Additional Bin Permits for General Waste Collections and Side Waste Policy

In recent years, many Scottish local authorities have introduced policies aimed at limiting the amount of general waste arising from households by encouraging residents to recycle as much as possible. These policies include limiting the number of general waste bins available to households and discouraging the presentation of extra waste beside bins.

Changes to Dundee’s kerbside collection services over the past few years have resulted in a gradual increase in our recycling rate, however it is important that we continue to take steps to minimise the amount of waste we create and to dispose of our waste as sustainably as possible.

To further our goal to meet Scotland’s zero waste ambitions, two new policies have been introduced. The changes will be rolled out across the city in phases over the second half of 2021. Letters detailing the changes will be issued to affected households prior to the start of each phase.

What is the Additional General Waste Bin Scheme?

Following the introduction of this policy, our waste collection teams will empty only one general waste bin from each household unless residents have obtained, and are displaying, a valid permit on their additional bin.

If a household falls into one of the categories described below and requires an additional general waste (grey) bin, they must make a permit application.

Apply Online Now

Please note: If you require an additional general waste (grey) bin, you will only be able to order this through the new permit application service.

Please note that households will need to submit evidence to support their application. If you are unable to apply online, or have any queries regarding the scheme, applications can be made over the phone by calling Customers Services on 01382 433710 (option 6).

The criteria for receiving the additional bin service are:

Six or more permanent residents in the household, or
Two or more children in the household using disposable nappies, or
A permanent resident has a medical condition that generates extra waste.

Qualifying households will be issued with a permit sticker to be displayed on their additional bin.

Any additional general waste bins presented for collection without a valid permit will not be emptied.

What is the ‘No Side Waste’ Policy?

Side waste will no longer be collected once the change is implemented. This is any excess waste that is presented alongside or on top of a household’s refuse bin. Side waste typically contains recyclable materials wrongly presented as general waste. To help free up space in your grey bin, you should not add any recyclable items to it. The date this takes effect will be displayed on the letter issued to you.

All waste presented for collection must be contained within the appropriate bins and not presented as ‘side waste’.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why has the Council introduced these policies?

In 2016 Dundee City Council signed the Charter for Household Recycling in Scotland. This included the commitment to improving household waste and recycling services and implementing the Code of Practice for Household Recycling in Scotland. This commitment will help Scotland meet its ambitious target of recycling 70% of all waste by 2025.

Dundee City Council’s Waste Strategy Action Plan 2020-2025 was approved in 2019. Integral to the success of the Strategy Action Plan was the implementation of policies to promote positive recycling behaviour within the city. These policy changes set out methods to increase the amount of recyclable material collected whilst reducing the overall amount of general waste presented, promoting sustainable waste management practices across the city and reducing disposal costs.

It is important that we all take steps to minimise the amount of waste we create and to dispose of our waste as sustainably as possible. By providing a clear message of support and encouragement to the city’s residents, whilst educating against wasteful practices, we aim to promote a positive attitude towards recycling in our city.

Which households are affected by these policies?

The policies apply to all households who present individual bins as part of the kerbside collection service.

What will happen if I put out side waste beside my bin?

Any side waste presented will be placed back into the emptied bin and waste operatives will attach an advisory tag to the bin.

The advisory tags serve to remind householders to separate their waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and to advise them where to find further useful information. If the householder repeatedly presents side waste, the Council may take appropriate enforcement action.

Side waste should be sorted to separate out these recyclable items, which can then be placed in the appropriate recycling containers to be presented as part of your kerbside recycling collections. Alternatively, bulky items and excess residual waste can be disposed of either via the council’s Special Collections scheme or privately by taking them to one of the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres.

How can I reduce the amount of waste in my grey bin?

If you make full use of the city’s recycling services, the capacity of your grey wheeled bin should be more than sufficient for any waste that cannot be recycled.

There are a number of ways to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in the home. You can improve your recycling levels by being more environmentally aware of the products you purchase, and by making sure that the packaging or products can be recycled after their use. Flat-packing and squashing non-recyclable items also helps to free up space in your grey bin.

