Household Waste Collection Policy

1 Introduction

Horsham District Council (‘HDC’), (‘the Council’) is responsible for discharging its duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (‘EPA 1990’) for collecting household waste. HDC aim to operate an effective household waste service that meets targets and maximises recycling. The purpose of this document is to set out the key areas for the waste collection service and the responsibilities of the Council and service user.

2 Household Wheeled bin collections

Horsham District Council collects household waste via wheeled bins. This section identifies the provision of wheeled bins, their use, and any special circumstances for the collection of household waste.

2.1 Bin(s) provision, use and responsibility

Horsham District Council’s policy relating to provision of wheeled bins has been in place since 2009. It identifies who is responsible for the provision and maintenance of wheeled bins at any household in the district. At present the Council has four categories of collection for household waste.

1. Mixed Dry Recycling
2. Residual waste
3. Garden Waste
4. Food waste

As a Waste Collection Authority (‘WCA’) it is the responsibility of the Council to arrange for the collection of household waste. This duty is set out in section 45 of the EPA 1990 and for the provision of wheeled bin reference is made to section 46. For the purposes of this document, where appropriate, the term ‘occupier’ used in the legislation is substituted by ‘householder’.

The following points are set out in section 46 of the EPA 1990 regarding the provision of wheeled bins.

• (i) The use and provision of specified receptacles
• (ii) The size, construction, and maintenance of receptacles
• (iii) Where receptacles must be placed for collection (including provision for requiring them to be placed on the highway)
• (iv) What may and may not be put into the receptacles

The household waste collection service does not put an obligation on the Council to provide the receptacles, only the emptying of them. At the time of introduction for the previous schemes, the Council provided these free of charge to each household with ownership and full responsibility passing to the householder. The Council has otherwise required householders to provide the wheeled bins although the Council does repair or replace any wheeled bin that its collection vehicles have damaged in limited circumstances.

Maintenance of Wheeled Bins

As per section 46 of the EPA 1990, the WCA can instruct the householder to maintain their bins to a serviceable condition. Bins can become damaged through fair wear and tear or can sustain damage through improper use. It is therefore incumbent upon the householder to make minor repairs to their bins within their capability to ensure the bin is serviceable and safe to be collected. Parts and repairs can also be supplied by the Council for a small fee. Fees and charges are available on our website.

Standard Wheeled Bins for Household Waste specified by the Council

The Council has agreed the following in terms of standard for each type of material and these can be purchased from the Council.

• (i) 140 litres Green Top Bin for residual waste (or 240 litres dispensation)
• (ii) 240 litres Blue Top Bin for mixed dry recycling
• (iii) 240 litres Brown Top Bin for garden waste
• (iv) 23 litres Orange Top Bin for food waste

Householders are welcome to purchase bins through an alternative (third party) supplier, however, any bins purchased must meet the manufacturing standard EN840.

It is recommended that bins should also be awarded with the “GGAWB” sign of Quality association for containers for waste and recycling materials (RAL).

If the householder chooses to buy a third party bin that does not meet the manufacturing standard EN840, or is not the standard issue colour as described above or is in anyway incompatible with the Council’s collections vehicle or safe working practices, then, we reserve the right not to collect any waste contained in bins that do not meet this standard.

Free bin replacement

The Council will repair or replace bins free of charge in the following circumstances:

• (i) If it is acknowledged that a bin is damaged by the Council’s collections vehicle
• (ii) If it is acknowledged that a total loss of bin has been sustained during the waste collection process

In order to qualify for a free replacement bin or non-chargeable repair the following criterion in (iii) is applied:

• (iii) There must be a report made by the crew on the scheduled day of collection and recorded by the Council identifying that damage or total loss has taken place.

Householders are required to purchase bins in the following circumstances:

• (i) When a bin is not in situ at a residential property
• (ii) When a bin is stolen or goes missing
• (iii) When a bin is damaged by the householder or a third party (such as arson or vandalism)
• (iv) When a bin is no longer serviceable or safe to be collected
• (v) When a bin has a substantial component defect caused by poor maintenance or improper use

Householders can purchase bins directly from the Council on our Order a bin page.

Appeals Process

If any householder or property owner is unhappy with any decision made on behalf of the Council related to free replacement of wheeled bins, then an appeal should be lodged in writing to yoursay@horsham.gov.uk within ten working days from the date of the decision.

