Service FAQs
FAQs on Waste Management
- What should I do with my excess waste?
To make the most of the service, please ensure you are recycling as much as possible by checking the ‘What goes in my bins’ page, and maximise the space in your bins with the advice on our ‘Recycling tips’ page.
You may be eligible for extra capacity if you have:
- a larger household with 6+ permanent residents
- two or more children under 36 months
- adults using incontinence items/with medical needs
Alternatively, any excess non-recyclable waste will have to be taken to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
- What can I do to reduce waste that I have?
Reducing waste is linked to what you buy and the packaging that items are contained in. To truly reduce waste; then buying only necessary items and items with less packaging or more recyclable packaging is part of our challenge of reducing waste. For the waste that you do produce check out our recycling A-Z on our website to ensure you are recycling all you can.
To create more space:- Wash and squash plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, cartons and tins.
- Stack similar shape products into each other where possible (e.g. yoghurt pots, takeaway dishes, cat food trays etc.).
- Flatten cardboard boxes.
Food – try to plan your meals around what needs using up and don’t forget to freeze leftovers. Check out Love Food, Hate Waste for more ideas.
Textiles – any unwanted clothes, shoes, towels, bedsheets etc – even damaged – can be taken to your local charity shop or clothes bank. Please keep damaged items separate and label as ‘rags’. Check with your local shop if they are happy to take rags, some animal shelters will also take old bedding.
Plastic bags and wrapping - you can place these loose into your black-lidded mixed recycling bin (please check that they do not have food residue on them).
Household Waste and Recycling Centres – check what you can recycle at your local Herts recycling centre such as coat hangers and old plastic garden furniture.
You could also check out:- I don't qualify for additional space, but am worried about nappies
Several councils already provide this service, and residents have successfully adapted to the change. To minimise smells, residents are encouraged to bag nappy waste before placing it in the wheeled bin and to clean the bin regularly. Alternatively, they may consider using reusable nappies. For more information, visit the Herts Reusable Nappies page on the Hertfordshire County Council website.
FAQs on bin capacity
- What special consideration are given to those that need assistance with bin collections, and larger households that need a larger waste bin?
People currently requiring assistance with bin collections are known to us and will continue to be supported, but more people may require assistance with the new service. Those requiring assistance with bin collections should contact East Herts Council assisted bin service.
The following households are eligible to apply for extra capacity:- Larger households with 6+ permanent residents.
- Homes with 2+ children under 36 months.
- Adults using incontinence items/with medical needs.