Waste/ Recycling

Dealing with household waste

Oxford City Council is very strict about its refuse collection policies. Getting it wrong can end up expensive and time consuming for you if you end up getting charges and/ or refused collections.

They have also recently made it partly our responsibility to enforce their policies, so here is some guidance to help you avoid problems.

Step 1

Make sure you know your bin collection day by checking the Council website: https://www.oxford.gov.uk/homepage/154/find_your_bin_collection_day

You can set up text/ email reminders of when to put your bins out, or download a calendar.

Step 2

Make sure the collectors will accept your bins. They won’t accept them if:

• You haven’t separated your rubbish properly. Recycling, food waste and landfill waste must be separated and put in the right bins. Guidance on this is available here

• Your bin is overflowing or has rubbish not in the bin. Even a lid not shutting flat will often be refused

• The bin is not easily accessible to collectors. They won’t go into your garden to collect it- it needs to be on the street

• There is more landfill rubbish than recycling

Step 3

Make sure the bins are left out for collection for the minimum time necessary, and only after 6pm/ before 7am. Leaving bins on the street unnecessarily will result in complaints from the Council.

Other things to remember:

• Green bins are for landfill. Blue bins are for recycling

• No black bags in blue bins

• You can leave batteries/ electronics on the lid of the green bin

• Ordinary plastic bags can be used for food waste

• You can book 2 free bulky waste collections per year

• If you don’t have enough bins, visit this webpage

The Council website will be able to answer most of your questions, but please let us know if you have any for us.

What goes in what bin

Blue bins

FOR RECYCLING waste. Make sure you check packaging for what can be recycled. About 80% of waste is currently recyclable. Please don't use any black bags in this bin.

For a more detailed list, check here: what goes in the blue recycling bin

Green bins

FOR LANDFILL waste. This is non-recyclable waste and should be considered a last resort.

For a more detailed list, check here: what goes in the green landfill bin

Food caddy

FOR FOOD waste. These can be lined with ordinary plastic bags if you do not have the compostable ones handy.

For more detail: what goes in the food caddy