2.2 Provision of bins for building developers

For the purposes of this document, the term ‘developer’ relates to any person or business who is responsible for the provision of bins for a housing development of more than five new properties or dwellings.

It is common practice for a developer of a housing development to supply bins for single occupancy properties (houses) and bulk bins for multi occupancy properties (flats). Bins supplied within the Horsham district must meet the criteria outlined below.

Single Occupancy Properties (Houses)

The Council has agreed the following in terms of standard for each type of material for houses and these can be purchased from the Council. These sizes are per dwelling:

• (i) 140 litres Green Top Bin for residual waste
• (ii) 240 litres Blue Top Bin for mixed dry recycling
• (iii) 240 litres Brown Top Bin for garden waste (paid-for subscription service)
• (iv) 23 litre Orange Top Bin for food waste

Multi Occupancy Properties (Flats)

The Council has agreed the following in terms of standard for each type of material. These sizes are per dwelling:

• (i) 180 litres for residual waste
• (ii) 240 litres for mixed dry recycling

For food waste, a 140 litre orange top bin will be supplied to each bin store.

The specifications above relate to each dwelling in a multi occupancy property and are used as a general guide to assess the size and number of bulk bins required.

The sizes and specifications of bulk bins that the Council are able to empty are below and these can be purchased from the Council:

• (i) 1100 litre Green Top Bulk Bin for residual waste
• (ii) 660 Green Top Bulk Bin for residual waste
• (iii) 360 Green Top Wheeled Bin for residual waste
• (iv) 1100 litre Blue Top Bulk Bin for mixed dry recycling
• (v) 660 litre Blue Top Bulk Bin for mixed dry recycling
• (vi) 360 litre Blue Top Wheeled Bin for mixed dry recycling
• (vii) 1100 litre bulk bin with transparent sides and blue letterbox lid for mixed dry recycling contamination control
• (viii) 660 litre bulk bins with transparent sides and blue letterbox lid for mixed dry recycling contamination control
• (ix) 140 litre orange top bin for food waste

Bin standards

Developers are welcome to purchase bins through an alternative (third party) supplier, however, any bins purchased must meet the manufacturing standard EN840.

It is recommended that bins should also be awarded with the GGAWB sign of Quality association for containers for waste and recycling materials (RAL).

If the developer chooses to buy a third party bin that does not meet the manufacturing standard EN840 or does not meet the criteria outlined in this document, including the colour specification of green-top for refuse, blue-top for recycling or orange-top for food waste, or is in anyway incompatible with the Council’s collections vehicle or safe working practices, then, the Council reserve the right not to collect any waste contained in bins that do not meet this standard.

Procedure for bin allocation and supply

For housing developments comprising of five or more dwellings, particularly where those developments contain multi occupancy properties, the Council’s procedure for bin allocation and supply applies.

The Recycling & Waste Team will receive notification of a development once the planning notification has been issued. At this stage, a letter containing a form will be supplied to the developer requesting information pertaining to the site details and the primary contact for each stage of the bin allocation and supply procedure. Upon completion and return of the form, a consultation will begin with an officer from the Council to assess the bin requirements for the site. During this consultation, the officer will complete a bin order form in agreement with the developer.

As per section 46 of the EPA 1990, the Council can specify the size of the receptacles and where receptacles are placed for collection. Because of this requirement, it is often required that the Council meet with the developer on site to specify what bins are required and where they will need to be placed. This requirement remains the same should the supplier purchase bins through the Council or through an alternative (third party) supplier.

Following completion of the consultation, if it is agreed to purchase bins through the Council, an invoice to the developer will be raised for the cost of the bins to be supplied and delivered on an agreed date. Should the development require staggered deliveries, this can also be arranged. The delivery date and subsequent delivery of the bins will only be arranged upon full payment of the invoice.

Should a developer purchase bins through an alternative (third party) supplier, the bins supplied must be the size and specification outlined during the site visit with the council officer. If any bins are installed at the site which are not within the agreed specification, the Council reserve the right not to collect any waste contained within wheeled bins that do not meet this standard.

Procedure for starting collections of waste from newly occupied dwellings

The Council are informed that new dwellings are becoming occupied via the National Address Gazetteer, however it is requested that the developers provide the Council with a schedule of dates of residents moving into new properties to assist with resource planning.

