Recycling & Waste FAQs
Frequently asked questions about your waste and recycling collections.
Below you will find the most common questions raised about our collections scheme. Please take time to read through them and if youre still concerned or need any more information call 020 8207 7480 or email us at street.scene@hertsmere.gov.uk
Q: How do the collections work?
Please visit Household waste and recycling collections.
Q: So, what do I put in each box/bin?
- Your black bin is for refuse you cannot recycle.
- Your black box is for plastic bottles and cans.
- Your green/brown bin is for garden waste, kitchen waste and cardboard.
- Your blue box is for newspapers and magazines.
Q: Do I need to remove labels and lids before putting plastic bottles and cans in the black box?
You do not need to remove the labels from tins or bottles, however you will need to remove all plastic bottle lids. If plastic lids are not removed it makes it more difficult to squash the bottles and bale them. Plastic lids may be placed in the black box separately.
Q: What should I do if I havent got a black/blue box or green bin for my recycling?
If you do not have one or more of our containers please contact us on 020 8207 7480 or email street.scene@hertsmere.gov.uk
Q: What days will my rubbish / recycling be collected?
Please visit Houshold waste and recycling collections.
Q: What time do I need to put my containers out for collection?
Unless you live in flats or have a special arrangement with us, all waste and recycling needs to be placed on your boundary by 6:30am on the day of your collection.
Q: Where do I put my container on collection day?
Simply leave your boxes and bins at your property boundary, making sure not to obstruct the public highway.
Q: How big are the boxes?
The blue recycling boxes are 38 litres (35.5cm (14) x 30cm (12) x 56cm (22)) and the black boxes are 55 litres (34.5cm (13.5) 44cm (17) 57cm (22)).
Q: Do you provide lids for the black boxes?
To make it quicker and easier during collection the black boxes do not come with lids. If you place heavier items at the top of your box, this will keep secure any lighter, smaller items and prevent them from falling out of the container during our collection. The boxes are specially designed with drain holes to stop them filling with rainwater if you have to leave them outside during the week. It does not matter if the recyclables get wet. Paper needs to stay dry, which is why this blue box has a lid. If yours becomes lost or broken, you can request a new lid by calling us on T: 020 8207 7480.
Q: Can I put my address on my boxes?
You are more than welcome to identify your containers with your house name or number.
Q: How can I keep my bin clean? I am worried my bins will smell or start to attract vermin.
Your wheeled bins are sealed with a lid to minimise smells and you can wrap your food waste for the green bin in newspaper or use compostable bags; these will help to keep your bin clean and eliminate odours.
Please remember that your food waste can still be collected on a weekly basis simply by using the black and green bins on alternate weeks.
You could also put your general rubbish in plastic bags before putting it in the black bin. If you clean out any items that have been in contact with food before you place them in your bins/boxes, there will be no smell that could attract vermin
Q: Do I need to clean out recyclables before putting them in the containers?
Cans, tins and anything that have been in contact with food should be cleaned before being put in the recycling boxes/ bins. A quick soak in the last of your washing up water or as part of your dishwasher load, is all you need to do.
Q: What if I dont have enough recycling to fill the containers on the day they are collected?
We would still encourage you to put your containers out for collection. It doesnt matter if your recycling box has a couple of items in it or is full each week its about recycling as much as you can.
Q: If I have more non-recyclable waste than garden waste or more plastic bottles than paper can I put this container out instead?
No. Our lorries can only pick up waste allocated for collection on that day. If you put out a box due to be collected the following week, we will not be able to take it away early. In addition, if you place the items in the wrong containers, you will contaminate your recycling, which unfortunately means we are unable to take and recycle your waste.
Q: Am I able to put glass in with my other recycling?
No. We are unable to collect glass with your other recyclables at this stage. However, we have lots of local recycling banks and household waste recycling centres in the borough.
Q: What should I do if all my recycling doesnt fit in the containers?
We want you to recycle as much of your waste as you can. If you find you cannot fit all your recycling material into your box, you can put out recycling next to your box in carrier bags, not black bags. Carrier bags used to put out extra recycling do not get recycled.
Please do not put out more than necessary and only use them to hold your extra recycling. Please bear in mind we do not collect extra bags of refuse or garden waste in addition to your wheelie bin.
Q: What happens if I put my domestic refuse in the wrong container?
Unfortunately, this will mean that we will not be able to collect your container, as it will contaminate the clean dry recyclables already collected in the back of the recycling vehicle. If this does happen, then a note will be left with your uncollected waste giving reasons why it was not collected and what you should do.
Q: I do not produce any garden waste over autumn or winter. Will this part of the service stop?
No, all our collections run throughout the year.
Q: Can I leave my boxes out permanently?
The containers can be kept anywhere on your property, but must not be left on the public highway.
Q: What do I do if my box/bin hasn't been emptied?
It takes two different vehicles to pick up recyclables and black/green wheelie bins. Please be aware that one may be collected first thing in the morning and the other a few hours later. If at the end of the day you have been missed out, please contact us on 020 8207 7480. We are unable to take your box if you have contaminated your waste.
Q: Can I take my containers with me when I move house?
No. The containers belong to Hertsmere Borough Council and well need the boxes to be able to offer the service to the next occupants.
Q: I have just moved into the area and do not have any recycling containers. Can I still take part in the scheme?
Yes, if there are no boxes/bins at your house when you move in, please contact us on 020 8207 7480 to arrange for them to be delivered.
Q: I live in a flat, will I receive a box?
We are hoping to develop our recycling in flats during the coming year.
Q: I struggle to put out my bins, what can I do?
Please see Assisted Collections.
Q: What happens to everything that is collected?
The recyclables from the boxes are delivered to Chas Storer in Potters Bar. The waste is then sorted and sent off for processing. Plastic bottles and cans are either reprocessed back into steel/aluminium cans and plastic bottles or used to make completely new products such as fleeces or garden furniture. The paper gets sent to Aylesford Newsprint and gets turned into new newspapers, such as The Guardian and The Times.
The green waste is sent to West London Composting in Harefield to be turned into high quality compost for use in agriculture.