Your waste should be sorted to ensure you have separated out any recyclable items, which can then be placed in the appropriate recycling containers. Dundee City Council provides the following kerbside services to domestic households:

Grey Bin (General Waste) Every 2 weeks
Blue Bin (Paper, Card) Every 4 weeks
Burgundy Bin (Plastics, Metal and Cartons) Every 3 weeks
Food Waste Weekly
Brown Bin (Garden Waste) Every two weeks (chargeable service – seasonal)

Glass recycling can be deposited at neighbourhood recycling points distributed throughout the city.

Textiles recycling points are also provided by a number of charities that provide collection bins at various locations around the city.

Further information on recycling and local recycling points can be found on our recycling pages.

Alternatively, bulky items and excess residual waste can be disposed of either via the council’s Special Collections scheme or privately by taking them to one of the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres. Household Waste Recycling Centres also accept additional waste streams that aren’t serviced by the current recycling collection system.

Can I have extra recycling bins?

Yes. You can request additional recycling bins online.

You should continue to separate your recycling whilst you are waiting for recycling bins to be delivered. These items can be taken to a local recycling point or household waste recycling centre, or stored until your recycling bin arrives.

Extra garden waste bins will be provided upon the purchase of a valid collection permit (annual subscription). You can purchase additional garden waste permits online.

Can I use local eurobins for waste that doesn’t fit in my grey bin?

No. On-street eurobins specifically serve flats. The number of eurobins at each location is carefully allocated to ensure capacity is appropriate to the number of flats served without taking up excess space. Unauthorised use of eurobins results in overflowing bins, which attracts vermin and birds, increasing the risk of burst bags to the detriment of the area they serve.

What will happen if bags of side waste are left in my street (not beside any bins)?

This is classed as fly-tipping.

If you notice bags of waste being left by non-residents, please contact us. We will try to find out who has placed the bags there, and issue them with an advisory notice.

If the problem recurs, the Council may take appropriate enforcement action.

I only have a small grey bin – can I get a bigger one?

Yes. You can make a request to swap for a larger bin online, or by calling customer Services on 01382 433710 (option 2).

What happens if I share a grey bin with my neighbour?

If required, you can request a separate bin online, or by calling customer Services on 01382 433710 (option 2).

What will happen if I put out an extra grey bin without a permit?

Any additional grey bins presented for collection without a valid permit will not be emptied and waste operatives will attach an advisory tag to the bin.

The advisory tags serve to remind householders to separate their waste into recyclable and non-recyclable materials, and to advise them where to find further useful information. Should the householder repeatedly present additional bins, the Council may take appropriate enforcement action.

How will assisted collections work with additional grey bins?

If you are successful in applying for an additional grey bin permit and have also been accepted onto the assisted collection scheme, you will be issued with a purple sticker for the extra bin, to indicate to the collection crews that this bin is included in the service. If you do not receive an additional sticker, wish to replace existing stickers, or wish to apply for the assisted collection scheme you can contact Customer Services on 01382 433710 (option 2).

My last collection was missed. What can I do?

To ensure collection, please place your bin at the kerbside by 7.30am on the collection day. Households should leave any unemptied containers at the collection point until the end of the collection day at 3.30pm.

For information on reporting missed collections, please visit our webpage:

Collection Schedules and Reporting Missed Collections

I run a childminding business from my home and need an extra bin for disposable nappies. Am I eligible for an additional general waste bin?

No. Any waste generated from a business, including registered childminding, is not included in your Council Tax and is not classed as domestic waste. Please contact our Commercial Waste team to discuss your requirements.
Email: wm.admin@dundeecity.gov.uk
Phone: 01382 433710

I rent out part of my home. Is my tenant/lodger eligible for an additional general waste bin?

No. Your home is classed as one property for Council Tax purposes. Unless the complete household qualifies under any of the listed criteria, you are only entitled to one general waste bin. You may request additional recycling bins online to help manage your waste and free up space in your grey bin, or call Customer Services on 01382 433710 (option 2).

I have applied for an additional bin and/or permit but have not yet received it. Will collection crews take away my additional waste?

Yes. We will make collection crews aware of addresses awaiting permits or additional bins. If you experience any collection problems during this time, do not report this as a missed collection. Please contact Customer Services directly, and they will arrange for the waste to be collected. 01382 433710 (option 6)

Additional Bin Permits for General Waste Collections and Side Waste Policy

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Dundee City Council