Once the Council has received information of new dwellings becoming occupied, collection rounds and days will be allocated to the new addresses and collections will start as per the collections schedule, with immediate effect.

As per Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Council can specify where receptacles are placed for collection. Whilst every effort will be made to collect bins from directly outside single occupancy dwellings on the kerbside, in some circumstances it may be necessary to implement a collection point which requires the bin to be moved to a specific location for collection day. In these circumstances, residents will be contacted to advise of their collection point.

Once rounds and days are allocated, residents of newly occupied dwellings will be able to download their personalised collections calendar from our Check your bin  collection day page

2.3 Placing bins out for collection

As per Section 46 of the EPA 1990, the Council can designate where bins are placed for collection. Bins must be placed at the designated collection point by 6am on collection day. The designated collection point is on the pavement or highway outside the property, unless otherwise specified by the council. Bins are to be placed with the handle facing the road.

Bins must be brought back in within the property boundary as soon as possible after collection to avoid blocking public highways and access.

The Council can reject to collect any bins which are presented for collection incorrectly, reasons for possible rejection are outlined below:

• (i) Any waste not presented within a designated bin (excess waste).
• (ii) Bins presented with the lid not fully closed.
• (iii) Incorrect bin presented (e.g., residual waste bin presented on recycling collection day).
• (iv) Unauthorised bins or containers, including:
  • a) unauthorised collection sacks, boxes, or containers.
  • b) Bins that do not comply with the ‘Bin Provision’ section of this document or that are otherwise incompatible with the Council’s collection vehicle.
  • c) Bins that exceed the designated capacity or number of bins per dwelling as outlined in the ‘Bin Provision’ section of this document.
• (v) Contaminated material as outlined for each material type, within the ‘household waste’ sections of this document.
• (vi) Overloaded bins which are too heavy to be safely moved by a collection operative.
• (vii) Waste which is compacted or frozen within the bin in such a way that it cannot be dislodged when inverted by the collection vehicle or collection operative.

Any bins which are rejected due to these reasons will need to have the problem corrected and be re-presented on the next scheduled collection day.

2.4 Communal bins

Access to communal bins

The Council require communal bins to be presented on a hard standing surface and be accessible to collection operatives. There should be clear and smooth access to move the bins to the collection vehicle, no uneven surfaces or kerbs. To prevent fly-tipping, it is recommended that communal bins are stored in enclosed spaces (bin stores) with coded access to enter the space. Bin stores or communal bins are required to be within ten metres of where the Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV) can access.

Refuse Collection Vehicle Access

The Council have specific access requirements for the vehicles used to collect bins. The information pertaining to access will be provided as guidance at the planning stage. The Refuse and Recycling Standards Advice Note is also available upon request.

2.5 Missed Collections

Should a bin not be collected for reasons outside of the Council’s control, such as blocked access, the Council will endeavour to collect bins as soon as possible, when conditions allow for bins to be accessed again.

Bins are occasionally accidently missed by collection operatives. If a bin is not collected and it has been presented in line with the conditions outlined in the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document, it can be reported as a missed collection.

Missed collections must be reported by 12 noon on the day after the scheduled collection day. If the collection day is a Friday this can be reported up to 12 noon on the following Monday. Any reports that come in after 12 noon the following working day cannot be accepted.

Missed collections can be reported on our Missed bin collections webpage.

HDC will look into the missed collection to see what has happened. If the bin has been missed the team will aim to collect it within 24 hours of the miss being reported.

2.6 Collection of bins from Isolated (hard to reach) Properties

A small proportion of the Horsham district households are considered ‘Isolated Properties.’ Isolated Properties are usually situated in hard-to-reach locations via roads which are narrow or have restricted weight or size access to vehicles. As a result, our standard sized Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs) are unable to provide a collection and instead the Council deploys smaller RCVs which are the appropriate size to reach Isolated Properties to collect their household waste.

Residents residing in Isolated Properties are required to bring their bins to the public highway for collection, including where properties are situated a significant distance from the public highway and are accessed via private driveways. The Council does not permit the driving of its RCVs on private property, except in special circumstances (such as for assisted collections).

Bins must be presented in accordance with the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document.

2.7 Assisted collections

Assisted collections provide a service for wheeled bins to be collected from a designated collection point which is not on the public highway. This service is available to residents who are unable to move wheeled bins to the public highway for collection and who do not have a person residing with them who can move the bin on their behalf. Assisted collections are subject to an application process.

