Neighbourhood Services

Cleansing Services

Household Waste

Frequently Asked Questions - Kerbside Recycling

1. Why do we need this service?
2. What does this new service involve?
3. Will my present collection day change?
4. Do I have to present all 3 bins on the same day?
5. Won't these new bins look unsightly outside my house?
6. Why does the waste have to be sorted?
7. I am a new tenant who has no recycling bins - how can I get the bins?
8. What happens if I put out the wrong items in my recycling bins/box?
9. What if I don't have space for the extra bins?
10. What if my bin goes missing?
11. I use sacks instead of a bin, how will this new service affect me?
12. I live in a flat – how will this scheme affect me?
13. I have lost my Recycling Guide; can I be sent another copy?
14. Has this scheme worked in other areas?
15. Does this scheme cost me any more in Council Tax?
16. Do I have to participate in this scheme?
17. Can I recycle plastic with this new service?
18. The promotional material states that 86% of householders in East Ayrshire wanted to recycle at home. Where does this figure come from?

Why do we need this service? 
The Scottish Executive has passed legislation which requires every local authority to decrease the amount of waste which is buried in the ground at landfill sites and to increase the amount of waste which is recycled.

East Ayrshire Council carefully considered a variety of options and decided on a system that was best suited to meeting these targets. The 3 Bin service has been adopted by a number of authorities around the country and is seen by the Scottish Executive as one of the best waste management systems.

In 2002/2003 East Ayrshire recycled less than 4% of its household waste. This recycling service aims to increase this to 25% by 2006.

What does this new service involve?
East Ayrshire Council has introduced a 3 Bin Scheme for household waste collection and recycling.

In addition to your residual household waste bin, you should have received a blue bin, brown bin and black recycling box.

Will my present collection day change?
Your residual waste bin will be uplifted on your normal collection day, the only change being that it will be uplifted once every 2 weeks instead of once a week.

Do I have to present all 3 bins on the same day?
No, do not need to present all the bins every week. Your residual waste bin is uplifted every fortnight. Your Blue and Brown bins are uplifted every four weeks, and your Black Recycling Box is uplifted once every 2 weeks.

For example:

Week 1 – Residual Bin
Week 2 – Brown Bin / Black Box
Week 3 – Residual Bin
Week 4 – Blue Bin / Black Box …and so on…

Won't these new bins look unsightly outside my house?
Many people had similar concerns when the wheeled bins were first introduced; however, these were soon accepted within the community.

Please ensure that bins are stored on your property and not on a public footpath or road.

Why does the waste have to be sorted?
If waste is placed in the wrong bin or box, or if extra bags of side waste are left, we will be unable to accept this for collection.

If recyclable waste is placed in the wrong container it will contaminate the other items making the sorting process more difficult and costly.

I am a new tenant who has no recycling bins - how can I get the bins?
If you have recently moved to your property and do not have any recycling bins please contact Cleansing Services directly.

 What happens if I put out the wrong items in my recycling bins/box?
One contaminated bin can spoil an entire vehicle load, so it is important to put the correct items in the appropriate bin or box.

Should your bin have the wrong items in it, the Cleansing Operatives will leave a sticker on the container asking you to remove them for your next collection.

Community Waste Officers are available to visit your home to discuss the requirements of the service and offer guidance and advice.

What if I don't have space for the extra bins?
If you have a garden you should have enough space for the bins. You need space equivalent to one 2 foot slab for each bin.

We understand that different styles of property will have different requirements. Community Waste Officers assess these particular requirements prior to your bins being delivered. If you have limited access or no garden, an alternative system will be offered to you.

We would encourage you to fully support this recycling service and work with us to resolve any problems that you may have.

What if my bin goes missing?
Bins which have been damaged while being emptied or stolen may be replaced or repaired.

Please contact Cleansing Services if you require a replacement.

I use sacks instead of a bin, how does this new service affect me?
Your sacks will continue to be collected. You will be supplied with a black recycling box for glass and cans, blue sacks for paper and cardboard and biodegradable sacks for garden waste if required.

I live in a flat – how does this scheme affect me?
Community Waste Officers have assessed all properties. They have identified where the three bin system can be adapted to meet the needs of individual households. In some cases recycling sacks may be issued, in other cases communal recycling containers may be installed. Contact Cleansing Services if you need to discuss your reqirements further.

I have lost my Recycling Guide; can I be sent another copy?
Yes you can receive another copy. To request a replacement information pack, please contact Cleansing Services.

Has this scheme worked in other areas?
West Lothian Council and Stirling Council are both using similar methods to collect waste. North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council have also implemented a bin and box system.

The Scottish Executive has recognised this method as being the best way forward and it will ensure that local authorities meet their statutory obligations in terms of recycling.

Does this scheme cost me any more in Council Tax?
No! This scheme is funded by the Scottish Executive's Strategic Waste Fund.

Do I have to participate in this scheme?
You do not have to accept the recycling containers and participate in the new service. However, to allow the collection of recyclates, your household bin will now be uplifted on a fortnightly basis.

Can I recycle plastic with this new service?
The Council is currently not accepting plastic as part of the kerbside recycling service at this time.

However, you can recycle all your plastic bottles at a Local Recycling Point.

The promotional material states that 86% of householders in East Ayrshire wanted to recycle at home. Where does this figure come from?
The Scottish Executive employed the Scottish Waste Aware Group (SWAG) to carry out a survey on households within East Ayrshire to determine resident's attitudes to recycling. SWAG identified a random sample of householders and their answers were used as a proportional percentage of opinion within the area.