Rubbish collections

Rubbish and recycling collections are fortnightly in Herefordshire, with recycling (green bins or clear sacks) and general waste (black bins or black sacks) collected on alternate weeks. You can find your collection day on our handy bin collection day checker.

If your property is unsuitable for a wheelie bin, then you can use black sacks. You can present up to 4 black sacks (you must buy your own) on your general rubbish collection day. We will provide you with clear recycling sacks, these will be delivered between August and September each year.

If you share bins with other properties, please separate the recycling from the rubbish at home. Empty loose recycling into the green bin. The recycling should be clean and dry. Please put your black sacks in your black shared bin before bin collection day. Check our shared bins collection guide for more about what you can recycle. Also see the information about communal bin collections.

Visit our garden waste page to find out how to dispose of garden waste. Garden waste should be composted if possible. You can find out more about home composting, including how to get reduced priced compost bins, at Herefordshire Get Composting.

Be ready for collection

To make sure your bins and sacks are collected, please:

• Put bins or sacks at the boundary of your property nearest to the public highway
• Place your bin or sacks out by 6.30am on the day of collection
• Make sure your bin lid is closed
• Do not place any waste next to your bin as this will not be collected
• Ensure your recycling only contains clean and accepted recyclable items

How can I be reminded about my collection day?

We no longer provide the recycling text message reminder service.

• You can use our bin collection day checker to check your collection day and download a printable copy of your collection calendar.
• If you have a smart phone, you can look up how to set a reminder on the calendar on your phone.

Help to recycle more

It's better for everyone (and the planet) if we recycle more. So please recycle as much as you can by sorting your rubbish and putting it in the right bin or sack. Check what you can put in each type of bin or sack, if you are not sure.

If you don't put rubbish in the right bin or sack we are not able to take it away.

Find more about why we should recycle and how to recycle more.

Bank holiday bin collections

We collect recycling and general rubbish as normal on bank holidays, except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. If you are due a collection on these days, use our bin collection day checker to find out when we will be collecting instead.

Struggling with your bins

We may also be able arrange an assisted collection for elderly or disabled residents.

Communal bin collections

A number of properties across Herefordshire share communal rubbish and recycling bins with their neighbours.

Using shared bins

• Check what goes in each bin - if the wrong items are put in the recycling bins, we will not collect the bin for recycling and rubbish may build up in the bin store
• Please make sure we can always access the bins to make collections
• Do not put batteries or small electrical items into shared bins
• Take bulky items to a household recycling centre or book a large item collection
• New or changed access codes or barriers - you must notify us of any new or existing access codes or other specific entry requirements prior to collection

Issues with shared bin collections

• If you have any issues with bin collections please contact your landlord, managing agent or housing association in the first instance
• You can also report any issues by completing the bulk bin enquiry form

Landlords, managing agents and housing associations

Landlords, managing agents and housing associations should regularly audit their waste collection arrangements to ensure they are fit for purpose.

The council has no responsibility to remove any waste produced that is not contained within the bins provided. Landlords do have a responsibility to make arrangements for the storage and removal of any waste not collected by the council, from any property under their care. As landlords are not classified as occupiers of the property, they are required to follow a strict duty of care (Environmental Protection Act 1990) in regard to the removal of any waste.

The waste management team can provide further advice and information including educational material and site assessments.

To make an enquiry or report any issues please complete the bulk bin enquiry form.

Privacy notice for general waste collection queries and household recycling centre enquiries