Should an applicant be approved, a collection operative will collect the bin from a suitable location, which is agreed between the householder and the Council, and move the bin to the RCV to be collected. Once the wheeled bin is emptied it will be returned. Collection operatives require access to bins from 6am on collection day. Collection points must be reasonable and practicable for operatives to reach and in cases where operatives are required to travel unreasonable distances to collect bins, alternatives may be offered.

Should garden waste bins which require an assisted collection be in a location which causes health and safety issues for the collection operatives, then the council reserves the right to refuse collection.

This service does not apply to residents who have communal bin facilities.

Details on how to apply for an Assisted Collection can be found on our Assisted bin collections webpage.

2.8 Adverse weather

In the event of adverse weather conditions, HDC will make every effort to collect your kerbside waste, recycling, food waste and garden waste (if subscribed to the service). Should adverse conditions prevent collection due to road safety concerns then bins will be collected as soon as possible once conditions have improved.  Residents are asked to keep their bins at the collection point.

3 Household Refuse Collections (Green-top bin for Refuse)

Horsham District Council provide collections of household refuse contained within green-top bins for refuse. This section outlines the collection requirements and any dispensations.

3.1 Household Refuse Collection

All single-dwelling domestic properties which do not have a dispensation for a larger bin are required to present their household refuse within a 140-litre green-top bin for collection. This will be emptied on a fortnightly basis and must be presented in accordance with the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document. Multi-occupancy dwellings (flats) will use communal bins to dispose of their waste, also emptied on a fortnightly basis. The council will refuse to collect bins that do not comply with the ‘Bin provision’ section of this document.

Bins are the property and the responsibility of the householder, as outlined in the ‘Bin Provision’ section of this document.

Should residents choose to not participate in the household refuse collection service, the Council will not provide an alternative and residents will be required to dispose of their waste in line with legislation.

3.2 Acceptable items for household waste

It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure the materials placed in the residual waste bin are acceptable. HDC Collection Operatives will perform a visual check on the bin before emptying and if the bin contains items that are incorrect or contaminating, the bin will not be emptied. There will be a record placed on the in-cab system at the time so any enquires can be dealt with appropriately.

Acceptable items include cooked food waste, nappies, dog waste and non-recyclable packaging. Unacceptable items include hazardous waste, medical or business waste, DIY waste or garden waste. For more details on acceptable waste please visit our General waste bin webpage.

Any incorrect or contaminating items will need to be removed by the resident and taken to a Recycling Centre or appropriate disposal point. The household waste bin can be represented on the next scheduled collection day.

3.3 Dispensations for a larger refuse bin

Households which meet certain criteria, including for larger families and those with medical needs, can apply for a dispensation for a larger household waste bin. Applicants may be subject to checks as part of the application process, including a waste assessment. Successful applicants will be provided with the maximum sized waste bin of 240 litres, to replace the 140-litre green-top bin, for a fee.

Only one green-top bin for household waste will be emptied per property at any one time.

Criteria and processes for dispensation applications can be found on our General waste bin webpage.

3.4 Excess waste

Excess waste includes waste, which is presented next to the bin, in place of the bin or on top of the bin. Wheeled bins must be presented with the lid closed. HDC does not accept excess waste, except in limited circumstances, which include the following:

• (i) If a resident is awaiting delivery of a green-top bin for refuse and has no alternative to contain their waste
• (ii) If a resident is applying for a dispensation for a larger refuse bin and is unable to contain all their waste during the application process

In limited cases where excess waste is acceptable, the Council must agree with the resident in advance in order to provide collections of agreed excess waste. Agreed excess waste must be contained within strong refuse sacks and placed next to the residual waste bin, or at the collection point where a bin is not present, on collection day. It is strongly advised that residents placing out agreed excess waste double bag their waste, contain smelly waste such as cooked food or nappies within further bags or newspaper to reduce the smell and only place excess waste out by 6am on collection day and not the night before. This will reduce the likelihood of excess waste being interfered with by wildlife.

In cases where excess waste is placed on top of the bin with the lid open, the collection operatives may remove the excess that does not fit into the wheeled bin and place this on the highway and empty the contents of the wheeled bin.

Any excess waste placed out that is not agreed in advance by the Council is not acceptable and will not be collected. It is the responsibility of the householder to remove the excess waste and take it to a local Recycling Centre to be disposed of.

