycle as much as you can: hay/straw bedding from non-meat eating animals (only) can be recycled using your garden waste collection. Soiled newspaper e.g. from rabbit hutches should be put in your black bag, along with contents from litter trays and excess pet food. 

Can I use clear bags, carrier bags or any other container for extra rubbish?  

No. We will only collect general rubbish from black bags.  

Please try and recycle as much of your rubbish as you can and put all food waste into your food caddy which will be collected every week. Take a look at What Can I Recycle? to read some more helpful advice.   

If you feel you qualify for an exemption to the three black bag limit, you can apply for one here. 

If I am in a wheelie bin area, what if I can fit more than three black bags in my bin?  

As long as the lid shuts then come collection day the crew will collect everything in your wheelie bin. They will not collect extra black bags that have been left out of the bin.  

Please try and recycle as much of your rubbish as you can and put all food waste into your food caddy which will be collected every week. Take a look at What Can I Recycle? to read some more helpful advice.