Household Waste - Frequently Asked Questions

What day will my bin be collected on?

Use our Online Tool to find your Bin Collection Day.

How can I participate in kerbside collections if I live in a block of flats? 

Depending on the size of the block you will have boxes provided and be asked to present these on a specific weekday for collection or, you will be supplied with recycling bags and have the use of large communal recycling banks in the grounds or car park.

How can I participate in kerbside collections if I live in a rural area? 

Scotland's Zero Waste Plan sets out a vision of waste as a resource with real world value.

It sets a target of recycling 70% of Scotland's waste by 2025, driven by a suite of measures which will form the Zero Waste (Scotland) Regulations. The regulations provide a framework for separate collection of recyclable materials, and a ban on recyclable and biodegradable materials going to landfill. With a view to meeting these obligations the recycling scheme in Moray has been extended to include rural properties with collections scheduled to start on 14^th November 2011.

Residents in rural properties are being provided with containers to recycle the usual paper/card, glass, cans and food/green waste and will be the first in the county to have access to a plastic bottle recycling option at the kerbside.

How is the council's recycling programme paid for? 

Grant funding was given to the Local Authority to initiate Kerbside Collections from householders

My bin wasn't emptied or wasn't emptied properly. How do I report this? 

Please contact 01343 557045  your bin may not have been missed, there could be  delay in the collection due to unforeseen circumstances i e. mechanical difficulties, staff illness etc.

What happens if I put the wrong items in my recycling bins/box? 

One contaminated bin can spoil an entire vehicle load so it is important that the correct items are put in the appropriate bin. If the collections crew notice a wrong item in the bin, they will not take it.

What happens to the recycling that you collect? 

These are sent to an appropriate end user who will recycle the materials.

What is kerbside collection? 

Kerbside collection of recyclable material is a method of collection where you sort your domestic waste according to the type of material.  These can then be put in specially-provided bins/bags/boxes, which are collected on a regular basis by  us to be taken away and recycled.  It means that you do not have to carry everything to your nearest recycling centre, which may be difficult for you.

What should I do if I have additional rubbish which will not fit into my wheelie bin? 

If you have additional rubbish which will not fit into your wheelie bin then you can either arrange for a bulky/special uplift or you can take it to one of our staffed  Recycling Centres.

Where should I place my bins for collection? 

Please place your bins on the pavement at the front of your house, or if access proves a problem, at the nearest vehicle access point.

Where should I place my recycling for kerbside collection? 

Please place your recycling on the pavement at the front of your house, or if access proves a problem, at the nearest vehicle access point.

How do I dispose of paint? 

There are two Community Groups in Moray that will accept paint these are Waste busters in Forres (C/o Waterford Recycling Centre) 01309 676056, and The Green Home, March Road East, March Road Ind Est, Buckie, 01542 839600. Alternatively you could offer the paint to a neighbour or local charity group -Scouts/ Guides etc.

Can I put extra bags out for collection beside my bin? 

No. This is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and will be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice. It not only creates a potential litter problem it can pose a health and safety risk to members of the public and crews who have no knowledge of what materials are in the bags-e.g. broken glass, used syringes etc

Can I put whatever I want out for my normal rubbish collection? 

You may put general household waste into your normal rubbish, but NOT items such as masonry or bricks, car batteries or corrosive chemicals, and so on.  Please try and recycle as much as you can instead of placing it into the regular rubbish collection.

Does the Council supply sacks for rubbish collections? 

No, unless the property in which you live is classed as an "assessed" property. This means that  the design of your house it is not possible for you to fit a bin in the garden, yard or anywhere with suitable storage and access.