Excess waste which is placed out on the highway without prior agreement with the Council for collection can constitute a fly-tipping offence if the waste is not removed and taken to an appropriate disposal point on the same collection day, before it becomes necessary for the Council to collect it to remove it from the highway. This includes any litter caused by wildlife ripping open bags of excess waste. It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure that any litter caused as a result of excess waste is removed from the highway. If a resident breaches this requirement they may be subject to the appropriate enforcement action.

4 Household Recycling Collections (Blue-top bin for Recycling)

Horsham District Council provide collections of household recyclable waste contained within blue-top bins for recycling. This section outlines the collection requirements and what can be recycled.

4.1 Household Recycling Collection

All single-dwelling domestic properties are required to present their household recycling within a 240-litre blue-top bin for collection. This will be emptied on a fortnightly basis and must be presented in accordance with the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document. Multi-occupancy dwellings (flats) will use communal bins to dispose of their recycling, also emptied on a fortnightly basis. The council will refuse to collect bins that do not comply with the ‘Bin provision’ section of this document.

Bins are the property and the responsibility of the householder, as outlined in the ‘Bin Provision’ section of this document.

Should residents choose to not participate in the household recycling collection service, the Council will not provide an alternative and residents will be required to dispose of their recycling in line with legislation.

4.2 Acceptable items for recycling

It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure the materials placed in the recycling waste bin are acceptable. HDC Collection Operatives will perform a visual check on the bin before emptying and if the bin contains items that are incorrect or contaminating, the bin will not be emptied. There will be a record placed on the in-cab system at the time so any enquires can be dealt with appropriately.

Acceptable items include paper and card, metal cans, plastic bottles and glass bottles or jars. Unacceptable items include hazardous waste, medical or business waste, DIY waste or garden waste.

For more details on acceptable waste please visit our Recycling bin webpage.

Any incorrect or contaminating items will need to be removed by the resident and put in the residual waste bin or taken to a Recycling Centre or appropriate disposal point. The household recycling bin can be represented on the next scheduled collection day.

4.3 Contamination of the recycling bin

Residents must present recycling bins with the correct items inside. An acceptable list of what items can be recycled can be found on our Recycling bin webpage.

Should a recycling bin be presented with items that are not on the acceptable items list then this is considered contamination. Contaminating items also include soiled, wet or food covered items.

Contaminated recycling bins will be rejected at the point of collection and a tag will be attached to the bin informing the resident of the problem. Any contaminating items will need to be removed and the bin represented on the next scheduled collection day. It may be the case that, if agreed by mutual consent, the council will collect the contaminated material as residual waste on an agreed date in order to minimise any inconvenience to the household.

Should contamination of the recycling bin be persistent and deliberate, the council will consider appropriate enforcement action.

4.4 Additional recycling bins

Residents are allowed to purchase additional recycling bins by visiting our Order a new bin webpage. Each recycling bin needs to be presented following the same rules as the first recycling bin, as set out in section 2.3. This also means additional recycling bins will be collected on the regular recycling collection day. The maximum amount of recycling bins that can be presented by each domestic dwelling is 3 bins, not including communal properties. The Council recommends that residents attempt to reduce space within recycling bins by breaking up boxed and squashing plastic bottles before purchasing further recycling bins.

4.5 Excess recycling

Excess recycling includes any waste, which is presented next to the bin, in place of the bin or on top of the bin. Wheeled bins must be presented with the lid closed. HDC do not accept excess recycling that is not contained within a bin.

In cases where excess recycling is placed on top of the bin with the lid open, the collection operatives may reject the bin and it will need to be represented with the excess recycling removed on the next collection day.

Excess waste which is placed out on the highway without prior agreement with the Council for collection can constitute a fly-tipping offence if the waste is not removed and taken to an appropriate disposal point on the same collection day, before it becomes necessary for the Council to collect it to remove it from the highway. It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure that any litter caused as a result of excess recycling is removed from the highway. If a resident breaches this requirement they may be subject to the appropriate enforcement action.

5 Household Garden Waste Collections (Brown-top bin for Garden Waste)

Horsham District Council provide collections of household garden waste contained within brown-top bins for garden waste. This section outlines the collection requirements and what can be placed within the bin for recycling.

