Recycling and rubbish collection

Make sure bins are at the kerbside by 7am (note on the one-way system on Powderham and Vivian Street, bins need to be out by 6am). 

Different bins are picked up in different ways. The landfill and mixed recycling bins are picked up mechanically by the trucks. Food scraps and glass recycling bins are emptied by hand. If you place your bins out with a neighbour's then please group the same coloured bins together, with a 30cm gap between each bin so that truck and human arms can fit in to pick them up. 

It is best to place your food scraps bin so that it can be seen by the driver when they are coming up the road. Please don't put it behind or between other bins as it is small and might not be seen if it is not in clear view. 

Bins will still be collected in bad weather. If gales are forecast (strong enough to make bins tumble), we’ll put an alert out through the NPDC Recycling and Rubbish app recommending that bins don’t go out that day.

Different trucks are used for different bins, so it is likely that your bins will be picked up at different times of the day.

If your bin is not collected by evening, check whether any of the below reasons apply:

• It wasn't out on time - bins need to be out by 7am (or 6am if you are on the one-way system on Powderham or Vivian Street)
• It was out on the wrong day - check your bin collection day
• Your bin had incorrect items in it - check for a sticker on your bin
• Your bin was overweight or overfilled - check maximum bin weights below
• Your bins were not placed at the kerbside correctly - check your bin for a sticker.
• If your bin has not been collected please address any issues above and put it out on the next collection day.

If none of these apply please phone us on 06-759 6060 or email us so we're aware of a missed collection.

Food scraps bin: 10kg

Mixed recycling bin: 70kg

Glass crate: 12kg

Landfill bin: 35kg

It is important that only recyclable items are placed in recycling bins. We have a three step warning system for recycling bins that have non-recyclable items in them.

First warning: Your recycling may not be collected. You will receive a sticker or tag on your bin to notify you of the items that are non-recyclable, as well as a notification letter from NPDC. Please remove all non-recyclable items specified on the sticker/tag on your bin before your next collection day.

Second warning: Your recycling may not be collected. You will receive a sticker or tag on your bin to notify you of the items that are non-recyclable, as well as a notification letter from NPDC. Please remove all non-recyclable items specified on the sticker/tag on your bin before your next collection day. If a third instance of contamination is found your recycling will be suspended.

Final warning and recycling suspension: You will receive a letter advising that your recycling collection will be suspended for three months. Your recycling will be reinstated and then spot-checked to ensure you are recycling correctly.

We have a service available for those who require assistance getting their bins to the kerb. 

This service is available for an annual fee, and is for those with genuine need and who do not have assistance to carry bins for them. You will need to provide a letter from a medical or social care professional to support your eligibility for this service. 

If you are eligible, please fill out the back door recycling and rubbish collection form. 

Not all requests can be granted. We have to consider whether you have a medical need for this service and if there is no one else to help you on your bin collection days. 

Backdoor recycling and rubbish collection service application form

The bins belong with the property and must stay with the property when it is sold or a rental tenancy changes. 

The cost of recycling and rubbish collection is covered in your rates. The rate is targeted, meaning that residents who are not in the collection area do not pay for it in their rates. 

Some houses in the CBD and in rural areas do not receive the weekly kerbside collection service. Note that is free to take your recyclables to your closest transfer station for drop off. Landfill waste can be dropped off at transfer stations for a fee, or collected by a private waste contractor in some areas. 

An additional glass crate is available. Please refer to our fees and charges for the cost. 

Additional food scraps, mixed recycling and landfill bins are not able to be provided. 

A commercial contractor may be able to manage any additional waste, for example green waste that you are unable to compost at home. 

Bins that are on your property are your responsibility to care for, so if they are damaged, stolen or misused while on your property we will not replace them. You can arrange delivery of a replacement bin (costs apply).  

Bins that are damaged or stolen on collection day while they are on the kerb for collection or after they have been emptied will be replaced by NPDC provided they have not been put out days early or left out days later.

We will replace bins and or parts (such as wheels and lids) due to normal wear and tear. 

Please phone us on 06 759 6060 or email us if you need to arrange for a bin repair or a replacement bin.