5.1 Household Garden Waste Collections

All domestic properties can present their household garden waste within a 240-litre brown-top bin for collection. This will be emptied on a fortnightly basis and must be presented in accordance with the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document. The council will refuse to collect bins that do not comply with the ‘Bin provision’ section of this document.

Wheeled bins are the property and the responsibility of the householder, as outlined in the ‘Bin Provision’ section of this document.

Should residents choose to not participate in the household garden waste collection service, the Council will not provide an alternative and residents will be required to dispose of their garden waste in line with legislation.

The garden waste service is a chargeable service and the Council reserves the right to stop collecting any garden waste bin if the service has not been paid for. All garden waste customers must also comply with the current garden waste service terms and conditions.

For a copy of the current terms and conditions please visit our Garden waste collections webpage.

5.2 Acceptable items for Garden Waste

It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure the materials placed in the garden waste bin are acceptable. HDC Collection Operatives will perform a visual check on the bin before emptying and if the bin contains items that are incorrect or contaminating, the bin will not be emptied. There will be a record placed on the in-cab system at the time so any enquires can be dealt with appropriately.

Acceptable items include grass cuttings, leaves, weeds and flowers. Unacceptable items include hazardous waste, medical waste, DIY waste or plastic bags and liners. For more details on acceptable waste please visit our Garden waste collections webpage

Any incorrect or contaminating items will need to be removed by the resident and taken to a Recycling Centre or appropriate disposal point. The garden waste bin can be represented on the next scheduled collection day.

5.3 Additional garden waste bins

Residents are allowed to purchase additional garden waste bins for a fee by visiting our Order a new bin webpage. Fees and charges for additional bins are available on our website. Providing each bin adheres to the terms and conditions of the garden waste service these additional bins can also be collected on the regular garden waste collection day.

5.4 Excess garden waste

Excess garden waste includes any waste, which is presented next to the bin, in place of the bin or on top of the bin. Wheeled bins must be presented with the lid closed. HDC do not accept excess garden waste that is not contained within a bin.

In cases where excess garden waste is placed on top of the bin with the lid open, the collection operatives may reject the bin and it will need to be represented with the excess garden waste removed on the next collection day.

Excess waste which is placed out on the highway without prior agreement with the Council for collection can constitute a fly-tipping offence if the waste is not removed and taken to an appropriate disposal point on the same collection day, before it becomes necessary for the Council to collect it to remove it from the highway. It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure that any litter caused as a result of excess waste is removed from the highway. If a resident breaches this requirement they may be subject to the appropriate enforcement action.

6 Household Food Waste Collections (orange-top bin)

Horsham District Council provide collections of household food waste contained within the orange-top bin for food waste. This section outlines the collection requirements and what can be recycled as part of this service.

6.1 Household food waste collections

All single-dwelling domestic properties are required to present their food waste in a 23 litre food waste bin. This will be emptied on a weekly basis and must be presented in accordance with the ‘Placing Bins out for Collection’ section of this document and should be presented with the lid in the locked position. Multi-occupancy dwellings (flats) will use a communal bin to dispose of their food waste, also emptied on a weekly basis.

Should residents choose to not participate in the household food waste collection service, the Council will not provide an alternative and residents will be required to dispose of their food waste in line with legislation.

6.2 Food waste caddies

At the time of introduction, the Council provided the following for the provision of the food waste service:

1. 23 litre exterior food waste bin with an orange-top, handle and lid locking mechanism
2. 5 litre internal food waste caddy (used to transfer food waste from the kitchen to the 23 litre exterior food waste bin)

As per section 46 of the EPA 1990, the Council passes full ownership and responsibility of the 23 litre exterior food waste bin to the householder. This includes maintaining the bin to a standard whereby it can facilitate the collection of food waste.

Should a food waste receptacle be presented that does not meet the above specification or is in any way incompatible with the Council’s safe working methods for collection, then the Council reserves the right to not collect any food waste contained in bins that do not meet these standards.

New or replacement food waste bins will be supplied free of charge to residents that require them. These can be ordered on our Order a new bin page.

The 5 litre food waste caddy belongs fully to the resident and is not subject to any policy. However, it is strongly advised that the householder utilise the caddy, or a suitable alternative, to transfer food waste from the kitchen to the 23 litre caddy for collection. Should the 5 litre caddy become damaged or go missing, it is incumbent upon the householder to provide a repair or replacement for their household. Apart from the initial roll-out, caddies will not be provided by the Council however they can be purchased at all relevant retailers.

6.3 Food waste liners

It is strongly recommended that residents line their 5 litre internal food waste caddy with liners to prevent the caddy becoming soiled and to allow easier transfer from the caddy to the 23 litre bin. It is the responsibility of the householder to provide liners for this service.

6.4 Acceptable items for food waste

It is the responsibility of the resident to ensure the materials placed in the food waste bin are acceptable. HDC Collection Operatives will perform a visual check on the bin before emptying and if the caddy contains items that are incorrect or contaminating, then it will not be emptied. There will be a record placed on the in-cab system at the time so any enquires can be dealt with appropriately.

Acceptable items include cooked food waste, peelings and eggshells. Unacceptable items include packaging, non-food waste products and animal waste. For more details on acceptable food waste please visit our Food waste webpage.

Any incorrect or contaminating items will need to be removed by the resident and either taken to a Recycling Centre or placed in the correct bin. The food waste bin can be re-presented on the next scheduled collection day.

6.5 Additional food waste bins

The 23 litre caddy has been proven to be sufficient in capacity for most households, especially after a few weeks when the service beds in. However, should residents require additional capacity, food waste caddies are available to order by visiting our Order a new bin page.

Any bins purchased need to comply with 6.2 Food Waste Caddies Section of this document.

Additional bins can be placed out for collection on the allocated collection day for emptying.

6.6 Excess food waste

Excess food waste includes waste, which is presented next to the caddy, in place of the caddy or on top of the caddy will not be accepted. Food waste bins must be presented with the lid closed and in the locked position.

7 Clinical waste collections

HDC provide collections of clinical waste, including offensive waste, via its contractor. The following items can be collected separately via this service:

• Bandages
• Incontinence pads
• Needles / sharps
• Stoma bags

If the above waste constitutes one or fewer black bags per week then residents can instead apply for a larger bin dispensation by visiting our General waste bin webpage. This does not include needles and sharps, which will need to be collected separately via the clinical waste service in all circumstances. Information on clinical waste collection services including how to sign up can also be found on our Clinical waste collection webpage.

8 Additional recycling collections

Horsham District Council offers various additional recycling services to help our residents to recycle items easily and safely. This section outlines the service requirements and what can be recycled through each collection service.

8.1 Textiles

Horsham District Council offers a free textile collection service to recycle unwanted textiles and reduce waste. This service is a bookable collection service, so all clean, dry textiles must be secured in a plastic bag in an accessible location on the selected collection day. For more information about the textiles that are accepted, and to book a collection, please visit our Textiles and small electricals webpage. Any items that are not acceptable for this service can be taken to a local recycling centre for recycling.

8.2 Small electricals

Horsham District Council offers a free small electrical item collection service to ensure these items are recycled correctly and reduce waste where possible. This service is a bookable collection service, so any small electrical items that have been booked in for collection must be secured in a plastic bag and placed in an accessible location on the selected collection day.

For more information about the electrical items that are accepted, and to book a collection, please visit our Textiles and small electricals webpage. Some items are not eligible for this service and resident’s can then either book these into the large item collection service (if the item is eligible) or take the item to a local recycling centre. Items collected by this service that have replaceable batteries must have the batteries removed for collection for safety reasons.

8.3 Batteries

Horsham District Council offers a free battery recycling service to residents, to ensure batteries are recycled safely and do not pose a risk to our collection vehicles or staff. To partake in this collection service residents do not need to book a collection, as batteries just need to be left on top of the household’s refuse or recycling bin in a clear plastic sandwich bag on the household’s bin collection day.

For more information about the batteries that are accepted, please visit our Batteries recycling webpage. Any batteries that are not accepted by our collection service need to be taken to a recycling centre by the resident to be disposed of safely.

8.4 Coffee pods

Horsham District Council has partnered up with Podback to offer a free collection service for used coffee pods. Residents can use this service by creating a free online account with Podback to order recycling bags for the specific pods that the household uses. Once the bags have been received residents can begin filling them with used coffee pods for recycling. When the bag is ready to be collected residents can then book a free collection on our website. Coffee pod bags must be left in an accessible location on the selected collection day.

For more information about the coffee pod brands that are accepted, and to book a collection, please visit our Coffee pod recycling webpage. Our website also has a helpful link to the Podback website to set up your account and order additional bags.